By Shreya Gupta
Behavioral interviewing has become an increasingly popular method of job interviewing. Companies such as AT&T and Accenture began using the behavioral interviewing methods in the 1970s, and since and increasing number of employers are ditching traditional interviews and conducting behavioral-based ones. Knowing how to excel in the behavioral interview has become a crucial job-interview skill.
Why the distinction between a traditional interview method and the behavioral interview method? The behavioral interview goes beyond the ability of the candidate to do the job (technical skills and cultural fit) and looks at the willingness to do the work.
The purpose of an interview is to essentially meet the employer and determine whether the interviewee is a good fit for the position and the company. These interviews can be conducted face-to-face, on video, or as a part of a teleconference. A few things are really important here, regardless of the type and method of interview. It is extremely important to know oneself – to know one’s own strengths and weaknesses, education, skills, and extracurricular activities. It is also important to determine one’s own employment interests, and reflect on one’s values and how it fits with the overall company culture.
In order to perform well during any interview, like for many other things in life, preparation is key. Researching the company and getting to know the company culture is very important, mock interviews are highly beneficial, and one’s own presentation is critical. In preparation for an interview, donning professional attire has become as important as cleaning up social media.
Get out there and get to interviewing! Special thanks to Jessica Budris, HR Manager at GE for leading the Behavioral Interview Workshop.
