1. Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect

2. What is a behavioural interview? Interviewers believe past actions are the best predictors of future performances Interview questions are designed to evaluate past performance Interviewers are not out to “get” you by stumping you, they just need to know how you react Employers are looking for competency for the job Use the STAR technique to answer questions

3. STAR Use this technique to ensure all of your questions have a BEGINNING, MIDDLE, and END

4. STAR Situation – Describe a situation that you were in that applies to the question. You must be very specific. The situation can be from a previous job, previous volunteer experience, or any relevant event. Task – Describe the specific event or task that was required of you, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Action – Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you. Always tell of actions you have done, not of what you might do. Result – What happened? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?

5. Sample Questions for Behavioural Interviews : - Are you a team player? Please provide an example from your past that illustrates this. -Do you work well under pressure? Explain. - Have you ever had a work conflict with another person? How did you handle the situation?

6. STAR - Situation Situations have to be from things that you have already done, not situations you might get into. For example: Extracurricular experience Volunteer experience Sports Job experience

7. STAR - Task Focus on what you were required to do in the situation. What task was assigned to you? What did you initiate? How did you show leadership? What were your goals? Be honest!

8. STAR - Action What actions did you take to achieve your goals or meet the outcome that was required? If it was a team event, describe what you did individually. Keep the focus on your own personal actions. Remember: Employers are looking for the BEHAVIOURS that you demonstrated during the task.

9. STAR - Result Describe what happened as a result of your actions. What made you proud? If things did not go as planned, what did you learn? What would you change the next time? Highlight your achievements!!

10. Five Phases of an Interview 1. Before the interview 2. Opening moves 3. The interview itself 4. Closing the interview 5. Following up

11. 1. Before the interview Research the company - Anticipate the type of questions you might be asked and understand the job description you are applying for Be prepared - Update your resume/portfolio Dress and grooming - First impressions count Punctuality - Show up 10-15 minutes early

12. #1 Tip Turn your cell phone off! No texting. Do not check it or touch it until after the you leave the interview!

13. 2. Opening moves First impressions are important! - Initial greeting - Posture - Eye contact - Distracting habits - Voice

14. 3. The interview itself Panel interviews are typically 3-5 interviewers (e.g., HR, manager, dept. employee) Use your portfolio to show off your experience Interviews are give and take Ask at least 1 question Confidence shows, so maintain good non-verbal body language

15. 4. Closing the interview Remember to express that you would like the position – Ask for the job! Summarize why you should be hired Shake hands and build the personal connection Provide references if required

16. 5. Following up In many cases, good follow-up makes the difference in whether or not you get the job. Send an email. Make a phone call.

17. Tips and Advice Resume Need to be up to date Character references are a thing of the past ( Today’s employers are looking for references who have seen you in action at work.) Provide details while talking during the interview, do not just regurgitate the resume Portfolio Needs to be up to date Use it to market yourself Be willing to leave your portfolio behind for a day or two if requested

18. Tips for answering questions: 1.Understand what is really be asked. -Can I depend on you? -Are you easy to get along with? -Are you a good worker? -Do you have the experience and training to do the job if hired? 2. Answer the questions briefly. -Acknowledge the facts, but… -Present them as an advantage, not a disadvantage 3. Answer the real concern by presenting skills. -Base your answers on your key skills and give examples that support those skills.

19. Need some time to think of an answer? Ask the interviewer to repeat the question Take a second to flip to an appropriate page in your portfolio Take a sip of water if some was provided to you

20. Remember: Be prepared Dress appropriately Arrive early Use S.T.A.R. Be professional Learn from the experience Use your portfolio to demonstrate your skills

21. Question and Answer