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Behavior-based
Interview Questions :
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Following are some typical behavior-based
questions that interviewers often ask. The
job competencies they’re designed to
measure are in parentheses:
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Describe a situation in which
you had to use reference materials to write
a research paper. What was the topic? What
journals did you read? (research)
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Give me a specific example of
a time when a co-worker or classmate criticized
your work in front of others. How did you
respond? How has that event shaped the way
you communicate with others? (communication)
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Describe a situation in which
you recognized a potential problem as an opportunity.
What did you do? (initiative)
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Give me a specific example of
a time when you sold your supervisor or professor
on an idea or concept. How did you proceed?
What was the result (assertiveness)
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Describe the system you use for
keeping track of multiple projects. How do
you track your progress so that you can meet
deadlines? (commitment to task)
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Tell me about a time when you
came up with an innovative solution to a challenge
your company or class was facing. What was
the challenge? What roles did others play?
(creativity and imagination)
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What, in your opinion, are the
key ingredients in building and maintaining
successful business relationship? Give me
examples of how you’ve made these work
for you. (relationship building)
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Describe a time when you got co-workers
or classmates who dislike each other to work
together. How did you accomplish this? What
was the outcome? (teamwork)
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Tell me about a time when you
failed to meet a deadline. What things did
you fail to do? What were the repercussions?
What did you learn? (time management)
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Describe a specific problem you
solved for your employer or professor. How
did you approach the problem? What role did
others play? What was the outcome? (decision
making)
Interviewing Tips :
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Learn as much as you can about
the company beforehand—know its products
and services, its profit margin, its management,
its culture, its dress code, and anything
else you can think of. Good sources are your
career services center, a college or public
library, and the Internet.
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Do practice interviews with a
career counselor, friends, and family members—or
with yourself, in front of a mirror. Many
career services centers offer workshops, mock
interviews, or one-on-one coaching. Some even
make videotapes of mock interviews.
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Think about how your experience
in work, classes, and activities can relate
to the job you’re seeking.
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Allow plenty of time to get to
the interview and, if possible, visit the
site in advance and time how long it takes
to get there.
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Plan your interview attire in
advance and make sure your clothing is pressed,
your shoes are shined, and your hair and nails
are well groomed.
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Bring extra copies of your resume
and a list of references.
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Speak slowly and clearly and don’t
be afraid to pause for a moment to collect
your thoughts.
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Be honest. Don’t try to cover
up mistakes. Instead, focus on how you learned
from them.
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Be assertive. Remember that the
interview is a way for you to learn if the
job is right for you.
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Ask the interviewer for a business
card and send a thank-you note or e-mail as
soon as possible.
What Employers Want :
Employers say they are impressed by job candidates
who have excellent communication skills, good
grooming habits, and relevant work experience.
Employers say they want trustworthy new hires
who can move right in, get along with their co-workers,
and get the job done without having to be babied
at each step.
10 Steps to a Successful Interview
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Arrive on time.
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Introduce yourself in a courteous
manner.
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Read company materials while you
wait.
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Have a firm handshake.
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Listen.
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Use body language to show interest.
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Smile, nod, give nonverbal feedback
to the interviewer.
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Ask about the next step in the
process.
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Thank the interviewer.
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Write a thank-you letter to anyone
you have spoken to.
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