Behavioral interviewing is a new style of employment interviewing that several companies and organizations are implementing. The basic premise is: The most accurate predictor of future performance is past behavior in a similar situation. Behavioral interviewing provides more objective facts on which to base employment decisions than traditional interviewing methods. The process of behavioral interviewing is probing and tries to pinpoint certain characteristics.

Important Points About Behavioral Interviewing

1. The employer determines the skills needed to perform the job, then asks very pointed questions to judge whether the candidate possesses theses skills. To assess which skills the employer is seeking, talk with people in the field and read the company literature.
2. In the interview, your responses needed to be specific and detailed. Talk about particular situations that relate to the questions. Form your answer in a three-step process:
1. Situation
2. Actions
3. Result/Outcome
3. Tell a story for a few minutes. The interviewer will evaluate the story and try to get at the specific behavior(s). The interviewer may probe further for more details, such as "What were you thinking at that point?" or "Tell me more about your meeting with that person." or "Lead me through your decision process."
4. Always listen carefully to the question. Ask for clarification, if necessary, and make sure your answer is relevant, complete and detailed.
5. To prepare for this type of interview, identify examples of situations where you have demonstrated the behaviors sought by the company.

Review your resume to refresh your memory regarding your achievements in the past couple of years. The desired behaviors can be demonstrated in a variety of ways. Related examples can be from past internships, classes, activities, team involvement, community service opportunities, and work experiences. Examples from personal accomplishments may be used: training for and running a marathon, exhibiting a painting at an art show, biking across the country, or holding the office of student body president.

Sample Behavioral Interviewing Questions

Behavioral Interviewing questions are difficult to answer without preparation. Identify specific situations that you would use to answer these questions.

• Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.
• Describe an instance when you used good judgement and logic to solve a problem.
• Give a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic to solve a problem.
• By providing examples, convince me that you can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations and environments.
• Describe a time on any job in which you were faced with problems that tested your coping skills.
• Give an example of a time in which you had to make a decision relatively quickly.
• Tell me about a time in which you had to use your written communication skills to get an important point across.
• Give an example of an important goal you set in the past and tell about your success in reaching it.
• Describe the most significant or creative presentation you completed.
• Tell about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
• Give an example of a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another person even when that individual may not have personally like you, or vice versa.