BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWS Amandine LESUR Emilie PRIEUR INSA Rouen

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWS Amandine LESUR Emilie PRIEUR INSA Rouen 15 November 2007

1. What is a behavior-based interview? 2. What is the purpose of the employer? 3. What kind of questions can you expect? 4. Why and how to prepare and to behave?

1. What is a behavior-based interview? F new way of job interviewing F developed in the 70’s F used for 15 years by some companies F 30% of companies Definition F to make predictions based on past behaviors F to give specific examples from your past experiences F how you really reacted, not what you think you would do!

2. What is the purpose of the employer? F Past performance in a precise situation = best predictor future performance F Example: situation = facing an angry customer In a classical interview: « How would you react… ? » Behavioral interview: « Tell me a story when… » you can’t invent your story: it is your real behavior

2. What is the purpose of the employer? F companies using behavioral interviews have predetermined specific skills required Decision making, leadership, management skills Team spirit, communication skills Precise knowledge or ability Taking initiatives, taking risks F the interviewer wants to know your both successes and failures Reaction to solve problems Your mistakes and what did you learn

3. What kind of questions can you expect? Why and how? F knowing the questions selection of examples F what competencies are required? series of questions Kind of questions F « Tell me about a time when… » F « Give me an example of when… » Some variations are possible

3. What kind of questions can you expect? To prepare the questions, the interviewer asks himself: F what are the necessary skills to do this job? F what makes a successful candidate and an unsuccessful one? F what is the most difficult part of this job? F why have people left this position previously? Examples of characteristics tested: F critical thinking, being a self-starter, willingness to learn, willingness to travel, self-confidence, teamwork, professionalism

3. What kind of questions can you expect? F decision making and problem solving Give me an example of a time you had to be quick in coming to a decision F leadership Give an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead F communication Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone’s opinion

3. What kind of questions can you expect? F interpersonal skills Describe a recent unpopular decision you made and what the result was F planning and organization Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritise your tasks Give me an example of an important goal you had to set and tell me about your progress in reaching that goal F conflict resolution Tell me about a time two people you had to work with weren’t getting along

4. Why and how to prepare and to behave? F why should you prepare ? An important point: be prepared to behavioral interviews makes you well prepared for traditional interview F how to prepare ? Information about the company, its Human Ressources policy (section Carreer of website) Determine skills needed (read the job description, list all competences required)

4. Why and how to prepare and to behave? Think of a story demonstrating these competencies: - internships - practical sessions, research project - community involvement Write down stories precisely: - situation - problem - actions taken, mistakes - outcome and rewards

4. Why and how to prepare and to behave? During the interview we will aim to give you the opportunity to demonstrate the qualities we consider important in Shell. These are: Achievement (the drive and enthusiasm to set themselves and others challenging unambiguous targets; […] the courage and self confidence to tackle unfamiliar problems and to go against the crowd when necessary) Relationships (genuine respect and concern for people, […] creating trust by open and direct communications; persuading others by the inspiration, sensitivity and clarity of their argument; arranging clear means of communication and decision making) Capacity (the ability to analyse data quickly and learn fast, basing judgements on fact not sentiment; analysing outside existing boundaries to identify implications and learn from others; the creativity to propose innovative solutions […]) You will be asked for evidence of these qualities in your achievements and changes you have initiated to date. We will give you the opportunity to analyse some of the most complex global issues and situations in depth during general discussion. During this latter part we are interested in your analysis and opinions rather than testing your knowledge.

Good luck for your future interviews!