Behavioural Interview Questions - Don’t Let Them Trip You Up

Randstad Canada offers best practice behavioural interview techniques for jobseekers.

TORONTO, March 8, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Behavioural interview questions are designed for candidates to showcase their skills by answering situational questions about their previous work experience. Answering these questions can be rather intimidating and answering them well, can often mean the difference between landing your ideal job, or losing it to your competition.

Stacy Parker, Executive Vice President of Marketing for Randstad Canada, the country's leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services says, "One of the most critical things that jobseekers forget before an interview is preparation and research. Reviewing an employer's website is not the only thing you should do before an interview. Get to know your CV inside out. That way, you'll be able to confidently explain your previous work history and use your resume as a tool to provide specific examples," he says.

Interviewers who ask behavioural interview questions have already identified the skills necessary for the position, they just want to probe into your experiences and uncover the skills you've demonstrated through your past experiences. The goal of the interviewer is to determine if your skills are the best match for the position.

"Be sure to review the job description and identify the specific skills and abilities that the organization is looking for. Focus on telling a concise and interesting story that will show how you fit the position."

Parker offers the ideal techniques that will help you answer those tricky behavioural interview questions:

1. First, describe a specific situation or task that you needed to accomplish or resolve. Provide details such as names, dates, and places to add credibility to your statement.
2. Next, describe the action you took. Discuss what you specifically did to address the situation.
3. Finally, describe the positive results you achieved. Explain how your organization benefited by your actions. If possible, use numbers to quantify your results.

"These techniques will help you demonstrate to an interviewer that you can effectively do the job," says Parker. "Understanding the purpose of behavioral interview, preparing yourself and and using the techniques above to organize your answers will  lead you well on your way towards a successful job interview."

Visit the Randstad Canada's Career Tools page to watch our video on behavioural interviews or visit Randstad Canada's YouTube page for more tips and techniques that will help you maximize your job search process and career growth opportunities.

About Randstad Canada: Randstad Canada is the Canadian leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services. As the only fully integrated staffing company in the country, we understand the recruitment needs and demands of employers and job seekers across all levels and industries. Through our insightful knowledge of local markets, employment trends and global network of recruitment experts, we are shaping the Canadian world of work. Visit randstad.ca

More information
Dayana Moreno
Marie-Noelle Morency

Telephone
416.962.9578 x2317
514.350.5309 x233