Job Inteview 101

      Recently, a friend asked my advice about a job interview.  They were told that it was going to be a 'behavioral interview"  and did not know how to prepare for it.  I am going to share the answer to the question.

     Behavioral interviews and performance interviews are based on the job description and duties of the posted position.  They are designed to determine the best candidate for the position based on the psychological premise that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.  Because they are asking about specific, verifiable events, there is also the believe that the respondent will accurately describe their abilities, duties and outcome.  Since they are based on actual job duties, the potential employer reduces the possibility of being accused of bias or not obtaining enough information. 

     All jobs duties have the elements of quantity and quality.  In other words, how often are you expected to do something and how well you do it.  By asking behavioral questions, you are expected to address both issues.  Ideally, you should use an experience from previous employment however you can use any experience that is relevant. Structure your responses using the STAR format.  STAR stands for situation, task, action and results.  

• SITUATION - Answers the questions where did this occur (ie ACME Factory), when (ie., last year, at the annual marketing summit), why (ie potential loss of revenue due to new competition) who (presentation to company president by me).  State the relevance of the project to your company's or department's mission.
• TASK - Describes your assignment and role in the creating the solution to the problem.
• ACTION - What steps did you take to resolve the problem.  Make sure you use action words ie., developed, created, designed, that clearly indicate how you behaved. Include the number of people you supervised, duration of the project, the project budget so that the interviewer has a precise image of your work behavior.
• RESULTS - What was the outcome of your actions (ie., revenues increased by 10%, reached new target market).  If your results were not positive, then demonstrate that you analyzed the outcome and learned from this experience by stating why the plan was not successful and what would you do differently.  Since you are describing a situation in which you were the key player, do not blame someone else for failure because this implies you lack leadership skills and are not a good team player.  This is a good time to mention any award or recognitions that you received for your role in resolving this situation. 

     How should you prepare for this type of interview?  Carefully review the job description and determine the critical elements, (knowledge, skills and abilities) that are needed for the position.   Identify two or three situations for each element.  Consider the corporate culture and personal attributes that you would like to present and select the best examples.  Using the STAR format develop describe each example.  Finally, do mock interviews in order to be able to present yourself in a relaxed, organized manner.

If you would like some assistance with job interviewing skills, please contact me at chartingyourcoursewithcoaching@gmail.com.   

Welcome to the Post Employment Offer Zone.

     OK,  you got the job offer, did the fist pump, victory dance plus your friends and family are ready to buy you a few rounds of your favorite beverage.   Man are you psyched!  STOP THE PRESSES!  There are some really critical things that you need to do because you are now in the Post Employment Offer Zone.
     The Post Employment Offer Zone is the twilight zone of  the vocational world.  It is a shadowy place where things are not what they really seem to be.   First, are you certain that you received a job offer?  Is it in writing?  Many offers are made on the phone with paper work to follow.  Make sure that your new potential employer has your correct contact information.  This is particularly true if you are moving from your college dorm.    If using Email, you don't want this package to land in the Spam Box, so take the time to update your files.  Did you make your intentions clear by sending a thank you note for the offer?  Your thank you note does not have to say that you accepted the position.  It is a written acknowledgement on your part that an offer has been extended.
      What did you say when you received the offer?  If you have been on several interviews recently, you might want to ask for 24 hour grace period  before giving your decision because you could receive another offer.  It would be very bad form to decline a position after accepting it.  Use this time, to tactfully determine your standing with the companies with which you have interviewed and would to obtain employment. 
        You sold yourself to the company but has the company sold itself to you?  Do you know the details of the job?   What is your job title, duties, responsibilities, and work hours?  Does it include relocation, health benefits, life insurance, annual/vacation/sick leave, education, and parking?  What is your salary and is it  negotiable?  If it is, now is the time to act.  If you have more than one offer compare benefits but do not engage in a bidding war.  The world is small and you could loose both offers. Who is you supervisor and are they the same person as your boss?  Did you meet them during the interview?  If your supervisor and boss are not the same person, how will you be evaluated and what is their relationship?   What training will be provided, where will it be and how soon will you need to complete it?
        If this wasn't enough to consider, remember your status has changed under the Americans With Disabilities Act and other laws that protect employees.  The employer now has the right to request a medical and perform other background checks.  Many jobs offers are contingent upon the results of these findings.  Review the information that you provided to determine that is completely accurate in order to avoid any confusion.  Consult with staff at the local department of labor office in order to be clear of your responsibilities and rights. 
         The last but far from the least of your concerns is evaluating the offer.  The key is to performing a good evaluation is to follow your gut instincts.  You need to know how this position will fit into your career plans.  Having a good understanding your life style, values, and attitude, will let you know if you will fit into that corporate culture.  Look at their mission statement, policy and any other information that you can obtain.
       Once you make your decision don't burn any bridges behind you.  Give your current employer at least 2 weeks notice.  If you are currently unemployment benefits, let the appropriate person know and ask if there is any assistance available while you transition into your new position.  This is important because you might be entitled to funds to relocate, uniforms or other supplies.  Let agencies, career centers and job search engines know that you have obtained employment and with who.  You don't want career counselors contacting your new employer with potential candidates for your position, nor do you want your employer to get the impression that you are still seeking employment.        
      Now, you can celebrate!