The key to getting a job or internship is the interview. Interviewing strategies, including understanding the behavioral interview as well as basic Interview Do’s and Don’ts can increase your employment success rate.
The behavioral interview is a technique that assists employers in understanding interviewee’s past behaviors in relation to how they performed using concrete examples of their work. In behavioral interviewing, the employer is expecting the candidate to discuss examples of demonstrated behaviors or skills. Some examples of behavioral interviewing questions are:
1. Give me an example of a time when you had a conflict with a co-worker and how you resolved that conflict.
2. Give me an example of when you showed good leadership ability.
3. Describe the most difficult customer you have ever had to work with and the outcome.
4. Describe a scenario when you demonstrated initiative and took action without being told to do so.
5. Describe a time when you were responsible for an error or mistake. What was the outcome? What would you have done differently?
Skilled behavioral interviewers will ask follow-up questions about a candidate’s thoughts or feelings to gain further insight. Remember it is also very important never to use negative language in describing any situation in the interview. In behavioral interviewing, this can be tricky because the employer is frequently asking how you overcame an obstacle and it might appear that the question is termed in a negative manner. The key is to use affirmative language to keep the interview in the most politically correct light and never ever use any words that can be mistaken as discrimination.
Another important aspect of interviewing is to be aware of basic Do’s and Don’ts.
Interview Dos:
1. Do dress conservatively and appropriately. A navy, black or gray suit is always best. Women should wear a skirt with close-toed, small heels. Men should wear a suit with a conservative tie.
2. Do arrive 10-15 minutes early to the interview, however, no earlier because you will not want the employer to feel time-pressured. Make sure you know the location, and if there are any security codes or passes needed prior to your interview. Driving by the location prior to the interview is always a good idea as well.
3. Do turn off your cell phone prior to interview.
4. Do act friendly and maintain a positive attitude with EVERYONE you meet. Employers will frequently ask their receptionists how the interviewee behaved prior to the interview.
5. Do maintain good eye contact and body positioning during the interview. Stand up when meeting new interviewers and provide a firm handshake. Avoid slouching and fidgeting.
6. Do ask for the interviewer’s business card for follow-up with a Thank You note to ensure name-spelling accuracy.
7. Do answer the interviewer’s questions thoroughly and honestly, however, succinctly.
8. Do take responsibility for yourself and your responses and not make excuses for your decisions.
9. Do express your excitement about the position and your “fit” in the organization.
10. Do write a personal Thank You note within 48 hours of the interview. If possible, hand the Thank You note to the receptionist prior to departure.
11. Do follow-up with the interviewer via email or telephone within 5-7 business days post-interview to express continued interest.
Interview Don’ts:
1. Don’t misrepresent yourself on an employment application.
2. Don’t wear perfume or cologne, as it may provoke memories that can be negative.
3. Don’t wear flashy jewelry and take out any visible body piercing. Ladies, keep your ring maximum to one per hand.
4. Don’t ever make negative comments about past co-workers, supervisors, ect.
5. Don’t chew gum or smoke.
6. Don’t mispronounce your interviewer’s name. If you need clarification, ask.
Traci Klasing, M.A., DCC, LPC is the Assistant Director of the Career Development Center at Park University. She is also the Membership Trustee for ACAM-KC. She can be reached at traci.klasing@park.edu
