Behavioral

This is a technique that has been adopted by more than half of on-campus recruiters. The behavioral interview is based on the premise that the best way to predict future behavior is to determine and evaluate past behavior. This type of interview is different, and takes special preparation and skill to perform well. First, an employer determines a profile of desired behaviors. Some behaviors and characteristics employers may attempt to measure include:

• Customer service
• Teamwork
• Initiative
• Organization
• Problem-solving
• Leadership
• Stress Tolerance
• Flexibility/Adaptability

The interviewer will ask an open-ended question designed to stimulate recollection of a situation that would lead to a desired behavior. Some examples include:

• Balancing/prioritizing several tasks within a short period of time
• Dealing with an unproductive or uncooperative colleague
• Finding better ways to perform a task

The acronym "STAR"” provides a guide for formulating answers for behavioral questions.

S - Describe the Situation in which you were involved
T - Describe the Task to be performed.
A - What Action did you take?
R - What were the Results of your actions?

Helpful hints to help you prepare:

Recall at least five situations that show favorable behaviors or actions, especially those involving coursework, work experience, leadership, teamwork, study abroad, etc. Try to vary your answers so that each example doesn’t come from the same experience.

• Outline descriptions of each situation; follow the STAR method.  Be prepared to give details.
• Be sure the outcome or result reflects positively on you (even if the result itself was not favorable). If something didn’t turn out the way you had hoped, explain what you learned and how you would do it differently next time.
• Be honest. Don’t embellish or omit any part of the story. The interviewer is trained to see through this.
• Be positive and take responsibility for your actions.  Do not cast blame onto others.
• Be very specific. Don’t generalize your answers.
• Follow the 80/20 rule.  You should do about 80% of the talking, the interviewer will do the other 20%.