BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWS
Amandine LESUR Emilie PRIEUR
INSA Rouen
15 November 2007
1. What is a behavior-based interview?
2. What is the purpose of the employer?
3. What kind of questions can you expect?
4. Why and how to prepare and to behave?
1. What is a behavior-based interview?
new way of job interviewing
developed in the 70’s
used for 15 years by some companies
30% of companies
Definition
to make predictions based on past behaviors
to give specific examples from your past experiences
how you really reacted, not what you think you would do!
2. What is the purpose of the employer?
Past performance in a precise situation = best predictor for future performance
Example: situation = facing an angry customer
In a classical interview: « How would you react… ? » Behavioral interview: « Tell me a story when… »
you can’t invent your story: it is your real behavior
2. What is the purpose of the employer?
companies using behavioral interviews have predetermined specific skills required
Decision making, leadership, management skills Team spirit, communication skills
Precise knowledge or ability Taking initiatives, taking risks
the interviewer wants to know your both successes and failures Reaction to solve problems
Your mistakes and what did you learn
3. What kind of questions can you expect?
knowing the questions selection of examples
what competencies are required? series of questions Why and how?
Kind of questions
« Tell me about a time when… »
« Give me an example of when… » Some variations are possible
3. What kind of questions can you expect?
To prepare the questions, the interviewer asks himself:
what are the necessary skills to do this job?
what makes a successful candidate and an unsuccessful one?
what is the most difficult part of this job?
why have people left this position previously?
Examples of characteristics tested:
critical thinking, being a self-starter, willingness to learn,
willingness to travel, self-confidence, teamwork, professionalism
3. What kind of questions can you expect?
decision making and problem solving Give me an example of a time you had to be quick in coming to a decision
leadership
Give an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead
communication
Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone’s opinion
interpersonal skills
Describe a recent unpopular decision you made and what the result was
planning and organization
Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritise your tasks
Give me an example of an important goal you had to set and tell me about your progress in reaching that goal
conflict resolution
Tell me about a time two people you had to work with weren’t getting along
3. What kind of questions can you expect?
why should you prepare ?
An important point: be prepared to behavioral interviews makes you well prepared for traditional interview
how to prepare ?
Information about the company, its Human Ressources policy (section Carreer of website)
Determine skills needed (read the job description, list all competences required)
4. Why and how to prepare and to behave?
Think of a story demonstrating these competencies:
- internships
- practical sessions, research project - community involvement
Write down stories precisely:
- situation - problem
- actions taken, mistakes - outcome and rewards
4. Why and how to prepare and to behave?
During the interview we will aim to give you the opportunity to demonstrate the qualities we consider important in Shell. These are:
Achievement (the drive and enthusiasm to set themselves and others challenging unambiguous targets; […] the courage and self confidence to tackle unfamiliar
problems and to go against the crowd when necessary)
Relationships (genuine respect and concern for people, […] creating trust by open and direct communications; persuading others by the inspiration, sensitivity and clarity of their argument; arranging clear means of communication and decision making)
Capacity (the ability to analyse data quickly and learn fast, basing judgements on fact not sentiment; analysing outside existing boundaries to identify implications and learn from others; the creativity to propose innovative solutions […])
You will be asked for evidence of these qualities in your achievements and changes you have initiated to date. We will give you the opportunity to analyse some of the most
complex global issues and situations in depth during general discussion. During this latter
