When selected for an interview, candidates will be given all pertinent details about the interview including, the location, date, time, and the names of the interview panel.
The interview panel is typically comprised of the hiring manager, a supervisor or “job expert”, and a Human Resources Advisor. At the start of the interview, the hiring manager will describe the position and answer any questions the candidate may have. Then the candidate will be asked job-specific questions based on the job description following the Behavioral Interviewing Process. In this process, all candidates are asked the same set of questions to maintain objectivity and the information gained during the process is always confidential.
Behavioural Interview Questions
The Behavioral interviewing Process focuses on a candidate’s past experiences by asking candidates to provide specific examples of how they have demonstrated certain behaviours, knowledge, skills and abilities.
The premise behind behavioural interviewing is that the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in similar situations. For example, you may be asked the following question:
“Tell me about a time when you had to provide service to a difficult customer.”
When answering these questions, provide a specific example from your past experience rather than a generality. The STAR method can be a useful technique to use:
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Situation - Describe the event or situation you were in.
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Task - Explain the task you had to complete.
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Action - Describe the specific actions you took to complete the task.
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Result - Close with the result of your efforts.
By completing each of the four steps, you will provide an answer without rambling or getting off-topic.
It is helpful to prepare for your interview by reviewing the job posting/job description. Postings include the knowledge and skills required for the specific position. You can use this list to think of examples from your past work experience that demonstrate you have mastered these skills and will use them if you are successful in the job.