Hey – I’m taking the next two weeks off for a summer vacation. I’ll be back as usual on July 5th.
If you listened last week, you know that I’ve implemented a DIY vs. DFY segment at the end of each podcast. Be sure to stick around!
Today, I want to talk about behavioral interview questions. Specifically, where do they come from? How can you know what you’re going to be asked so you can prepare appropriate CARL stories?
The answer to these questions begins with the job description – if the recruiter or your contact doesn’t provide you with this, be sure to ask for one.
Next, read the job description. Carefully. Underline or otherwise pull out the keywords the employer is looking for. For example:
-Strong verbal and written communication skills
-Experience in project management
-Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously
-Experience in a fast-paced environment
-Ability to manage conflict
Your next step is to come up with a CARL story that would illustrate your ability in each of these areas. As a reminder:
C – Challenge
A – Action
R – Result
L – Lessons learned (or skill demonstrated)
Before you wrap up your CARL stories, think further about the position you will be interviewing for. Other than what’s in the job description, what other skills or competencies might be reasonably expected of someone in this role?
Here are some examples:
-A time when you had to manage a team that was underperforming
-A time when you had to manage your relationship with your boss
-A time when you failed
-A time when you had a particularly difficult customer service situation to manage
-A time when you had a conflict with a coworker
I recommend outlining your CARL stories, then practicing. If you have at least 10 stories, you should be covered no matter what the interviewer asks you.
DIY vs. DFY Segment
In need of some sample behavioral interview questions? You can access an extensive list of behavioral and other interview questions here:
https://bit.ly/interviewcoachingguide
When do you want to hire a coach to help you with your interview skills? I consider three factors: When the bar is very high, when you know your skills are below average, and/or when you are so concerned about some aspect of your work experience that it is overshadowing your ability to properly prepare for the interview. Examples might include a lengthy gap in employment, frequent job changes, or a recent termination.
My interview coaching program involves two, one-hour sessions. We spend approximately 20 minutes in character as interviewer and interviewee; the remainder of the hour is spent analyzing your performance and developing strategies for improvement.
The second session is structured exactly the same, and this is where the confidence shoots up as you hear yourself improving, I give you feedback to that effect, and you have the opportunity to compare your performance in both interviews via the recordings I provide you.
If you would like to schedule a consult with me about my interview coaching program, click here: https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2
