INTERVIEW WORKSHOPPresented by: Patti Helps, Co-op & Career AdvisorSponsored by: myCareer Centre

BEHAVIOURAL BASED INTERVIEWING

Formula for Answering Behavioural Based Questions

STAR

= Situation/

= Task

= Action

= Result

YouTube Video -

Behavioral Interview Questions and Answers - STAR Interviews

Learn how to use the STAR format to

answer behavioral job interview questions. Watch Don show you how to answer scenario and behavioral interview questions.

CLICK ARROW TO VIEW VIDEO

REMEMBER:

BEGINNING

(Situation/Task)

MIDDLE (Action)

END (Result)

STORIES ARE 3 PARTS

Interviewing – THE BIG GAME!

Points/question

Max. based on 5

questions

Situation/

Task

1 Point 5 Points

Action 3 Points 15 Points

Result 5 Points 25 Points

ENHANCING YOUR PROOF STORY

DETAILS ARE

IMPORTANT!

SAMPLE QUESTION

“Tell me about a time when you did something difficult or challenging on your own.”

SITUATION / TASK

“I decided to go back to school when I was 25 years old. I had been out of high school for 7 years. I was finding doing college level math after being away from school for so long quite a challenge.”

ACTION

“I was determined to succeed so I hired a tutor, was diligent to do my homework & assignments thoroughly, and I put in whatever extra work I had to to succeed.”

RESULT

“As a result I not only passed my math course, I got an A!”

ANOTHER TIP:

LOOK FOR THE QUESTION

BEHIND THE QUESTION!

What are they REALLY looking for?

“Give me an example of when you worked the hardest and felt the greatest sense of achievement.“ Job Motivation

“We have all had times when we just couldn’t get everything done on time. When and why has this happened to you?” Problem Solving/Time Management

What are they REALLY looking for?

“Give me an example of the most complex assignment you have had. What was your role? How did it work out?“Technical Proficiency

“How do you determine what constitutes top priorities in scheduling your time? Give examples.” Planning & Organizing

1. “Tell me about a time when you were NOT pleased with your performance. What did you do about it?”

Evaluating: PERSONAL WORK STANDARD• Looking for signs that you set high standards for

yourself• Being dissatisfied with average performance• Self-imposing standards of excellence rather than

having standards imposed by others.

ON THE LOOK OUT FOR:• Set high performance standards• Emphasise high standards to others• Show pride when standards are met• Show dissatisfaction with substandard

performance

2. “Explain the process you follow to learn something complex in a short period of time.”

Evaluating: PRACTICAL LEARNING• Assimilating and applying, in a timely manner,

new job related information that may vary in complexity.

ON THE LOOK OUT FOR:• Asking questions to gain

knowledge/understanding• Read about relevant topics• Acquire skill by observing others• Improve skill through practice• Apply new knowledge or skills quickly

3. “Tell me about a time when you found yourself in an unsafe situation. What were the circumstances that caused the unsafe situation, what did you do and what was the outcome?”

Evaluating: SAFETY AWARENESS• Being aware of conditions that affect personal

safety.

ON THE LOOK OUT FOR• Follow regulations/procedures• Encourage others to follow

regulations/procedures• Check equipment• Recognize hazards• Improve unsafe conditions• Affect positive change in work environment

REMEMBER THE BASICS!

KNOW YOUR VALUE!

Your soul purpose in an interview is to demonstrate your unique value to a potential employer

You need to know your own value before others will value you

Learn about yourself (Self reflection in light of your chosen profession)

Evaluate yourself

Get to know what you are good at, what you can do, what your skills are, what you are an expert in, what your strengths are and what you can bring to an organization

This will build your confidence and understanding in yourself and help you communicate this effectively when talking to others

Why Research a Company?

How will you answer the question, “Tell me what you know about our company?”

Develop better cover letters and resumes

More effective in an interview Employers have an expectation that you are

aware of their services, products, locations, current events etc.

Assists you in making informed employment decisions

What to Research? News Releases Products and services All geographical locations Relative size, position in the industry and

major competitors Potential for growth of the firm and the

industry Annual sales and profits for the last few years Organizational structure and management

style Corporate mission and vision statement Philosophy on training development and other

employee programs The work environment/culture

WHERE TO LOOK Internet/website

Directories (telephone; industrial)

Company promotional material

Annual Reports (available from public library)

Magazine articles, newspapers, television

Current employees

Onsite visit

Review Job Posting/Job Description

Prepare Questions YOU Could Ask

Training?Steam Time?Hiring history with the college?Typical work assignments?Daily work? Required travel?Opportunities for growth?Why do you (the interviewer) like working for this company?

Preparing for Interview Research Company

Review your strengths

Prepare practice questions

Utilize OptimalResume Interview Prep

Arrange mock interview

APPEARANCE

What to Wear….Appearance

Dress conservatively in business attire

Shoes in good repairGood hygieneNo visible body piercing/tattoosHair neatly styledBasic jewelryNo perfume/cologneMen – shaveWomen – modest make up

INTERVIEW ATTIRE IS NOT CLUB/BAR ATTIRE

WOMEN

MEN

INTERVIEW DAY Know where you are

going

Allow enough time for traffic congestion, parking problems, getting through security etc.

Be in place at least 10 – 15 minutes early

INTERVIEW DAY

Anything that can

go wrong… WILL GO WRONG!

Murphy’s Law

THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW

You have researched the company!You’ve done a mock interview!You’re properly dressed!You’re early for your interview!

BE CONFIDENT!YOU ARE

PREPARED!

WHAT TO BRING?

ResumeTranscriptReference Letters

Portfolio Samples of Work

STRONG HANDSHAKE

EYE CONTACT

GOOD POSTURE

DURING THE INTERVIEW

One of the most common reasons that interviews fail is the candidate does NOT answer the question that was asked.

INTERVIEW FOLLOW-UP

If not selected, look for feedback:

X DON’T Ask –

“Why didn’t you hire me?”

DO Ask –”What advice can you give me for future interviews?”

Pre Employment Testing

TYPES OF TESTSAptitudePersonalityTechnicalDrugSecurity ClearancesCriminal Background Driver’s Abstract

DRUG TESTS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW More companies testing Disclose all prescribed &/or over the

counter drugs before you test Drugs/alcohol can stay in your

system for varying lengths of time dependent on Frequency of use – extends the length of

time Quantity of use – extends the length of

time Potency of drug – extends the length of

time Body weight Age

HOW LONG? Alcohol up to 12 hours Amphetamines 1 - 2 days Anabolic steroids oral 3 weeks/injected 3 - 6 months Barbituates 2 - 3 days Cocaine 1 - 2 days Codeine 1 - 2 days GHB 1 - 2 days Heroin 1 - 2 days LSD up to 5 days Marijuana 2-5 days occasional use / daily user up to 30 days MDMA (ecstasy) 1 – 5 days Methamphetamines 2 - 4 days Methaqualone 10 – 15 days Nicotine 1 – 2 days Opiates 1 - 2 days PCP 1 – 8 days

Chronic drug use can be retained much longere.g. marijuana & PCP up to 90 days

Behavioural Based Interviewing

“Old School” Interview Question“What would you do if…?”

Behavioural Based Interview Question“Tell me about a time when…?”

PHILOSOPHY

The best predictor of FUTURE behaviour is PAST behaviour in a

similar situation !

INTERVIEW TIP!

In a written test, if you don’t write down the answers, you don’t get a mark.

The same is true for an interview…if it doesn’t come out of your mouth, you don’t get the points!

TOP TIP U.S. STEEL

STRONG HANDSHAKE AND LOOK ME IN THE EYE!

Shows self confidence & sincerity

Gives good first impression

TOP TIPS CF INDUSTRIES

BE PREPARED! If you are given questions to prepare for be sure you give them thought and consideration and be prepared to answer them.

Do some RESEARCH into the company, its products, and the position - the more you understand the opportunity the more you are able to communicate your interest and enthusiasm in the position;

Don't answer with simple yes or no answers - EXPLAIN/DESCRIBE -the interviewer should not have to "pry" the answers out.

TOP TIP LAMBTON COLLEGE

My "top tip" for the students would be "BE ENTHUSIASTIC AND BE PREPARED!".

Sit down with the job posting and decipher what traits or competencies are being sought after for the position. Then recall situations from your education and experience where you have displayed these characteristics, so that you are able to share these stories with the prospective employer with confidence. This will not only help you to be confident because you are prepared but it will allow you to remain relaxed, which promotes clear thinking.

If you are lucky enough to be asked if you want to add anything, that you were not able to share as part of the interview questions, be prepared to sell yourself. Tell the employer why they should hire you for the position and why you want to work for them. Do not be shy, this is your big chance to tip the scale.

TOP TIPS ONTARIO POWER GENERATION

Some students come to the interviews very nervous and unprepared. My tip would be to

"BE PREPARED!" Do some RESEARCH. Find out about the company, what are they

looking for in an employee and what skills are needed. Know what is expected in a behavioral interview and REVIEW

YOUR SKILLS against what the company is looking for. Be ENTHUSIASTIC AND SELL YOURSELF! Tell me what you have

to offer.....not what you think I want to hear. Once they have done the research, then they will have less anxiety

and will be more relaxed in the interview.

Arrange for a Mock Interview

You are welcome to book an appointment with Patti Helps for a ½ hour mock interview.

Go into the myCareer System under Co-op. Click “Appointments”.

Good Luck!!!