You CAN nail behavioral interviews...

Michelle’s recent post (CareerMastersTalk) on behavioral interviewing was “spot on.”  Let’s look at some specific strategies you can use to nail the interview using the work that you’ve already done with your résumé writer:

*You've clearly and concisely described one - two “success stories” for each of your previous employers, using the Problem (Challenge) - Action - Result model.

*You’ve analyzed your accomplishment stories to identify the personal qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that made it possible for you to achieve your successes.

*Now you need to re-frame this data in terms of what’s needed for the specific position you are applying for. 

Step #1 - Study the job description and organization to identify the criteria for the job (not “requirements”).  The criteria are likely to be “soft skills,” e.g., flexibility, team orientation, interpersonal skills, etc.  Create a grid, with the criteria on the left and your previous employers across the top. 

Step #2 - Fill-in the cells with a note about each employer/accomplishment that addresses the new job criteria.  (Without the ability to post a table online, I can’t provide a good-looking sample - contact this author for a complimentary copy of this worksheet 

Step #3 - Once you’ve completed this “homework,” use your notes to prepare for questions and conversation with the interviewers. Be careful to limit your responses to three - four crisp sentences, using the Problem (Challenge) - Action - Result model.

Ironically, you’ll need to rehearse these responses so you can deliver them in a style that appears to be totally spontaneous! 

Rehearse wherever you are alone and won’t feel silly talking out loud to yourself, e.g., while driving, drying your hair, etc.  Preparation is the key to nailing the behavioral interview. 

Look for Part 2 of this post in a few days.  In the meantime, here are a few links to facilitate your success with behavioral interviewing and the P-A-R model:

Career Services - University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire     

Katharine Hansen, writing for Quintessential Careers

Posted by Karen Katz