Examples are Important in Interviews

 

If you have ever gone through the interview process, you have probably been asked a question such as "Tell me about a time when…" These types of questions are asked to encourage the interviewee to give examples of previous on-the-job experiences. They are often part of an interview process known as a behavioral interview. The examples or stories you give in this style of interview are very important. Here's why!


Specific Examples

When an interviewer asks you a questions such as "Tell me about a time when…" or "Give me an example of…" they are looking for a response that include a real life, specific example or story. From this example, they can see how you handled a specific type of situation in the past.


Success Stories

When you answer behavioral interview questions, you want to use positive experiences that show you were successful in handling the situation. You want to explain the situation, what action you took, and what the result was.


Back It Up With an Example

Even when your interviewer is not using behavioral interview techniques or questions, examples can be greatly beneficial to you. When you are asked a question such as "What are your strengths?" you can use an example to back up your answer. If you say communication is your strength, make sure to back it up with an example of a time when you communicated well.


Possible Behavioral Interview Questions

It's a good idea to study possible interview questions before your next interview, so you can have examples and stories prepared in advance and won't feel as "on-the-spot" when they come up during your interview. Here are some behavioral interview questions you may be asked:

■ Tell me about a recent project you managed. What was the outcome?

■ Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond at work, and how you handled it.

■ How do you handle being on a team when someone isn't pulling their weight?

■ Was there ever a time when you received negative feedback? How did you handle it?

■ Share a difficult decision you had to make in the past two years. How did you handle it?

■ Have you ever had a conflict with a coworker? How did you handle it?

■ What is your greatest strength?

■ What is your greatest weakness?

■ If you found out the company you work for was doing something unethical, what would you do?