An “Inner View” of Interviews
David Ong
Director, College Recruiting Program MAXIMUS
Agenda
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Fundamentals of behavioral interviewing
Demonstration of behavioral interview
Tips to ensure future success in behavioral interviews
Part 1
Interviewing Methodologies
Question: What is the purpose of
a job interview?
Answer: To assess skills required to
perform a job
Personal Skills
 Behavioral in nature
 Learned over a
longer period of
time
 Shared by the
general population
Technical Skills
 Often related to a
specific
field/industry
 Learned by
osmosis, training, or
practice
Worksheet: Personal vs. Technical Skills
P
E
R
S
O
N
A
L
S
K
I
L
L
S
High Personal Skills
Low Technical Skills
High Personal Skills
High Technical Skills
Low Personal Skills
Low Technical Skills
Low Personal Skills
High Technical Skills
TECHNICAL SKILLS
The traditional method of asking questions by
breaking down a resume is becoming archaic
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Traditional Method
“Why did you make that
decision?”
OR
“What can you tell me about
this job?”
A variety of methods have recently
supplanted traditional methods
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Case Interviewing
Cognitive Testing
Role Play/Simulation Exercises
Behavioral Interviewing
Part 2
The Science of
The Behavioral Interview
The Premise Of Behavioral Interviews
Is A Simple One:
“ The best way to predict one’s future behavior is
Past behavior
______________”
Why are behavioral interviews so effective?
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The questioning requires a specific scenario….s
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“Tell me about a time when…..”
“Give of an example of a time when….”
As opposed to a hypothetical scenario
“ What would you do if….?”
“How would you handle this situation?”
Part 3
The Behavioral Interview
Demonstration
Agenda – Behavioral Interview Demo
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Meet the Candidate
Behavioral Interview Questions – Part 1
Feedback/Review
Behavioral Interview Structure
Behavioral Interview Questions – Part 2
Now, let’s begin the interview
Many Companies Utilize A Similar Behavioral
Interview Model: The “STAR” Method
S-
Situation: Setting the scene
T-
Task: What needs to be done
A
- Action: The steps you took
R
- Result: The end product
Now here are some additional tips…
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Expect a lot of probes, not just the initial question
Know when to use “I” and when to use “We”
Don’t be afraid of silence
Take a breath in between thoughts to avoid rambling
It is permissible to return to a question that stumped you
Don’t schedule your primary company as your first interview
Now, let’s go back to the interview…..
Here are some added hints as you
prepare for an interview
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Prepare insightful questions for interview in advance
Helpful aids: breath mints and water
Turn off your cell phones!
Bring hard copies of your resume
Be aware of your non-verbal communications
(posture, handshake, eye contact, etc)
A Basic Primer to Interview Looks
Men
Women
Suit
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Two piece suit (ideal is solid navy or grey)
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Shirt or Blouse
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Solid White or Blue Shirt (starched)
Plain or Spread Collar
Pinpoint or Broadcloth material
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Shoes – Black lace-ups with leather soles
Belt - Should match shoes in color & shine
Tie – Conservative pattern/color in silk
Socks – Should match pants in color
Bag – Don’t use a knapsack
Watch – Conservative, non-sports look
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Hair – Invest in a good haircut (shorter is better)
Nails – Clean
Cologne - minimal
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Accessories
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Grooming
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Solid/pinstripe/glen plaid suit in black/navy/gray
(skirt suit or pantsuit)
 Separate blazer/pants/skirt combo (might be more
appropriate for creative field)
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White or pastel blouse
Silk or Cotton material
Shoes – Dark leather pumps are ideal; Open toed
shoes/Sandals are not appropriate!
 Jewelry – Should be subtle and minimal
 Bag – Briefcase or a tote…not a knapsack
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Hair – Well groomed hairstyle
Nails – Conservative color polish
Perfume - Minimal
Final Thoughts….
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Interviewers want you to succeed
Ask about the next steps in the process
Either a thank-you note or an email should be
acceptable
Most Importantly: LOVE WHAT YOU DO!