Behavioral Based Interview Preparation Guide

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☛ Practice answering questions you might be asked
☛ Research the position and the organization before the interview
☛ Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the position and company
☛ Dress appropriately

Think about what you want to emphasize during the interview, what you don't want to emphasize, and what your strengths and weaknesses are. Write them down and memorize them. The more you practice, the less likely you are to forget or be nervous. Also check out Behavior-Based Interviewing for how to more successfully answer those tough questions.

If they have a website, review it thoroughly. Make it clear to them in the interview that you've done your homework and know some basics about their organization. This will let them know you're serious about the position.

Prepare questions that reflect your knowledge of the position and company, and some that will help you form your own opinion about them. Your first goal is to impress the interviewer, but you also want to determine if the position/organization is a good fit for you and if you would be happy working there.

First impressions are important! If you need tips about interview attire, see What to Wear to an Interview or stop by Globalguideline.com.

Write time and location of your interview, as well as the name of the person interviewing you. Get good directions. If possible, check out the location before your interview so you won't be late getting lost or finding parking.

Bring extra copies of your resume to the interview. Place them in a folder or briefcase. Be sure to take any information you've been asked to bring (resume, references list, transcripts, etc.). Take copies of your resume and references either way, and have your papers arranged for easy reference.

There is a possibility of skills test, proofreading tests, personality assessments, etc. Find out before the interview whether you'll be asked to take a test of some kind. If so, try to research the type of assessment it is and practice before you go.

☛ Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation and how you overcame the situation?
☛ Provide an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead?
☛ Tell me about a situation where you have had to speak with an unhappy customer?
☛ Give me an example of a time when you motivated others and how this led to a positive outcome?
☛ Give an example of a goal you set and how you reached it?
☛ Describe an instance when you had to think on your feet to make a split second decision?
☛ Describe a situation where you knew your boss was wrong - how did you handle it?

☛ Describe a major change or adjustment to your job and your reactions to the change?
☛ Tell me about a time when you encountered conflict in the workplace and how you handled the conflict?
☛ Provide an example of when you had to go above and beyond your normal duties in order to get the job done?
☛ Describe a time when you put the needs of your workmates before your own when completing a task?
☛ Provide an example of a problem you had with a co-worker or boss and how you resolved it?
☛ Provide an example of a time when you felt you were able to motivate?
☛ Describe a time when you did not put in 100% into your job or performance and what you did about it?

☛ Tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem with very little guidance or direction?
☛ Tell me about a time when you went overtime on a deadline?
☛ What is the biggest contribution you made in your current role?
☛ What are you most proud of in your working career?
☛ Discuss a setback you have overcome in the last 12 months?
☛ Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way?
☛ Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills?
☛ Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem?

☛ Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it?
☛ Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion?
☛ Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree?
☛ Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete?
☛ Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done?
☛ Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks?
☛ Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision?

☛ What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example?
☛ Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa)?
☛ Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year?
☛ Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed?
☛ Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead?
☛ Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker?
☛ Give me an example of a time when you motivated other?

☛ Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively?
☛ Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem?
☛ Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem?
☛ Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures?
☛ Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision?
☛ Please tell me about a time you had to fire a friend?
☛ Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low)?

☛ What was the most challenging business presentation you have ever delivered?
☛ Give an example of when you had to put your foot down to assert a point that meant a great deal to you?
☛ How are you able to communicate well with people that do not want to hear your message?
☛ Tell us about when you were able to effectively communicate a really bad piece of news to your co-workers?
☛ What steps have you taken to improve your communication skills?

☛ Tell us about the toughest group that you had to get cooperation from?
☛ Give us an example of when you had to improve the performance of a team. What were the problems and how did you deal with them?
☛ Did you ever experience difficulty in getting others to accept your ideas? What was your approach? How did this work?
☛ Tell us of a situation where you had to inspire a team. Did you meet any challenges and how did you reach your goals?
☛ Give an example of when you had to use different management styles for different people to achieve the same results?

☛ Tell us about when you had to change your methods to reach a goal?
☛ Give an example of when you had to do something completely new and what approach you employed?
☛ How have you coped with changes in management?
☛ Tell us about a project that failed due to changed circumstances and what it has taught you?

☛ Tell us about when you went above and beyond the call of duty and what the results were?
☛ Give an example of when you lifted the spirits of others and get them to accomplish more than expected?
☛ How do you keep going for a goal when others give up, give a specific example?

☛ How have you helped your manager to inspire positive vibes in your team?
☛ Tell us about when you had to deal with conflict within your team and how you helped to resolve it?
☛ Tell us how you went about promoting both morale and work ethic in the teams you have been in?
☛ Give an example of when you have helped a team member that is was under-performing?

☛ How do you prepare your week?
☛ Tell us about how your organization has helped your career?
☛ Give an example of when you had to re-arrange your schedule completely?
☛ What is given top priority in your job and why?