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Learn to Conquer Behavioral Interview Questions

by Candace Davis

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The big interview has arrived: are you prepared for what lies ahead? Will you know what the employer is looking for?

Behavioral interviews are a targeted selection technique utilized by many employers and recruiters. The vast majority of interviewers make use of behavioral-based questioning during the interview. This interviewing technique was designed under the assumption that past behavior qualities are the best predictor of future behavior qualities. An employer will quickly identify what skills and qualities you possess through behavioral interview questions. These skills and qualities are often referred to as competencies, dimensions and problem-solving abilities and can be discovered by asking detailed questions about your thoughts, feelings and actions in past situations. This will assist the employer in determining whether or not you possess the qualities they are seeking. Ultimately, employers are in search of transferable skills.

Behavioral interview questions can be described as questions that are searching for past experiences in which you encountered potential conflict in an environment, and how you dealt with the situation, and the final outcome. The response and strong answer to these questions are based upon accurate outlining of the context, actions and derived results of the circumstances. To answer these questions correctly, you must draw upon experiences from your previous employment, volunteer work, professional encounters, university or academic encounters, extracurricular activities and life experiences.

Now that you understand why behavioral questions are asked and what your responses and answers are to be based upon, it is time to learn how to prepare for your interview. In order to effectively prepare for the interview, you must first uncover as much information as possible about the skills and qualities the employer is seeking for the position to which you have applied. Second, tap your memory for stories that will precisely illustrate your skills and successes. Third, think through each situation and remember who was involved and what role you played in the situation. Last and most important, “LISTEN” to the question being asked to successfully answer it with detailed and appropriate responses that the employer is seeking.

What will the interviewer be looking for? There are many attributes and characteristics that an employer will be seeking from a potential candidate. Listed below are a few examples:

Competency

Superior Verbal Communication Skills

Research Skills

Flexibility and Adaptability

Critical Thinking Skills

Analytical Ability

Appropriate Judgment

Problem Solving Techniques

Teamwork

Quick Learner

Enthusiasm/Motivation

Initiative

Innovation

Leadership Ability

All of these characteristics can be emulated when you have mastered the ability to effectively answer the behavioral interview questions.

Remember: be prepared, recall key situations and the role you played in them, and listen to the question being asked.

One simple way of recalling keys to the appropriate answers is by being a “STAR”:

S – Situation

T – Task

A – Action

R – Result

Once you have mastered the art of behavioral interviews, you will successfully acquire your dream job. If you need help preparing for the interview, don’t hesitate to contact A+ Resumes for Teachers. We can help you every step of the way.

ESL employment recommends A+ Resumes for Teachers as a quality, reliable and effective provider of resume writing services. Their services are backed by a 100% satisfaction gaurantee.

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