Sharing The Stories Keys To A Stellar Interview

Sharing The Stories – Keys to a “Stellar” Interview

Michelle A. WaltmireTraining and Development Specialist

[email protected]

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Agenda• Behavioral Interviewing

– Overview– What’s “in it for me”?

• S T A R / S A R / P A R – What are they– How to create– Examples

• Exercise• ST A R Tips

– Things to watch out for– How to use in interview

• References

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The most accurate predictor of future behavior is past

behavior in a similar situation


Behavioral Interviewing: Core Assumption

Why Companies use Behavioral Interviewing



Job Competencies

What’s in it for me?Behavioral Interview Benefits for the

Candidate


How does behavioral interviewing work?


“The Stories”How / Where do I start?


The “Stories”:Tell me about a time when…..


ST A R Defined Situation / Problem / Task – Provides Context

• Describe Situation you were in / Task to be accomplished / Problem to be solved• Describe Challenge / Expectations• What needed to be done; By Whom; When• Conditions / Constraints to be satisfied

Action You Took – Shows you know how to take appropriate action to resolve issues

•WHAT you did - steps taken; tools used• HOW you did what you did•If on team, focus on YOUR role within team•What you DID not what you “would” / “might” do

Results You Achieved – Shows positive / appropriate results

• What happened / How situation ended•How customers / managers / team responded•Quantify improvements – How much, How many


ST A R Characteristics


Situation / Problem / Task

Communication in my workgroup had broken down. Morale was very low and people were not working as a team.

Action You Took

I organized informal lunch meetings where team members could come and discuss their issues / air their concerns.

Results You Achieved

The group developed an understanding of other members’ issues. Group morale and lines of communication were improved.


ST A R Example


ABC Website’s advertizing revenues were declining and advertisers were not renewing their contracts.

Action You Took

I developed a new promotional package containing a comparison of ABC website’s hits / market penetration compared to other area media. I also set up a special informational meeting for the account executives to review competitive selling strategies.


10 former advertisers renewed their contracts, 5 new clients were signed and revenues increased by 15% compared to the same period last year.


ST A R Example

Your Turn – Group Exercise



Action You Took



ST A RCompetency Demonstrated:


Action You Took



ST A RCompetency Demonstrated:

Exercise Debrief:What did you learn?

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ST A R Tips


ST A R Tips


How to Use ST A RsInterview Preparation


How to Use ST A RsDuring Interview


References:Competencies – A “short list”

• Adaptability• Attention to detail• Communication• Conflict Situations• Critical Thinking• Decision Making• Enthusiasm• Flexibility• Initiative• Innovation• Integrity• Leadership• Motivation / Rewards

• Passion• Persuasiveness / Ability to

influence others• Planning & Organizing / Time

Management• Problem Solving• Quality• Risk Taking• Satisfiers / Dissatisfiers• Stress• Teamwork / Team Building• Tenacity• Willingness to Learn• Work Standards


References:Where to go for more information


Documents

Sharing The Stories Keys To A Stellar Interview