150: Putting a Bow on Your Behavioral Interview Answers
Putting a Bow on Your Behavioral Interview Answers
This is episode #150! Considering so many podcasts that flame out after a dozen or so episodes, I am so very proud of the body of work in my catalogue.
I’m also working on a podcast index book, so stay tuned for more information on that.
We’re talking today about behavioral interviews. Those interview questions that begin with “Tell me about a time when…” or “Describe a situation that…”
There are episodes where I’ve talked about the behavioral interview – specifically episode #84.
A brief recap:
Your answers to behavioral interview questions should follow this format:
C (Challenge)
A (Action)
R (Result)
EXAMPLE
Question: Tell me about a time that really tested your organizational and time management skills.
C: I was managing a large project and we were at a critical phase when a coworker had to be off for extended medical leave. I was asked to fill in her role.
A: -Learn her responsibilities
-Manage boss’s expectations
-Agree together on what I can put on the back burner or hand off to someone else
-Meet with project management team to let them know about my additional responsibilities and what that would mean for the project
-Became even more scheduled, including…
R: As a result, I completed the project within time and budget constraints while also managing my co-workers’ responsibilities effectively for 6 weeks.
EXAMPLE
Let’s talk about putting a bow on your answer. Think of this like extra credit on an exam. Now your CAR story is a CARL story:
L (Lesson Learned)
L: What I learned from that situation was my capacity for organization and time management…
OR
L: What this situation demonstrates is how my boss trusted me with so much responsibility and I didn’t let him down.
OR
-Communication skills
-Collaboration
-Relationship with boss
I don’t recommend putting a bow on every single behavioral story, but peppered in they can be quite effective in reinforcing your brand and demonstrating the kind of value you will offer the organization.
Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The CareerSpring document and coaching program will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you’re worth.
If you’re ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more: