Job Interviews
The two styles of interviewing used by companies today are the traditional job interview and the behavioral interview.
The traditional job interview uses broad-based questions such as, "why do you want to work for this company" and "tell me about your strengths and weaknesses." Employers are looking for the answer to three questions: does the job-seeker have the skills and abilities to perform the job; does the job-seeker possess the enthusiasm and work ethic that the employer expects and will the job-seeker be a team player and fit into the organization.
The behavioral job interview is based on the theory that past performance is the best indicator of future behavior, and uses questions that probe specific past behaviors, such as: "tell me about a time where you confronted an unexpected problem," "tell me about an experience when you failed to achieve a goal" and "give me a specific example of a time when you managed several projects at once." Job-seekers need to prepare for these interviews by recalling scenarios that fit the various types of behavioral interviewing questions. Expect interviewers to have several follow-up questions and probe for details that explore all aspects of a given situation or experience. Recent college grads with little work experience should focus on class projects and group situations that might lend themselves to these types of questions. Hobbies and volunteer work also might provide examples you could use. Job-seekers should frame their answers based on a four-part outline:
- Describe the situation.
- Discuss the actions you took.
- Relate the outcomes.
- Specify what you learned from it.
The interviewer’s last question is frequently the most important one. That’s when the interviewer smiles and says: “Now, do you have questions for us?” Your response at this point often determines if you continue as a job seeker or transform into a job getter.
Here are some example questions that you could adapt to your job interview situation:
- What’s the makeup of the team as far as experience? Am I going to be a mentor or will I be mentored?
- What does this company value the most and how do you think my work for you will further these values?
- What kinds of processes are in place to help me work collaboratively?
- What can I bring Company XYZ to round out the team?
- Do team members typically eat lunch together or do they typically eat at their desk?
- What’s the most important thing I can do to help within the first 90 days of my employment?
- Do you have any questions or concerns about my ability to perform this job?
- When top performers leave the company why do they leave and where do they usually go?
- What do you see in me? What are my strongest assets and possible weaknesses? Do you have any concerns that I need to clear up in order to be the top candidate?
- Who are the “coolest” people on my team? What makes him or her “cool? Can I meet them?
It is important to follow up with the people who have interviewed you. Send a thank you letter within twenty-four hours of your interview. Also contact your employment agency or the employer if you haven't heard whether you got the job, or not, within a week or so of interviewing. Inquire about the status of your candidacy and ask if you can provide any additional information.
