Behavioural Based Interviewing Demystified

I would like to share with you the BEST interview advice ever. Believe me, this information will stand you in good stead for the future...

Prepare a list of examples from your work, volunteer and educational activities that highlight the following skills:

1. Communication
2. Teamwork
3. Leadership
4. Problem Solving
5. Initiative and Enterprise
6. Planning and Organising
7. Self-management
8. Learning
9. Technology

When considering these scenarios, identify the Situation, Task, Action and Result. You challenge is to come up with a complete STAR example from each of the competencies above. Armed with this information, there is very little that can be asked of you during an interview that you are are ill-prepared for.

This interviewing style is called behavioural - based interviewing and is by far the most preffered recruiting method in practise today. The reason behavioural based recruiting is widespread is because it lets the interviewer know your pattern of behaviours. Behavioural based interviewing is built on the premise that "past performance predicts future behaviour". Rather than speculating on what you would do in a situation, you are called upon to state what you did do in a given situation. We are all creatures of habit and tend to do things in the same way.

Typically, behavioural based interview questions will start with... "Tell me about a time when..." Listen for this cue and draw upon one of your STAR examples. Here are some common behavioural based interview questions:

1. Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way. (COMMUNICATION)


2. Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills. (SELF MANAGEMENT)


3. Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem. (PROBLEM SOLVING)


4. Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it. (INITIATIVE & ENTERPRISE)


5. Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion. (COMMUNICATION)


6. Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks. (ORGANISATION / PLANNING)


7. Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead (LEADERSHIP)

A large number of interviewees will fall into the trap of stating what they would do, as opposed to what they have done. This can be avoided by ensuring that you carefully listen to the question. It's also common for candidates to not detail the result / or the outcome related to the example. Be mindful of book-ending your response in way that leaves a lasting positive account of your achievements.

After answering a question, some interviewers will ask you "If you had to do this over again, what would you do differently?" If you state that you would do it the same, you run the risk of looking like you don't learn from experience. I advocate that, irrespective of the outcome, you should always seek to improve!

If you're gearing up for an interview, prepare your STAR examples ahead of time, practise delivering them and I guarantee you will radiate confidence and professionalism.

For more specific interview coaching, log onto www.onestopresumeshop.com.au