BehavioralInterviewTipsExamples-HumanResources.docVIP

Behavioral Interview Tips Examples Preparing for the Behavioral Interview You should respond to behavioral interview questions by giving a specific example where you have already demonstrated the skill that the search committee is looking for. You may find it helpful to remember the mnemonic CAR in composing a concise and thoughtful response to an interviewer’s question. Here is how it works: Tell the Context in which you exercised a desired skill or strength. What was the problem, need, or concern? Include obstacles you had to overcome Explain the Action you took. This does not mean what the group did, but what you did. Practice “I” instead of “We” statements; assume ownership of your accomplishments Describe the Results and positive benefits you achieved. Quantify the results and relate your skills, action and results to the employer’s needs when possible How do you know what skills are important for a particular position so you can prepare targeted examples? Read the job description View prospective department’s websites Read occupational information that describes which skills are used in different functional areas Networking Ask a friend or colleague who is working in the same position Your Objective Your main objective, while you are thoroughly researching the department and position should be to identify the skills, attributes, and experiences highly valued for the particular position for which you will be interviewing. Then you should review past experiences for your accomplishments. An accomplishment is a concise statement outlining how you have used your skills and knowledge to accomplish a positive result. Accomplishments can be found in all parts of your life, such as work or volunteer experiences (when did your performance exceed past performance? Achieve something new? Make things easier? Saved or made money?). People well trained in this interviewing technique will not let you get away with a general or vague answer. They will keep as