Answering Behavioural FAQs

Ms. Mansi Parnami

Introduction/Greeting

First impressions count

Appearance is important Good eye contact Firm handshake

Introduce yourself

Slow, clear pronunciation of name Make small talk

Practice

Employer Questions
Will address items on your resume ask about behavior/skills you have
Will not be personal

Behavior Based Interviewing

Previous behavior predicts future behavior Recruiters ask for examples that demonstrate your level of skill with a behavior that is important to the firm.

How to ace behavioral interviews?

Work on your STARs

S ituation T ask A ctions R esults

STAR provides an outline for answers

STAR QUIZ
Review the question and answer provided What skill is the question addressing? Did if follow the STAR format? Could the answer be better and how?

Effective STAR response?

Q: Give an example of when you had to persuade others to your point of view.
A: I was part of the negotiating team for my department when we negotiated our last contract. Let me tell you the bargaining on this one was tough; no one wanted to give an inch. But in the end we got them to agree to most of our demands.

A Better STAR
ST: A: A:
I was part of the negotiating team for my department. The supplier wanted a large increase of 8% I listened carefully to the suppliers needs I collected data to support my argument on why 8% was unreasonable

A:
A: R:

I presented analytical data to support our position for a 4% vs. 8% increase

I also worked with management to change some requirements, so it would be less costly for the supplier The final agreement was for only a 5% increase, saving us $500,000. I learned the importance of really listening to the supplier, collecting and analyzing relevant data and getting management support of my plan.

Effective STAR response?

Q: Give me an example of your ability to use analytical skills?
A: Im good at Excel and have created several spreadsheets to improve processes.

What is missing from this STAR?

Didnt describe the Situation/Task Actions are missing Results are vague
Interviewer will likely ask follow up questions

Prepare your STAAARs

Understand what skills the company considers critical to success there Write Out STAAARs for each skill on your resume Some common areas covered in behavioral interviews:

Leadership Teamwork Initiative Analytical Ability Creativity/Innovation Problem Solving Skills Customer/Client Relations

Other Common Questions to Prepare For

Tell me about yourself? or Walk me through your resume Why did you decide to go to the Kelley School of Business Tell me about a time when you had an opportunity to lead others. What did you learn from it? What are your strengths/weaknesses? What achievement are you the most proud of? Why do you want to work for ______ company?

Tell me about yourself? (Walk me through your resume)

Include Tie your story to their business needs Demonstrate 2 or 3 strengths related to position or why you chose IU How you can contribute to company
Dont include Personal/family information Politics Create a 60-second sound byte

Why did you decide to go to the Kelley School of Business?

What skill are they accessing? ST Looking for X in a school As Steps you took to determine criteria was met R Based on X(s) KSOB was best choice

What are your strengths?

Relate them to the job Give examples of where you have demonstrated them How were they developed

What are your weaknesses?

Admit you have one Identify what you are doing to improve or learned from this weakness Detail the results or time frame expected

Need more time?

Good question, let me think about that a minute. So, you are asking if.. Can you repeat that question, please? No ones ever asked me that one before Silence is okay, too

How to prepare for an interview?

Research the company Review your resume Prepare STAR responses Prepare questions for interviewer Prepare yourself

Research the Company

Know the industry Know the company Know the job duties

Review your Resume

How do your career goals align with position? Do you have succinct stories for each point on your resume? Anticipate questions

Prepare your STAAARs

Understand what skills the company considers critical to success there Write Out STAAARs for each skill on your resume Some common areas covered in behavioral interviews:

Leadership Team Work Initiative Analytical Ability Creativity/Innovation Problem Solving Skills Customer/Client Relations

Prepare Questions for Interviewer

Consider multiple areas

Corporate values Anticipated responsibilities Employment trends Measures of work performance Work environment Quality of work Personality factors

Demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and company

Closing

Always thank them for the interview Clarify if they havent told you next steps End with you are looking forward to hearing from them and really enjoyed talking to them.

Summary

3 Ps

Prepare STARs Prepare questions for interview Practice delivery