Interview Prep - “Know Thyself” pt. 2
In part 2, we are discussing how to be prepared to discuss your behavior. These are the, “tell me about a time when” type of questions that have become more popular. As a side note, no one is happier than I to see that the days of “if you were a color, what color would you be” seem to be at an end. I don’t hear very often anymore that someone has been asked “why do you think manhole covers are round” or some other vague, obtuse question that doesn’t facilitate a quality interview. These psychological questions were meant to help uncover creativity, intelligence, quick thinking, and other desirable attributes, but I think many candidates just did all they could to avoid laughing.
The behaviorally based questions are aimed at soliciting the same type of insight but in a much more effective way from concrete examples in your past that relate to what you will be doing in this position. So, as you better “know thyself,” focus on remembering all those accomplishments along the way. I mentioned in the previous article how important it is to journal or keep a live resume that you can continually add to. These are great for a quick reference point and to refresh your memory.
Often times I hear from individuals that they don’t think they have great examples: what have I done that is so great? Well, you don’t need to have doubled the sales in your territory, created a new waste management system to re-use waste, or found some way to reinvent the wheel. These questions are looking to ascertain predictive validity, concrete evidence, objective assessments of skills and competency, depth of information, communication skills, etc. In keeping with “know thyself,” the best way to prepare for these types of questions is to take the time to think about them. As busy professionals, it’s easy to stay focused on the work at hand and just keep plowing forward. However, it is important to revisit myriad examples so that you have an answer for different categories of questions. Behaviorally based questions typically focus on teamwork/collaboration, problem-solving, how you handle adversity, leadership, or communication skills. While thinking through examples from your past, think about how they fit into these categories to ensure you are providing the proper content so the hiring manager can literally or figuratively check boxes off.
The reason being prepared by thinking them through ahead of time is paramount is due to the fact that many examples could go in many different directions. An example about how a customer sent in the wrong information so the wrong product was delivered and you saved the day by finding a new source and getting the product there on time can be used to answer many different questions. You managed an error made by a customer, you worked with internal teams to ID the issue and find a quick result, you communicated with multiple different parties, you found a new source and thought outside of the box, you overcame adversity, etc. That one example can demonstrate many different skills so take the time to know what you are trying to convey, not just that you kick butt at your job.
