Interviewing Questions
The Behavioral Interview
Behavioral interviewing is one of the most common techniques used by employers. The basic premise is that “past behavior predicts future success”. Therefore, interviewers will be asking you to detail specific moments in which you demonstrated a particular skill or competency that they have deemed critical for success within their organization. Remember, with a little practice and preparation, the behavioral interview should be your best opportunity to shine. Don’t forget to smile and have some fun with it.
Before the interview:
One way to prepare for the interview is to first review the job description. What skills are listed as qualifications for the job? For example, does the organization say they need team players? someone with a strong attention to detail? keen problem solvers? or someone with superior customer service? Once you have a greater understanding of the kinds of skills they are seeking, you can begin to reflect upon experiences in which you demonstrated these skills. If you don’t have a job description, think about the skills that might be necessary for the job or speak to an advisor in career services.
When answering the question:
First, internally note what competency or skill the employer may be seeking (hint: it may be more than one) and then always make sure you:
- Describe a specific, recent situation (if you can, try to keep it within two years)
- Detail your behavior or the actions you took to resolve the situation. (Be sure that your role is clear and significant)
Share the outcome or the results of the situation.
Feel free to draw upon your experiences within an on-campus organization, sports team, volunteer work, prior internships, classroom experience or coursework.
Let’s practice:
“Give me an example of a time in which you felt you were able to motivate a group?”
The typical response…
I have always considered myself a leader and have been fortunate enough to assume many leadership roles. In fact, a number of my teammates on the football team have said what a great leader I am and just last week my coach pulled me aside to tell me what a great job I have been doing.”
A better response…
As a member of my college’s football team I know what it means to motivate a group. For example, last October our team was experiencing a losing season. Many of my teammates had become frustrated with our poor results and were on the verge of giving up. I knew we could turn things around if we were a bit more focused. I called an impromptu team meeting and spoke to the group about all the various things we could do to begin to make a difference. Together we came up with a plan; we would extend our practices by ½ hour every evening in order to improve our conditioning. The results were amazing, it really made a difference. We never lost a game after that meeting!
Now it’s your turn:
We asked recruiters seeking Bentley University students to list the key skills they were looking for in their interns and entry-level hires. Here are the top five competencies (in no particular order) as well as some sample interviewing questions you might expect during your interview.
Communication Skills (Oral and Written)
Give me an example of a time when you were successful in communicating with a difficult person(s) or circumstance?Describe the most significant written report that you had to complete.
Give me an example of a time when you communicated with Senior Level Executives.
Tell me about a time when you were able to use persuasion to convince someone to see things your way.
Leadership Skills
Give me an example of a time you have placed yourself in a leadership position. How might you have improved your role?Give me an example of a time when a group you were leading failed/did not meet expectations.
Tell me about a difficult decision you have made in the last year.
Problem Solving Skills
Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.
Tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem with very little guidance or direction.
Walk me through the most complex problem you have experienced to date.
How did you decide to go to Bentley University?
Team Player
What did you do in your last job/internship to contribute toward a teamwork environment?
Tell me about a time when you put the needs of a group before your own when completing a task.
Tell me about a time when a willingness to share your knowledge significantly enhanced an outcome or decision.
Flexibility/Adaptability
Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.
Give me an example of a time when the rules or structure of a project were changed last minute.
Give me an example of a time when you had two important projects competing for your time.
Give me an example of a time when you were forced to change your negotiating position midway in order to achieve an objective.
Personality and Fit
What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.
Describe your ideal job.
Where do you see yourself in three to five years?
What type of management style do you thrive under?
When you are not studying or working, what types of activities do you enjoy?
Typical Interview Questions
The following is a list of “typical” questions posed in an interview. You may find that many of these are asked in conjunction with the behavioral interview, often as “icebreakers” at the beginning of the interview.
Questions that you absolutely should be prepared to respond to…
- Tell me a little about yourself. (Hint: keep it brief no more than a minute or two)
- What do you know about the company, our products or services?
- Why are you interested in this job and, conversely, why should we be interested in you?
- Why should I hire you?
- What are your favorite/least favorite classes? Why? (Hint: remember to always stay positive, even when discussing your least favorite classes)
- What motivates you to go the extra mile on a project or job
- Walk me through your work experience. What did you like/dislike about your positions?
- What is your GPA? Do you think it reflects your abilities? Why?
- What are your three greatest strengths and or weaknesses?
- Do you have any questions for me? (Hint: you should have a minimum of three, see below for some examples)
- What are your salary requirements? (Hint: if you don’t know, speak with an advisor in career services prior to the interview)
Questions for you to consider posing in an interview…
- What kind of skills/attributes are you seeking in a candidate?
- What kind of assignments might I expect in the first six months on the job?
- How is performance measured?
- What type of training is provided?
- What is the culture of the firm?
- What do you like best/least about working for the company? or, How did you ultimately decide to work for this firm?
- What are the next steps?
- What is the greatest challenge facing your office/staff today?
- Is travel involved or expected with this position?
- What characteristics do the highest achievers in this company seem to share?
Questions for you to research prior to any interview…
(Hint: please see our “Researching Employers” handout or speak to your reference librarian for more information on how to find the answers to the questions below.)
- Who are the key players in the industry? What role does the company play in this industry?
- What is the history of the industry? Where is it heading?
- What are some recent trends?
- What skills are required to succeed in this industry?
- What are the company’s key products? Market share?
- What makes this firm different from its competitors?
