missing interviewing skills - anyone seen them?

[Trek420]

And from my experience internal trumps external every time.

Good luck!

SheFly

Oh greeeeaaaat. I figured. And I don't or barely have an internal option to transfer

[Xrayted]

The biggest trend in interviewing these days is the behavioral interview. It's much different than the interview we all grew up with. Instead of asking what can you do for us, what is your education, etc, they ask you about how you handled certain things in the past. They've already read your resume, or in your case, already have hired you. The new boss knows you have certain educational requirements met or you wouldn't be there to begin with. There are so many out there with alike degrees, they realized that it's the personality and decision making that sets people apart. Also, how truthful you are makes a difference. If they ask you what you did in a situation to solve it when you made a mistake and you can't come up with even one mistake, you are lying. We all make them and surely you may be leery about admitting that you do in fact make them to a prospective employer, but it's not so much that you made a mistake that they worry about, it's how you handle it and own up to it that counts. Here are some examples of question and types of questions that many use these days. You need to go in prepared for this type of questioning or you will come off as not being able to think on your feet or hiding something when you can't come up with something valuable to respond with. Be careful to stay on the subject when answering as well as not embellish too much. Just give 'em what they ask for, no more unless they prompt for it.

* Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.

* Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.

* Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.

* Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.

* Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.

* Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.

* Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete.

* Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.

* Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks.

* Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision.

* What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.

* Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).

* Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year.

* Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.

* Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.

* Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker.

* Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.

* Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively.

* Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem.

* Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem.

* Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.

* Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.

* Please tell me about a time you had to fire a friend.

* Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low).


These questions may be pertinent or not for your given profession, but they are very indicative of what to expect these days if you get to the interview. You wouldn't be sitting there at all if you weren't qualified educationally or experience wise. The difference is all in the personality and conflict management skills. No one wants to work with a genius who is a PITA to every one and can't handle a bit of criticism or feedback or won't admit to an occasional minor screw up. I hope this helps.

[susan.wells]

Xrayted is right on target. That is exactly what I do when I am interviewing people for a position in my department. Another statement I use is:

* Tell me about the last time you broke the rules and how did you did it