Questions and Answers for a Behavioral Interview

Preparing for job interview questions is not as simplistic as you might think. More and more employers are looking to ditch the traditional interview questions for more open-ended, detailed ones. Behavioral questions are quickly becoming popular questions to ask during an interview. They are typically the most important and can often sabotage an interview if answered incorrectly. If you are unfamiliar with the concept, behavioral questions inquire about situations you have handled in the past. The potential employer is looking to find out if you are capable of dealing with the problems that may arise, should you be offered the position.

Traditionally, interviewers will ask you questions like, "How would you handle a customer if X happened?" or "How would you work to improve Y?" For these kinds of questions, it is quite easy to make up a story on the spot, as you have a good idea of what the "right" answers are. However, behavioral questions do not leave you any room for imagination and require you to contemplate past work experiences.

Behavioral Interview Questions and Answers
Most behavioral questions begin with, "Tell me about a time when" or "Give me an example of." When asked behavioral questions, consider your achievements, or a tough customer that you were able to turn around. Be sure to describe the problem, how you handled it, and what the results were.

Q: Give me an example of a time when you had to deal with an unruly customer.
A: I once dealt with a customer who was irate because another salesman treated her with disrespect. She had no interest in hearing about any of other products. (Situation)

I asked her to share her story with me and made note of her specific complaint. I then described to her how I, personally, would have handled her situation. After explaining how I could offer her much better services and relayed her some facts, she quickly changed her mind about dealing with the company.

(Action) As a result, she purchased even more merchandise than previously and referred her neighbor to me. She is now a routine customer.
(Result) The interviewee clearly stated the problem, how they handled it and what the result was. The situation served as both a challenge and an accomplishment. If the question is a little more vague, like "Give me an example of a challenge you had to face at your previous job," try to look for an example that is relevant to the position you are applying for.

While you can never be sure of what the interviewer is going to ask, it is a good idea to be prepared. Jot down some of the situations that would make good examples, and be sure to address those three key points - Situation, Action and Result. Behavioral questions are not as intimidating as some lead them to be. Even if you must do a little digging, you are sure to find a situation that can be used to answer appropriately. Remember, your past is a great predictor of your future, so choose your example wisely.


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10 Important Group Job Interview Tips

Group interview can be of 2 kinds one is panel interview and the other is a job applicant's group interview. A panel interview ideally means that a group of interviewers would be seated together and will scrutinize a single candidate. The second type of group interview is where several eligible job applicants for the same position are sitting together and a hiring manager or a couple of more interviewers will conduct a group interview where all candidates will be judged at the same time.

The next question that comes to mind is why, recruiters prefer group interview and how they are benefited. There are several reasons for doing so:

• Group interviews are not just time saving but cost effective as well.
• More than 15 people can be scrutinized at the same time.
• All panel members can hear the response of the candidate at the same time. So they do not have to discuss each persons profile and answers in detail latter. When the hiring decisions are made.
• They can immediately ask follow up questions if they have any doubt.
• Interviewers can clearly see how you manage stress and how you react in a group environment. This would help them take decisions latter.

In a group interview, where several candidates are seated for a single job opening, chances are that the interviewers will avoid any technical or in-depth questions about the job profile. Instead they will be focusing more on your communication skills, leadership quality, stress management and initiative taking ability. So most probably they will be asking general questions and would be noticing your body gestures, working ability and expressions during a group activity.

One point of caution to keep in mind here is NEVER pretend in front of the panel or the interviewer. Be honest about whatever you do and say. Remember the interviewers are trained people and within no time you will be caught and it would give a negative impression.

Some Great Group Interview Tips:
1- Prior to the interview always make sure to learn what kind of job interviews are going to be held in the company. This will help you understand that when they say group interview what kind of interview it will be whether panel interview or a candidate's group interview. So that you can go prepared accordingly.

2- In a group interview all the job applicants will be asked to provide their introduction. Make sure to prepare a unique and effective introduction for yourself. This small introduction should be able to highlight your most important skill sets and work experience related to the job profile in just few lines.

3- In a group interview, when many people are talking at the same time. It is hard to put forward your thoughts and point of view or even let your voice be heard. In this scenario it is best to take advantage of the first opportunity you get to talk. For e.g.: If a question is asked, be the first to start the conversation or If people are arguing grab the opportunity to settle the argument and get to the middle solution or even when asked if anyone has any questions always be the first to ask a question.

4- If possible prior to the group interview enquire who would be taking the interview. Than do some homework and research about their profiles and interest areas of the people in the panel. This small activity will help you address the interviewer by his name and you will know exactly what he is looking for in a candidate and what are the things that he would like to hear.

5- During the group interview, mind your body gestures, tone and eye contacts. Remember everything is closely monitored. While answering a question make sure to make eye contacts with not just the panel members but also other candidates.

6- Like any other job interview, it is very important that you dress appropriately and professionally for a group interview. Try choosing a dress which enhances your personality and makes you look more confident.

7- In a group job interview, mostly they will not ask for your documents. But it is still advisable to carry all the required documents in a file. Plus also carry 4 to 5 copies of your resume. You never know just incase they ask for it. Going prepared in doubtful situation is always a good option.

8- Stay relaxed and calm during the interview. Do not fumble or talk too much or too less. Talk when ever it is needed and when you can add a positive statement to the whole conversation.

9- The most important thing to do in a group job interview is to arrive 10 to 15 minutes in advance. This would give you a chance to settle down and relax. Other than this you can also meet the panel members and introduce yourself. This would certainly give a great impression, plus the interviewers will know in advance who you are and will pay more attention towards your actions.

10- Last but not the least, once the group job interview is over. Do not forget to send a thank you email/note to the interviewers. You can collect their emails once the interview is over. Here is a sample thank you note, to help you draft a thank you letter like a pro.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Telephone Screening Interviews - Do's and Don'ts

To get the most out of the time available, here's a list of do's and don'ts you should follow:
Do's

• Ask specific carefully prepared questions. This will allow the candidate to provide examples and/or to demonstrate their knowledge in a specific area.


• Communicate clearly the position and what it entails.


• Clarify discrepancies or concerns. Each applicant is unique and so are their qualifications. After you have completed your list of questions, be sure to fill in any missing information and ask for additional information if needed.


• Start by asking "knock-out" questions. Salary would be an example of a "knock out" question.


• Use the KISS principle. Keep your questions short and easy to understand. Use every day language. Avoid acronyms where possible.


• Ask the candidate to clarify their answers or be more specific if they have not answered your questions to your satisfaction.


• With technical skill questions, test the candidate's knowledge. For example: "What is the purpose of the Auto Filter function in Excel?" Another approach with technical skill questions is to ask the candidate a question like the following: "Tell me about a time when you had to use an advanced feature of Word to complete a work related assignment. What was the feature and how did you use it?

Don'ts

• Don't allow the candidate to ramble on or control the interview. Provide boundaries or time limits in which to answer questions and politely bring the candidate back in line if they get off track.


• Don't ask leading questions. For example: "I bet you don't mind working long hours?" Instead, ask: "What type of commitment can we expect from you?"


• Don't break the silence. If the candidate responds to a direct question in a vague manner, tries to divert the conversation, has a long pause, or stumbles over answers this should not be ignored. These are all indicators that there might be something amiss. These are red flags and should not be ignored.


• Don't ask questions that yield low-level information. For example: "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" or "Did you enjoy working at your last job?" The information is nice to know but it does not tell you whether the candidate has the required skills to perform the job. You might want to ask these questions in future interviews. However, I would avoid using them in the telephone screen.


• Don't ask hypothetical questions. They result in hypothetical answers.


• Don't ask any illegal questions.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

Does Body Language Matter at an Interview?

Your body, the way you dress it, where you put it, the way you move it, the way you look after it, all give away precious clues to others about your state of mind and how you feel about yourself - you don't even have to speak for others to make assumptions, often surprisingly accurate assumptions about you. This is of course of paramount importance in an interview situation where you are trying to give your best impression in a short space of time.

So let's presume the interview outfit is chosen and is in a colour and a style which makes you look and feel your best - and your grooming is sorted, you are shaved, made-up, hair clean and brushed etc. The first thing to consider is your handshake, having run countless groups on creating the best impression in an interview situation - the main difficulty for people seems to be appearing embarrassed to shake hands and say their own name. It's best to develop a firm (not bone crushing!) handshake, the limp wet lettuce sort where not pressure is applied gives an appalling impression as it says that you are weak and have no backbone. Have your right hand vertical, because if your hand is on top of the handshake you can appear pushy and aggressive and if your hand is on the bottom you will appear subservient to the other person.

Also don't be afraid to say your name with some confidence and volume - something else we are not taught at school - if you say your name as if you are somebody then the listener will think that you are. Don't apologize by your tone for being you or be overloud and give an overbearing impression. And say your full name - not "I'm Sue" or "I'm John" but "I'm Susan Heath" or "I'm John McDonald"

When you're asked to sit down make sure you sit at the back of the chair and on your bottom so that you don't slouch and remain upright and make sure you can see the person or panel interviewing you clearly. I'd always advise refusing the tea or coffee in favour of water. It's difficult to handle a hot drink and answer questions and it doesn't look brilliant if you've asked for it and then leave it - also often firms tend to bring out their cups and saucers for the occasion - so if you take a sip you end up having to hang on to the saucer as well. Hot drinks and a nervous interviewee are generally not a good combination. With a glass of water you have something to lubricate your dry throat if you have one, it's not difficult to handle and it won't matter if you don't drink it all.

Be aware that if you cross your legs and arms this is perceived as closed body language and the interviewer may think you are nervous or hiding something. It's best to maintain an open body posture with your feet on the floor and your hands in your lap. Try not to fiddle with your hair, nails, clothes etc and when you give answers to the questions that are directed at you don't have your hand in front of your mouth or this may again give the interviewer reason to suspect that you are trying to hide something. It's best to avoid hand to face gestures if possible.

Speak as clearly as you can and do your best to keep eye contact with the person asking the questions. If there is a panel include them in your gaze and then look back to the person asking the questions. Don't feel you have to respond immediately, think for a second or two and then answer and if you don't understand the question ask for clarification.

At all times try to be aware of your body, hands and eyes and what you are doing with them. A large proportion of a person's impression of you (38%) depends on your body language and tone of voice.
Good Luck!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

The Second Job Interview - What To Expect

Good news! You've been invited back for a second interview (or a third or fourth). But, you feel that you've already covered everything in the first interview? How will this interview be different from the first? How do you prepare for the second round?

Can you do the job?
When you are asked back for a second interview it means that you are considered a viable candidate for the position and you are qualified to do the job. Second interviews vary with each company. Since you are going to meet with different people, you can expect to be asked some of the same questions, beginning with "Tell me about yourself, or "Walk me through your resume."

Do we like you - are you going to fit in?
They know you have the skills by now, and will be looking to see personality and cultural fit. You will be measured against other candidates who have applied for the same position. It is important that you leave the interviewer with something to make you "remembered." Think of five strengths you have and pick the one that you feel differentiates you from the pack. An example would be a technical person who has great customer service skills.

A good way to let the interviewer know about you is through other's quotes. "If you were to ask my last boss he would tell you that I am his right hand man - or woman." Your challenge is to set yourself apart from the pack. It will be necessary to let the employer know that you are a great match for the position and that you have what it takes to do this job.
"Fit" is an important factor. Be sure to review your match to the position description - from the company's standpoint as well as your own.

Be prepared for other topics to surface
Other subjects may come up in this interview such as salary requirements and benefits. Prepare by doing some research on salary and some thinking about your benefits requirements. You cannot negotiate a salary until you have an offer, but you can prepare by knowing the "going rate" for your position -- salary.com. You should also do a budget sheet of your expenses and figure out what it costs you to live each month - your salary needs. You should know your "walk away" number. When you cannot afford to take the job.
It is a competitive job market and you will have to sell yourself whether it is a first or second interview. Continue to congratulate yourself each time you get that call for a second interview - you just got to the next rung up the ladder towards that job offer.

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

Research Strategies to Prepare For the Interview

You've submitted your resume to a prospective employer, and they've called you to schedule a face to face meeting. This is what you've been waiting for! Being prepared for your interview, and armed with information to ensure you stand out from your peers is an essential goal. Performing research in advance of the meeting is the most effective and efficient means to achieving this objective, and landing the job.
Here are the top five tips to help any job seeker uncover information about a potential employer.

1. Google the organization's name.
Browse the results, looking specifically for unique data that is not widely known. Don't just look at the links that pop up on the first page of the search engine. For example, look at the results on page 8, 15, 24, etc.

2. Write down questions to ask your interviewer, based on your research.
You're performing deep internet research on this company. As you find rare facts, create a list of probing questions you can ask your interviewer. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether the position is a good fit for the company and YOU. This not only sets you apart from your competition for the job, but lets the hiring authority know you've done your due diligence.

3. Read every word of the Employer's Website.
This is the information the hiring manager expects you to know. When he or she asks, "Tell me what brings you to ABC Company," you can provide a well-researched, educated answer.

4. Look at recent press releases on the organization.
You need to know what makes this company tick, and press releases are very revealing. For example, "ABC Company is proud to donate $1 million dollars to the Earthquake Recovery efforts in Haiti." Why not mention your awareness of the company's donation during the interview, and show your interview prowess? Press releases give excellent insight in to the heart and soul of any company.

5. Research the interviewer by name.
Utilize Google, LinkedIn, as well as other search engines and social networks to get the scoop on the person you will be meeting with. This gives you an opportunity to connect with the hiring manager on a more personal level, and will serve to differentiate you from other candidates being interviewed for the same position.
Regardless of where you stand in your job search process, it's never to late to begin implementing a successful research strategy, as a means to having a stellar interview performance. You know the old saying, "no one plans to fail......they simply fail to plan."

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/

Phone Interview Preparation Guidelines

First, let me say that the old adage "You never get a second chance to make a first impression" is just as true for phone interviews as it is for face-to-face. For that reason, being well-prepared and attentive to the details of the interview process can put you ahead of your competition. With that in mind, let's cover some basic ideas that will help give you a "leg up" on the process.

1. First, do some basic research. Go and review the company's website, giving particular attention to their "About Us" pages, product line pages, and any other content areas that are relevant to your particular position. It always impresses an interviewer when the candidate demonstrates that they are familiar with the company and its mission, product lines, etc. Also, consider reading any recent press releases on the company if these are available. If possible, research the people who will be involved in the interview and learn as much about their backgrounds as you can.

2. Second, you will want to have an updated copy of your resume sitting in front of you during the interview. Frequently, the interviewer will want to walk down through your career history during the interview and having that information front and center will be quite helpful. For face-to-face interviews, bring at least four copies of your resume to the interview.

3. Review the job description itself and think of how you would respond to questions related to each of the identified job requirements. Be aware that your interviewer is listening for specific illustrations of how you have demonstrated that skill in past work environments and, equally important, how you are going to bring value to their company with that skill in the future. Remember that your interviewer is looking to see "How you are going to bring value to their company?" throughout the interview.

4. For the interview itself, make sure that you are in a quiet place where you do not have to worry about any interruptions. You don't want dogs barking in the background, people opening or closing doors, phones ringing, or any other background noise to threaten the quality of the process. Be prepared to receive the interviewer's call up to 10 minutes early or late...some interviewers will check a candidate's flexibility this way, trying to determine either preparation or frustration. Others may simply have an unexpected interruption that comes up on their end.

5. Interviewers are always interested in why past job transitions took place. Have an elevator speech ready for each one (very short and to the point). Be aware that they are listening for sticking power as they consider you for the position. "Will this person be around long enough for our company to realize their value and justify our investment in them?" is a question that is usually revolving in their mind.

6. Have 2-3 questions prepared for your interviewer (no more). Typically, an interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. This represents a real opportunity to impress your interviewer. The questions you ask can reveal a great deal about your intelligence, insight about the position, and/or the value that you might bring to an organization.

7. Be very, very, careful not to talk too much or too little. Be very attentive to social cues that your interviewer is wanting either more information regarding a question or wants to interject a comment during the discussion. Many candidates lose points during an interview because they either talk too much (provide more detail than necessary for a given question) OR they don't provide enough information to really answer the question being asked. If you are uncertain of your ability to strike this balance, do a practice interview with someone you consider to be a strong interviewer. Give them the job description and then ask them to ask you questions...follow-up by asking for their candid feedback.

8. Do you want the interviewer to call you on your cell phone or a land line? Obviously, a land line is more reliable but is not always convenient or available.

9. Prepare a brief "Thank You" note after the interview and have someone well-versed in spelling and grammar proof it for you. If you are working with a reputable recruiting firm, they should be able to help you with the proofing and tweaking process. They are in a unique position to provide feedback since they have first hand knowledge of the client, their culture, and the unique qualifications for the particular position. Since they often are the only ones with the hiring manager's email address and given that they may not be allowed to give it out, ask them to forward it for you. Also, consider sending a hard copy directly to the hiring manager, being sure to use high quality stationary. Provided your penmanship is strong a hand-written note is a nice touch

Article Source: ezinearticles.com