You Can Survive the Behavioral Interview
by Carole MartinMonster Contributing Writer
When asked a traditional question like, "What would you do if you had a customer who wasn't interested in buying the product?" you can make up a story. But when you're asked behavioral questions, the interviewer is listening for specific examples of how you have handled situations or problems in the past.
When presented with behavioral questions beginning with phrases like, Tell me about a time when" or "Give me an example of," the interviewer wants to hear your real-life examples. When interviewers ask such questions, they are listening for examples of how you handled situations similar to the ones you may handle for this company. This is your chance to talk about your accomplishments. If you can demonstrate through examples (preferably recent ones) that you've succeeded in certain areas of interest, you'll likely be considered a strong candidate for the position. After all, if you did it somewhere else yesterday, you can do it for this company tomorrow.
Your success stories should include the situation, the action you took and the result. Here is an example if you were interviewing for a sales position:
The Situation: I had a customer who did not want to hear about the features of my merchandise because of a prior interaction with my company.
The Action: I listened to her story and made sure I heard her complaint. I then explained how I would have handled the situation differently and how I can offer her better service. I showed her some facts that changed her mind about dealing with the company again.
The Result: She not only bought the merchandise, but also complimented how I handled her account. She is now one of my best customers.
One way to prepare for this type of interview is by writing out your stories before the interview. Determine what stories you have that would be appropriate for the position based on its job description. If the job requires dependability, write your story about a time when your dependability was recognized or made a difference with a customer.
You can use the stories you prepare even when the interviewer does not ask behavioral questions. If you are asked a traditional question, use your prepared story and preface it with, "I can give you an example of a time when I used that skill on a previous job."
By preparing for the interview ahead of time and recalling your past successes, you will be able to have examples in mind and will not be caught off guard. There is no way you can predict what the interviewer is going to ask you, but you can prepare what you want him to know about your past as a predictor of your future performance.
May 19, 2008
Carpooling
Yesterday I went to the gas station and it cost me over $70 to fill my tank! that is just a ridiculous amount of money for gas. Carpooling and working from home is the only way we are going to be able to afford going to work. Those of us that have long commutes have a problem; as public transportation in Dutchess county is not an option. Does anyone carpool? and how beneficial has it been to you? I find carpooling to be a wonderful option.
May 11, 2008
Working Mothers
Since today is mother's day, I wanted to write something about the challenges working mothers face. I know how difficult it can be to balance family life and work responsibilities. I was bringing up 3 kids on my own for a while and it was insane!..I am sympathetic to all the mothers who juggle it all and don't miss a bit, you are an inspiration! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all.
May 8, 2008
Career Changers
I speak to so many people that are unhappy with their jobs and I wonder how difficult is it to find that 'thing' you love to do and switch careers?
I would love to get a discussion going about changing careers. Key questions to ponder on and comment about:
I would love to get a discussion going about changing careers. Key questions to ponder on and comment about:
- Does anyone think its a good idea?
- Has anyone done it? if so, are you happy with the change and would you recommend it to others?
I would also be interested in finding out HOW people go through that decision making process.
May 5, 2008
Masters Degrees
Many people have doubts about how valuable their masters degrees are in today's uncertain business environment. Some of my friends with masters have not found the great paying, fulfilling jobs they were hoping for after graduation. I think work experience will always be a very serious competitor to masters degrees (especially in the corporate arena), it seems these days that employers are looking for people with very specific skills and background, regardless of education. I don't want to discourage anyone pursuing a degree (I am a very strong believer in higher education); that is just my observation, lately. Does anyone think differently?
May 2, 2008
Job Hunting Article
Job Hunting in an Unsteady Economy
7 Tips for Success
by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs
Whether or not the U.S. economy has hit a recession, one thing is clear these days: Uncertainty is in the air, and it affects nearly every economic sector, including the job market.
The recent rise in the U.S. unemployment rate -- 5.1% in March -- indicates that fewer jobs are being created, but the shrinkage may not affect job-seekers in some fields, such as technology or health care. Nonetheless, experts say job seekers should pay attention to current economic conditions and expect that the job-search process may take longer.
Adjust Your Approach?
"The unemployment rate has risen, but it is not at a point that should cause job seekers to panic," says John Challenger, CEO of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. "Even at 5.2% or 5.3%, there is still demand for workers. Those seeking jobs in construction or mortgage lending might have a more difficult time finding employment, but we have not seen a significant downturn in hiring in other sectors."
Alexandra Levit, author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College," suggests job seekers may want to alter their approach due to economic uncertainties.
"Perhaps this means earning a paycheck at your current job while conducting interviews over your lunch break or doing volunteer work on the weekend that might lead to a paid gig," she says. "If you are currently unemployed, you may have to settle for a situation that's not 100% ideal in order to keep yourself afloat through the downturn."
David Bach, a workforce development specialist in San Francisco, says job seekers can "improve their competitive edge by becoming more aware of the top ongoing employers." Fields that are less affected by the evolving economy -- such as education, health care, and energy -- make an ideal focus right now, he adds.
Tips for Reaching Your Goal
Experts recommend the following actions to increase your job-search success in an uncertain economic climate.
* Tailor your presentations; don't be generic. "In developing a resume and other promotions materials, think about how your current skills and talents apply directly to the responsibilities you'll hold in the new job," says Levit.
* "Create a target list of companies," says career coach Julie Jansen, author of "You Want Me to Work with Who?" She suggests sending the list to 25 people, asking them if they can put you in touch with an employee at one of the listed companies.
* "Make yourself and your skills more visible," says Bach. He suggests posting and refreshing your resume in more places, such as online job boards, and going to job fairs.
* "Create an advisory board of smart and empathetic people and confer with them regularly about your job search," says Jansen.
* "Hone and utilize your 'elevator pitch' as often as possible," says Bach, referring to a 30-second summary of your professional assets.
* Keep your spirits high. Don't let the process overwhelm you or weigh you down. Jansen advises, "Make a list of your five favorite things to do, and do them!"
* Make an effort daily. "Do one thing each day -- like emailing a new contact or attending a networking event -- that moves your job search forward," says Levit. "Your worst enemy is inertia."
7 Tips for Success
by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs
Whether or not the U.S. economy has hit a recession, one thing is clear these days: Uncertainty is in the air, and it affects nearly every economic sector, including the job market.
The recent rise in the U.S. unemployment rate -- 5.1% in March -- indicates that fewer jobs are being created, but the shrinkage may not affect job-seekers in some fields, such as technology or health care. Nonetheless, experts say job seekers should pay attention to current economic conditions and expect that the job-search process may take longer.
Adjust Your Approach?
"The unemployment rate has risen, but it is not at a point that should cause job seekers to panic," says John Challenger, CEO of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. "Even at 5.2% or 5.3%, there is still demand for workers. Those seeking jobs in construction or mortgage lending might have a more difficult time finding employment, but we have not seen a significant downturn in hiring in other sectors."
Alexandra Levit, author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College," suggests job seekers may want to alter their approach due to economic uncertainties.
"Perhaps this means earning a paycheck at your current job while conducting interviews over your lunch break or doing volunteer work on the weekend that might lead to a paid gig," she says. "If you are currently unemployed, you may have to settle for a situation that's not 100% ideal in order to keep yourself afloat through the downturn."
David Bach, a workforce development specialist in San Francisco, says job seekers can "improve their competitive edge by becoming more aware of the top ongoing employers." Fields that are less affected by the evolving economy -- such as education, health care, and energy -- make an ideal focus right now, he adds.
Tips for Reaching Your Goal
Experts recommend the following actions to increase your job-search success in an uncertain economic climate.
* Tailor your presentations; don't be generic. "In developing a resume and other promotions materials, think about how your current skills and talents apply directly to the responsibilities you'll hold in the new job," says Levit.
* "Create a target list of companies," says career coach Julie Jansen, author of "You Want Me to Work with Who?" She suggests sending the list to 25 people, asking them if they can put you in touch with an employee at one of the listed companies.
* "Make yourself and your skills more visible," says Bach. He suggests posting and refreshing your resume in more places, such as online job boards, and going to job fairs.
* "Create an advisory board of smart and empathetic people and confer with them regularly about your job search," says Jansen.
* "Hone and utilize your 'elevator pitch' as often as possible," says Bach, referring to a 30-second summary of your professional assets.
* Keep your spirits high. Don't let the process overwhelm you or weigh you down. Jansen advises, "Make a list of your five favorite things to do, and do them!"
* Make an effort daily. "Do one thing each day -- like emailing a new contact or attending a networking event -- that moves your job search forward," says Levit. "Your worst enemy is inertia."
May 1, 2008
SLL
We all encounter so many people on a day to day basis that love to just hear themselves talk. I think it would be so valuable for people to just remember to Stop, Look and Listen (SLL); you can learn so much by just listening. It is so important to always take a step back from a situation and slow down your thinking and your talking to evaluate what the best outcome can be for everyone involved. So remember SLL!
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