Below if our latest submission for this week’s 24 hour newspaper: Think of specific examples when answering questions in the job interview

Think of specific examples when answering questions in the job interview

The word behaviour interview tends to bring shivers to job seekers when participating in a job interview. I think it’s safe to be said that to most individuals, this experience can be compared to going to a dentist.

We have coached and participated as a panel member in hundreds of job interviews and my biggest advice when answering a dreaded behaviour interview question is to think of a specific example. As you may already know, the behavioural interview is a employer favourite and its used to probe how you behaved in the past will predict how you will behave in the future i.e. past performance predicts future performance.

Most job seekers go into a job interview oozing confidence until the question is asked, then they tend to get nervous and lack confidence very quickly. Although we offer numerous coaching tips to our customers, I think priority is given to how you approach a question. Rather then providing a general response, think of a specific example, then talk it through. Providing specific examples will not only provide you confidence when responding, the employer or panel will also pay more attention. Nothing is worse then rambling, so think of your examples prior to entering a job interview. General areas you want to focus on include: Problem solving, communications & interpersonal skills, team work, decision making, showing initiative, computer and technical skills, organization etc.

Examples provided from recent or current employment seem to hold more weight then something you provide from your employment experience years past. This being said, if you only have a specific example from years past, go ahead and use it. Remember a good example is better then no example at all.

Also, when providing your examples, keep in mind that the employers are looking for examples that probe your knowledge, skills and abilities; so think “I” rather then “We”. It’s time for you to show off and blow your own horn. Provide specific examples where you received recognition for your actions and not the actions of a team or group. For example, if you were working on a team project, it was your problem solving testing skills that pushed the project forward to accomplishment”