Do interviewers ask about past experiences?

Do interviewers ask about past experiences?  Have you ever been to an interview when they have asked questions like, “Tell me about a time when …”  or “Describe how you have done …”  These types of questions are called Behavioural questions.  They are used to determine how you have performed in the past as it relates to certain criteria that they require.

When you are preparing for an interview, how do you ensure that you are prepared for all types of questions?  One approach for the behavioral type question is to follow the S-T-A-R principle.  Situation, Task, Action, Result.  For example, if the Hiring Manager is looking for someone who is a strong leader, they might ask a question like “Tell me about a time when you were leading a team that wasn’t providing results.  How did you approach this challenge and what steps did you take to rectify it?” Based on this question, applying the S-T-A-R principle would look something like this:

• Situation – You have a team that is not producing results.  Provide some detail to ensure that the hiring manager fully understands the situation.
• Task – Your task is to ensure that the team as a whole improves.
• Action – You implemented a strategy to monitor performance of each team member, and to work with each one to resolve their issues.
• Result  – Each team member improved in their own areas, resulting in a more cohesive team unit and increased productivity.

When you are preparing for a Behavioural Interview, and you are thinking about past experiences that you would be able to share, think of them in terms of S-T-A-R.   If you follow this principle, then your answers will be presented logically, and should include all the relevant information that the hiring manager is looking for.

But, how do you know what kinds of questions they will ask so you know what kinds of past experience you should be focusing on?  That’s where your research and the job advertisement comes in.  You have to know what qualities they want in a new employee.  If you’re not sure how to determine that, don’t be afraid to reach out to a Certified Professional Coach to help you with that preparation.

As I have said many times in previous posts, the key to the interview is being prepared.  This is just one more step in that preparation to help you get ready.

Do you know someone who is faced with this challenge?  Feel free to share this post by using the share links at the top of this page.  Also, if you’d like more interview tips, feel free to check out the interview resource page.