In the interview, you are sure to encounter behavioral interviewing questions. Why? Because they work! The premise is that past behavior is the best indicator of future performance.
In addition, your competencies influence your behavior. Competencies are capabilities, skills, and talents that make the behavior(s) easy or enjoyable to perform. Although employers want their employees to possess dozens of key competencies, listed below are 8 of the most common (in no particular order):
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills (verbal / written / interpersonal)
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Initiative, drive, and energy
- Planning and prioritization skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork skills
- Technical and technology skills
Recognizing & Responding
You can spot behavioral interview questions through such introductory phrases as:
- Tell me about a time when you …
- Describe a situation where you …
- Give me an example of …
- In the past, how have you handled … ?
After this introductory question, be prepared for such probing questions as:
- What was your specific role?
- Who else was involved?
- How did you decide which task to do first?
- Looking back, how would you approach that situation today?
Avoid making vague statements, giving opinions, or offering theoretical or future-oriented statements when responding to questions like these.
Also be on the look-out for such career-specific questions as, "As an accountant, describe a time when you encountered unethical accounting practices. How did you handle this?" Employers look at the behaviors of top performers in similar positions to identify career-specific competencies. If you want to move forward in your career, model yourself after top performers in your field.
