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Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Behavioral Interview sample questions: West Jet
Here are some more sample behavioral interview questions--ones that are used by WestJet in Canada
• Tell us about a time you made a decision you took sole responsibility for?
• Give an example of something in the past that you had to accomplish using specific steps. What was the task that you were trying to complete? What were the specific steps? What was the final outcome of using these steps?
• Unwritten rules are a part of every operation. Give a specific example of a situation in the past where you had to use unwritten rules. What was the unwritten rule? How did you use it? What was the outcome from using this rule?
• Give an example of some time in the past where you disagreed with existing policy. What was the policy that you disagreed with? What did you do instead? What was the end result?
• Give an example of a time when you disagreed with something, but continued through with it for the good of the other team members. What was the thing you disagreed with? What was the end result?
• Decision-making is part of the business. Tell us about a time you had to make a decision that affected a flight?
• Here are some more Behavioral Interview sample questions: West Jet
• Tell us about a time when you contributed to the well being of the team? How did you do it? What was the end result?
• Tell us about a time you had to give a specific set of instructions that had to be followed to get the job done?
• Tell us about a time you had to correct a problem a customer had. How did you correct it? What was the end result?
• 19. Name a time you helped a customer?
• Tell us about a time you saw an unsafe procedure and what did you do about it?
• Tell us about a time you went on a fact-finding mission to get the job done?
• What was the most UNFUN place you worked for? Why?
• What was the most FUN place you worked for? Why?
• Name a time you spent a significant amount of time helping another crewmember?
• Name a time you had to make an unpopular decision? What was it? Impact?
• Most difficult crew/crewmember you ever had to work with?
• Difficult encounter with co-worker (not necessarily another crewmember)?
• Name a time you had to deal with a fellow crewmember following an unsafe procedure/practice (as consistently outside the bounds of safety/sop) and how did you deal with it?
• Define SOPs? Have you ever broken SOPs? When? Why?
• Name a time you saw a safety issue that had potential negative consequences, long or short term?
• Name a time you had a conflict with a fellow worker? How did you resolve this?
• Name a time you had to deal with a conflict with a customer? What was the outcome?
• Name a time you had to convince someone to change his or her mind or course of action? How did you go about it?
• Name a time a crewmember wasn’t pulling their weight? What did you do about it?
• Name a time you had to deal with a technical problem in the aircraft?
• Name a time you came up with a new idea at work?
• Name a time you had to deal with an unethical crewmember? How did you go about it
• Name a time you had to deal with a crewmember NOT getting a long? What did you do about it?
• Name a time you had to stand your ground and voice your opinion, even though you knew it would not be a popular one?
• Name a time you demonstrated leadership qualities?
• Define customer service?
• Name a time you made a mistake?
• Name a time you used decisiveness in your role as a pilot?
• Name a time you saved the company money?
• Name a time you had to go above and beyond the call of duty?
• Describe a time in which you felt it was necessary to modify or change your actions to respond to the needs of another person?
• Name a time in your last job when you contributed to creating a team environment?
• Name a time you were able to build motivation in your co-workers or subordinates at work?
• Name a time you used common sense to complete a task even though the procedure may have been telling you to do it a different way?
• Name a time you supported a decision even though you may not have agreed with it?
• Name a time you had to keep the energy or enthusiasm up in the crew? How did you go about it?
• How do you deal with complacency?
• How do you feel about sitting in the “RIGH SEAT”?
• Name a time you missed an obvious solution to a problem?
• Name a time the Flight Attendant felt comfortable enough to raise an issue with you?
• How should you respond to the question, "where do you see yourself in five years?"
• Tell us about a time you made a decision you took sole responsibility for?
• Give an example of something in the past that you had to accomplish using specific steps. What was the task that you were trying to complete? What were the specific steps? What was the final outcome of using these steps?
• Unwritten rules are a part of every operation. Give a specific example of a situation in the past where you had to use unwritten rules. What was the unwritten rule? How did you use it? What was the outcome from using this rule?
• Give an example of some time in the past where you disagreed with existing policy. What was the policy that you disagreed with? What did you do instead? What was the end result?
• Give an example of a time when you disagreed with something, but continued through with it for the good of the other team members. What was the thing you disagreed with? What was the end result?
• Decision-making is part of the business. Tell us about a time you had to make a decision that affected a flight?
• Here are some more Behavioral Interview sample questions: West Jet
• Tell us about a time when you contributed to the well being of the team? How did you do it? What was the end result?
• Tell us about a time you had to give a specific set of instructions that had to be followed to get the job done?
• Tell us about a time you had to correct a problem a customer had. How did you correct it? What was the end result?
• 19. Name a time you helped a customer?
• Tell us about a time you saw an unsafe procedure and what did you do about it?
• Tell us about a time you went on a fact-finding mission to get the job done?
• What was the most UNFUN place you worked for? Why?
• What was the most FUN place you worked for? Why?
• Name a time you spent a significant amount of time helping another crewmember?
• Name a time you had to make an unpopular decision? What was it? Impact?
• Most difficult crew/crewmember you ever had to work with?
• Difficult encounter with co-worker (not necessarily another crewmember)?
• Name a time you had to deal with a fellow crewmember following an unsafe procedure/practice (as consistently outside the bounds of safety/sop) and how did you deal with it?
• Define SOPs? Have you ever broken SOPs? When? Why?
• Name a time you saw a safety issue that had potential negative consequences, long or short term?
• Name a time you had a conflict with a fellow worker? How did you resolve this?
• Name a time you had to deal with a conflict with a customer? What was the outcome?
• Name a time you had to convince someone to change his or her mind or course of action? How did you go about it?
• Name a time a crewmember wasn’t pulling their weight? What did you do about it?
• Name a time you had to deal with a technical problem in the aircraft?
• Name a time you came up with a new idea at work?
• Name a time you had to deal with an unethical crewmember? How did you go about it
• Name a time you had to deal with a crewmember NOT getting a long? What did you do about it?
• Name a time you had to stand your ground and voice your opinion, even though you knew it would not be a popular one?
• Name a time you demonstrated leadership qualities?
• Define customer service?
• Name a time you made a mistake?
• Name a time you used decisiveness in your role as a pilot?
• Name a time you saved the company money?
• Name a time you had to go above and beyond the call of duty?
• Describe a time in which you felt it was necessary to modify or change your actions to respond to the needs of another person?
• Name a time in your last job when you contributed to creating a team environment?
• Name a time you were able to build motivation in your co-workers or subordinates at work?
• Name a time you used common sense to complete a task even though the procedure may have been telling you to do it a different way?
• Name a time you supported a decision even though you may not have agreed with it?
• Name a time you had to keep the energy or enthusiasm up in the crew? How did you go about it?
• How do you deal with complacency?
• How do you feel about sitting in the “RIGH SEAT”?
• Name a time you missed an obvious solution to a problem?
• Name a time the Flight Attendant felt comfortable enough to raise an issue with you?
• How should you respond to the question, "where do you see yourself in five years?"
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Behavioral interview questions from the online trenches
Here are some behavioral interview questions from an online discussion forum. These look nasty and uncomfortable.
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.
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.
A Sample behavioral intervew question and answer-the "difficulty" questions
"Tell me about a difficult work related situation that you have faced in your previous job and how you handled it?". You can certainly expect some variation of this question to show up in a behavioral interview
This kind of question will test your communication and problem solving skills, as well as your ability to resolve situation. And, of course, you will also have to think carefully on your feet as you answer that.
To answer this: Try to recall ard work situations
•These could be resolving issues with an angry customer
•Trouble shooting delicate issues with co-workers
Your answer should illustrate your abilities dealing with difficult situations effectively.
Keep the followng segments in mind as you describe your answer. (Remember the STAR formula-situation, action, result)
1.Describe the situation you encountered in details.
2.Tell how you’ve used your skills to analyze the problem before you considered next actions (i.e. solutions).
3.Explain the solution that you selected and your approach – why did you decide to take this particular resolution.
4.Finally, describe the outcomes/results and what you have learned from that situation.
Be prepared for this type of behavioral interview question. If you have successfully handled complex situations with strong professional and interpersonal skills, you will be an asset to any company.
This kind of question will test your communication and problem solving skills, as well as your ability to resolve situation. And, of course, you will also have to think carefully on your feet as you answer that.
To answer this: Try to recall ard work situations
•These could be resolving issues with an angry customer
•Trouble shooting delicate issues with co-workers
Your answer should illustrate your abilities dealing with difficult situations effectively.
Keep the followng segments in mind as you describe your answer. (Remember the STAR formula-situation, action, result)
1.Describe the situation you encountered in details.
2.Tell how you’ve used your skills to analyze the problem before you considered next actions (i.e. solutions).
3.Explain the solution that you selected and your approach – why did you decide to take this particular resolution.
4.Finally, describe the outcomes/results and what you have learned from that situation.
Be prepared for this type of behavioral interview question. If you have successfully handled complex situations with strong professional and interpersonal skills, you will be an asset to any company.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
How to flunk a job interview
With all the interviewing advice out there, why would anyone need any words of wisdom about how to flunk a job interview? It's easier than you know. Yet, more often than you think candidates sabotage themselves with their inattention or bad attitudes. Here are some things to watch for.
Mistake #1: Being nasty to the receptionist
Yes, the interview is stressful, and you may just want to explode. But don’t. The worst place to ventillate is front of the secretary. Your interview begins the second you cross the threshold into the company offices. Any negative impression the receptionist has of you based on any obnoxious or inappropriate remarks will quickly be conveyed. Employers know that job seekers interact with receptionists and other support staffers — often with their guards down. Beware! Employers routinely ask these employees for feedback.
Mistake #2: Saying too much
Try to avoid personal topics such as health care problems, relationship problems, drug problems or family problems.This is not the time to let it all hang out, especially, if you are trying to close an employement gap.
Mistake #3: Assuming your resume speaks for itself.
Your resume may have opened the door for the interview, but you will need to back up your words by relating what you accomplished in each role, and how it is connected to the current postion you are interviewing for. Explain any obscure acronyms, and clarify what certain job titles meant in previous employment. Don't just rattle off the facts on your resume and assume the employer will get it.
Mistake #4: Showing the interviewer how important you are.
The interviewer has taken the time to see you. Turning the off the cellphone, the BlackBerry or the I-phone is a courtesy you need to offer in return. You will certainly sabotage the interview if you think you are so important that you can't give him/her your undivided attention and have to take phone calls or send texts during the interview. Younger job candidates, especially, may not have an awareness of what a turn off being perpetually plugged in during the interview can be. Your goal is to ace the interview, not show how important you are.
Mistake #5: Harassing the recruiter.
There’s a fine line between enthusiastic persistence and desperation. Phoning the potential employer incessantly, hanging up on the person's voice mail (most places have caller ID) is unprofessional and will not get you the job.
Mistake #6: Treating social media communications casually.
People are lax in their online writing. They neglect proper spelling and punctuation. They use loose casual language. If you are using such electronic venues as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, treat all writing as professional business communication. Proofread your work before you hit “send.”
Mistake #1: Being nasty to the receptionist
Yes, the interview is stressful, and you may just want to explode. But don’t. The worst place to ventillate is front of the secretary. Your interview begins the second you cross the threshold into the company offices. Any negative impression the receptionist has of you based on any obnoxious or inappropriate remarks will quickly be conveyed. Employers know that job seekers interact with receptionists and other support staffers — often with their guards down. Beware! Employers routinely ask these employees for feedback.
Mistake #2: Saying too much
Try to avoid personal topics such as health care problems, relationship problems, drug problems or family problems.This is not the time to let it all hang out, especially, if you are trying to close an employement gap.
Mistake #3: Assuming your resume speaks for itself.
Your resume may have opened the door for the interview, but you will need to back up your words by relating what you accomplished in each role, and how it is connected to the current postion you are interviewing for. Explain any obscure acronyms, and clarify what certain job titles meant in previous employment. Don't just rattle off the facts on your resume and assume the employer will get it.
Mistake #4: Showing the interviewer how important you are.
The interviewer has taken the time to see you. Turning the off the cellphone, the BlackBerry or the I-phone is a courtesy you need to offer in return. You will certainly sabotage the interview if you think you are so important that you can't give him/her your undivided attention and have to take phone calls or send texts during the interview. Younger job candidates, especially, may not have an awareness of what a turn off being perpetually plugged in during the interview can be. Your goal is to ace the interview, not show how important you are.
Mistake #5: Harassing the recruiter.
There’s a fine line between enthusiastic persistence and desperation. Phoning the potential employer incessantly, hanging up on the person's voice mail (most places have caller ID) is unprofessional and will not get you the job.
Mistake #6: Treating social media communications casually.
People are lax in their online writing. They neglect proper spelling and punctuation. They use loose casual language. If you are using such electronic venues as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, treat all writing as professional business communication. Proofread your work before you hit “send.”
Monday, October 11, 2010
What employers want
I've just paid a visit to http: JIST's career blog and found some interesting information that pertains to interviewing. Behaivoral interviewing plays a part in this, but employers want the follwoing three things
Appearance: Do you look the part?
I've heard of people being disqualified
Dependability: Can you be counted on?
Small things count. What's your track record at showing up? How well do you work with others, how well do you follow directions, participate, or act as a team player? Sometimes you may convey your answers to these by leaving unconscious clues. So, be sure to show up on time to the interview. And be sure you want the job. I have seen people go the interview (because they had to, they needed the money). But, their hearts and head were not in the same place, so they unconsciously sabotaged the interview. They didn't use STAR method in the behavioral interview, and they tended to be more self-centred and less employer-centered.
Credentials: Do you have what it takes? (Answer with Behavioral interview answers and the STAR method--situation, task, action, result)
Credentials not only mean your certifications and degrees but a demonstration of what you can do based on your performance at past jobs. Here's where behavioral interview answers come in.
Few good jobs go to people who cannot describe the skills they have and how they have used them to impact the bottum line. Most people are weak in presenting their accomplishments and value-add (at least 80%). By mastering behavioral interview answers, you can be in the 20% who do well in any interview.
Hone your skills in behavioral interviewing to improve your chances of getting the job.
Appearance: Do you look the part?
I've heard of people being disqualified
Dependability: Can you be counted on?
Small things count. What's your track record at showing up? How well do you work with others, how well do you follow directions, participate, or act as a team player? Sometimes you may convey your answers to these by leaving unconscious clues. So, be sure to show up on time to the interview. And be sure you want the job. I have seen people go the interview (because they had to, they needed the money). But, their hearts and head were not in the same place, so they unconsciously sabotaged the interview. They didn't use STAR method in the behavioral interview, and they tended to be more self-centred and less employer-centered.
Credentials: Do you have what it takes? (Answer with Behavioral interview answers and the STAR method--situation, task, action, result)
Credentials not only mean your certifications and degrees but a demonstration of what you can do based on your performance at past jobs. Here's where behavioral interview answers come in.
Few good jobs go to people who cannot describe the skills they have and how they have used them to impact the bottum line. Most people are weak in presenting their accomplishments and value-add (at least 80%). By mastering behavioral interview answers, you can be in the 20% who do well in any interview.
Hone your skills in behavioral interviewing to improve your chances of getting the job.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Some questions to ask the interviewer
So, we'll talk of questions to ask the interviewer for a change. The interviewer certainly will be focusing on you, but take the opportunity to size up the situation too. These questions come courtesy of Forbes Magazine.
How would you describe the ideal candidate?
What this question does is enable the hiring supervisor to imagine you actually in the role. Then, your job is to sell yourself to that image. You can use some of the same techniques (The STAR) to address this as you would in behavioral interview. Describe yourself doing the very things the interviewer outlined by using past experiences.
Also try What are the top three qualities you’re looking for–take notes, and focus your answers to fit the interviewer's vision, if that works for you
How do you envision this position supporting you?
This will convey to the employer that you're at their service. You've already said everything else to sell yourself
How does this position fit into the company’s long-term plans?
This will open the door to discuss the position and overall business strategy. Ask about the person who is leaving (left or promoted?) or why the position was created. Also ask about its specific challenges and goals as they relate to the company's mission and vision.
How would you describe the ideal candidate?
What this question does is enable the hiring supervisor to imagine you actually in the role. Then, your job is to sell yourself to that image. You can use some of the same techniques (The STAR) to address this as you would in behavioral interview. Describe yourself doing the very things the interviewer outlined by using past experiences.
Also try What are the top three qualities you’re looking for–take notes, and focus your answers to fit the interviewer's vision, if that works for you
How do you envision this position supporting you?
This will convey to the employer that you're at their service. You've already said everything else to sell yourself
How does this position fit into the company’s long-term plans?
This will open the door to discuss the position and overall business strategy. Ask about the person who is leaving (left or promoted?) or why the position was created. Also ask about its specific challenges and goals as they relate to the company's mission and vision.
Friday, October 1, 2010
More sample behavioral interview questions
These sample behavioral interview questions are so uncomfortable. They often ask about things that went wrong. See if you can anticipate these and reflect on the behaviors needed for the position you are interviewing for.
1. Tell me about of a time you where you had a particularly difficult customer and how you handled the situation.
2. Describe a situation where you didn't agree with a company policy and but then learned to work within that policy.
3. Tell me of an instance when you did not agree with instructions given to you by your manager. How did you handle the situation.
4. Tell me about a time when you had conflict with a co-worker and how you were able to resolve that conflict.
5. Tell me about an instance where you provided extraordinary service. What steps did you take to achieve this result.
6. Describe a time when you didn't understand how to complete a task and what you did to finish the work.
7. Tell us about a time when you had to use your creativity to solve a work problem
8. Tell me about an occasion when you did not feeling well or were not in the best spirits and then had to motivate yourself to work.
9. Describe for me when might have had a co-worker with a poor attitude and how you managed that situation.
10. Tell us of an instance when made a mistake with a customer and what you did to manage that situation.
1. Tell me about of a time you where you had a particularly difficult customer and how you handled the situation.
2. Describe a situation where you didn't agree with a company policy and but then learned to work within that policy.
3. Tell me of an instance when you did not agree with instructions given to you by your manager. How did you handle the situation.
4. Tell me about a time when you had conflict with a co-worker and how you were able to resolve that conflict.
5. Tell me about an instance where you provided extraordinary service. What steps did you take to achieve this result.
6. Describe a time when you didn't understand how to complete a task and what you did to finish the work.
7. Tell us about a time when you had to use your creativity to solve a work problem
8. Tell me about an occasion when you did not feeling well or were not in the best spirits and then had to motivate yourself to work.
9. Describe for me when might have had a co-worker with a poor attitude and how you managed that situation.
10. Tell us of an instance when made a mistake with a customer and what you did to manage that situation.
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