Behavior Based Interviews

Presented by:Michelle Kinder dba Just Resumes

January 17, 2011

Agenda• What is Behavior Based Interviewing?

(BBI)• Why is BBI used? • Common BBI questions• Interviewing tips• Role play• Q & A / Wrap-up

What is BBI?

Why is BBI used?“The most accurate predictor of

future performance is past performance in similar situations.”

81% of employers plan to use BBI more or as often as in the past. (Source: T&D magazine, 2008)

Why is BBI used? (cont.)• Qualities are identified as crucial to the

success for a specific job. • Sample behaviors/competencies

include:– Critical thinking– Demonstration of being a self-starter– Willingness to learn– Self-confidence– Professionalism

BBI Process• Remember: Your past performance is

an indicator of future success with a company

• STAR – Situation, Task, Action, Result

• Be ready to give your story and give specific examples

• Scoring system (1 to 5)

Common BBI Questions• “Describe a situation where you took

action to exceed a client’s expectations. Specifically, what did you do?”

• “Tell me about a problem you confronted with working on a team and how you solved it.”

• “Describe a time when you challenged the status quo or ‘that’s they way things have always been done.’ What did you do and what was the outcome?”

Other Interview Questions

• Why did you leave your last employer?

• What are your professional goals? • Where do you expect to be five

years from now? • Why should I hire you instead of

someone more qualified?

Interviewing Tips• Participate in the conversation! Use examples or

stories to explain what you mean. • Make great eye contact. Smile. Add humor when you

can.• Talk about accomplishments, skills, abilities—NOT

your childhood, family, hobbies, or interests.• Use a firm handshake! Not wimpy. And not

overpowering either.• Dress to impress. Clean shaven (men), hair in place,

unwrinkled professional attire, makeup (ladies). Portfolio or notebook in hand.

Tips on Selling Yourself• Be ready to answer the question, “Tell

me about yourself.” • Show what you can do for the company.

Be familiar with position, company, and what they’re looking for in this role.

• Make sure you ask for the job! Because most people won’t. “I can do x, y, and z. I like what I see here and I want this job.”

Interview Questions You Can Ask• What to ask:

– Typical work day– Tasks most important to the job– Training or job shadowing / feedback on performance– Departmental goals for the year– How important the job is to the company– Which markets does company compete in

• What NOT to ask:– Salary (not during 1st round). Wait for manager to bring

up wages. Have range in mind. Let manager throw out first figure.

– Vacation– Holidays with pay or paid sick days

Time to Role Play!1. What was the best idea you ever sold

to your boss, peer, or client?2. In your last position, what tasks did

you like most? Least?3. Tell me how your clients would

describe your responsiveness to their requests and their view of how you manage correspondence (voicemail, email, etc.) What is your personal standard on turnaround? Give me an example.

Debrief your Interview

Post-Interview Tips• Don’t delay with your thank you letter/note –

send it the same or very next day• Keep it brief• Pick one or more things you talked about or

learned during interview & include it• Look forward to next steps – ask for the job!• Follow up with phone call within one week

Questions?