Behavioral Interviewing

This interviewing style goes beyond the traditional interview because of its systematic method for determining the qualifications for each candidate. The interviewer analyzes skills that are important to a specific job.

The behavioral interviewing process is based on past behavior, and how it relates to the required skills for each job opening. The premise of the interviewer’s questions is that past performance is a factor of future job success.

The interviewer’s role is to assess each candidate’s skills and with clearly defined skill definitions. Their purpose is to ask questions, conduct interviews, and evaluate candidate’s past work-related experience.

Interviewers look for specific responses that demonstrate the date’s qualifications for the job. Each candidate has an opportunity to give a description of a true life ecent which gives specific example information about their actions in a real situation. Examples might be based on real life events.

Questions are concrete and may even be negative. Sample behavioral questions can include the following:

Give me an example of a time when you seemed unable to solve a work related problem, and how were you able to find a solution? Be prepared to tell how you handled tough problems. Identify the strategies you used.

Tell me how you exhibited leadership skills in the past, and give specific examples of how they made a difference. Think of the qualities of a leader and describe your leadership skills. Include examples of the results of your leadership abilities.

Describe the qualities of a perfect boss and give examples of how you have promoted team building among employees. Your explanations will give the employer a bird’s-eye view of the type of supervision or management style you prefer.

Behavioral interviewers avoid questions that are hypothetical. They want candidates to remember a specific experience related to the questions. Usually they continue to probe for answers.

One benefit for candidates is that this type of interview enables you to showcase all your skills and transferable skills, including those from paid or unpaid positions such as internships, volunteer, or community service. It is critical to practice behavioral interviewing ahead of time. Doing so will increase your odds of getting a job offer.

Excerpt from: Getting Hired in Any Job Market, 2001