As I will be away for two days I have left more then enough work to keep you challeged for both days.

Today we will be starting to learn about Job Interviews. I’ve made a handy dandy YouTube Video to break down and describe a typical interview.

The supply teacher will have instructions on how to set up the projector so that you can watch it as a class or you can watch it on your own here.

After that we will be looking at specific types of Interview questions and how to answer them. Here is another awesome video that you can check out where I describ all the different types of interview questions.

Now that you have a bit of an understanding on how an interview is layed out and the types of questions to expect we are going to look more closely into specific types of interview questions starting first with Behaviour based Interview questions.

Behaviour based interview questions can be the hardest type of interview questions to answer if your not prepared for them. These questions usually require you to come up with an example from your past and explain how you resolved a conflict or problem. The most popular method of answering these questions is by using the STAR(R) method. STARR is just an acronym for the questions you need to answer when resolving the problem.

Situation - Explain the problem in as many details are required, try to keep this simple
Tasks - What were your goals, objects, or duties required to resolve this problem.
Actions - All the actions you took to resolve the problem. Use ‘I’ to describe only your actions. This portion usually requires the most detail.
Results - As a result of your actions what transpired. Were you successful or not?
Relate - The last R is the most important section of all, this is where you speak about how you abilities to resolve the fore mentioned problem relates directly to the job you are applying for.

Sample Question: - Source www.wlusu.com

“Tell us of a time in your past when you had to exhibit problem solving skills to ensure the success of a group project. What specific actions did you take to make the project successful? How would you apply this to the position you are applying to?”

Sample Answer:

Situation: A time that I had to use problem solving skills to ensure the success of a group project was when I was the organizer of the Senior Prom in High School. It was a day before the prom and all of our decorations were missing

Tasks:It was my responsibility to ensure that the prom was a success and to support the team. I had to take steps to fix the problem

Actions: I quickly called the company that we had ordered decorations from, I went to the wholesaler to pick them up, I directed my team members to individual tasks and made sure that they stayed calm

Results:The prom went very well. We didn’t get all of the decorations that we were originally going to get but we made due with what we had and everyone was happy with the way that it looked.

Relate:In this situation I used quick judgement, I was proactive and I supported my team mates in a stressful situation. These are all qualities that would be useful for (Emergency Response Team as an example) because as an ERT member I will be called on to respond quickly to injuries and accidents on campus, remain focused and calm, and support my shift partner in those situations.

Class Work

Now that you have an understanding of Behaivor Based Intervew Questions its time for you to try out some of your own. From the list of questions bellow Choose 5 questions and come up with 5 different stories to help answer these questions. Type up your response to these questions using the STARR method

Sampel Questions: (source http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_behavioral.html)

 
• 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).

More Work

Check out the site bellow to see some tough Logical thinking interview problems. See how many you can answer before looking at the answers.

http://www.coolinterview.com/type.asp?iType=103

Also check these questions that are reportedly used in interviews at google.

http://tihomir.org/crazy-questions-at-google-job-interview/

Hope you have a good couple days and enjoy checking out all the interview questions.

Mr.Vaughan