nick18_in
Nikhil Gadodia
MASTERING BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWS
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If you are seeking a job within the competitive hospitality industry,
you
need to be aware that employers are frequently turning to the use of
behavioral interviewing, rather than traditional modes. Employers are
aware that traditional interviews do not give the desired ability to
predict a candidate's future job performance. Behavioral interviews are
4-
5 times more likely to give the employer information about your past
performance, which is the indicator of your future performance. They
will
be asking questions that will probe your past and will be listening
carefully for you to respond using key words that are a part of their
predetermined acceptable answers. Are you prepared to compete for the
position?
What does the buzz phrase "Behavioral Interview" mean?
The term "behavioral interview" can be defined as the type of interview
which allows employers to gain a keen sense of the type of employee you
are. Rather than ask you to respond to something specific such as "Name
three things you enjoyed in your last position", the employer might
phrase
it "Tell me about some things that you enjoyed about your last
position."
He will be listening for pre-determined keywords and will rate you
accordingly.
What are universal key words in the hospitality industry?
-Industry Standards: Customer, Satisfaction, Service, Quality, Smile
-Work Standards: Punctual, Detail, Organized, Decision, Honest,
Flexible,
Initiative, Willing
-Co-worker Standards: Relationship, Teamwork, Multicultural
-Industry Experience: Professional, Expertise, Result
Depending upon the specific position, you are interviewing for (hotel,
resort, food service, and restaurant); there will be additional
keywords
the employer is looking for. A chef may want to use the
word "presentation", for example. A room cleaner would want to be sure
to
use the word "thorough" during the interview. A front desk manager
would
want to use the word "appearance". Develop your list accordingly.
Research will pay big dividends
Whether you are applying for a position in a hotel, resort community,
or a
position in food service; it is critical that you do your homework.
There
are three easy steps you can take to prepare for the application and
interview process.
-Research. Do an internet search, visit, or call to gather information.
It
will be beneficial to write keywords used in the web content or
conversation, to use when applying or interviewing.
-Apply. Tailor your resume and cover letter to meet the employer's
needs.
Use the information that you have gathered to write an effective
document
that will cause the employer to immediately take notice and call you in
for an interview.
-Interview. Become familiar with behavioral interviews. You can do an
internet search to obtain lists of potential questions. The key will be
to
know the typical formats and have a dozen rehearsed scenarios that you
can
tailor to the specific question at the interview.
What format should you use in relating scenarios?
Many employers will be listening for a simple three step response
format
to their questions; therefore you will want to frame your responses
accordingly. The format is knows as Situation-Action-Result (SAR).
-Situation-the employer wants a concise description of the setting and
circumstances that you are discussing.
-Action-the employer wants you to describe what action you took in the
situation.
-Result-the employer will be looking for the results. Using keywords
and
quantitative, measurable results will be very impressive!
Employers will be listening for how you reacted to the situation, what
action you took and the results. Be prepared to give at least one
example
of what might be perceived as an extremely difficult situation. Prepare
to
share about a negative situation that had a positive outcome.
What are the three types of questions in Behavioral Interviews?
-Open questions. These are questions that will allow you to use the SAR
format and answer in a clear and concise manner. The employer will
likely
follow up with additional probing questions, looking for signs that you
may not have been completely honest.
-Tell me about a time that you helped someone in need.
-Give an example of a situation that was uncomfortable for you.
-Relate an experience you have had as a part of a team.
-Closed questions. These are questions that are asked for the purpose
of
verifying something you may have indicated during the application
process
or earlier in the interview. The employer is looking for consistency in
your answers.
-You attended XYZ Institution, correct?
-You are able to begin next week, correct?
-You intend to live in this area for at least another year, correct?
-Why questions. These are questions that require you to give a logical
and
decisive explanation for a previous action. The employer is not judging
your action, but rather your ability to reason, logic and make a
decision.
-Why did you choose to apply here?
-Why have you changed jobs within the hospitality industry three times?
-Why did you leave your position at XYZ company?
You Are Ready
You have researched the company, located keywords, applied for the job
prepared a number of scenarios, and rehearsed answers to potential
questions. You are now ready to go to the Behavioral Interview with
confidence.
SOURCE: HCAREERS .....
***************************************************************************
If you are seeking a job within the competitive hospitality industry,
you
need to be aware that employers are frequently turning to the use of
behavioral interviewing, rather than traditional modes. Employers are
aware that traditional interviews do not give the desired ability to
predict a candidate's future job performance. Behavioral interviews are
4-
5 times more likely to give the employer information about your past
performance, which is the indicator of your future performance. They
will
be asking questions that will probe your past and will be listening
carefully for you to respond using key words that are a part of their
predetermined acceptable answers. Are you prepared to compete for the
position?
What does the buzz phrase "Behavioral Interview" mean?
The term "behavioral interview" can be defined as the type of interview
which allows employers to gain a keen sense of the type of employee you
are. Rather than ask you to respond to something specific such as "Name
three things you enjoyed in your last position", the employer might
phrase
it "Tell me about some things that you enjoyed about your last
position."
He will be listening for pre-determined keywords and will rate you
accordingly.
What are universal key words in the hospitality industry?
-Industry Standards: Customer, Satisfaction, Service, Quality, Smile
-Work Standards: Punctual, Detail, Organized, Decision, Honest,
Flexible,
Initiative, Willing
-Co-worker Standards: Relationship, Teamwork, Multicultural
-Industry Experience: Professional, Expertise, Result
Depending upon the specific position, you are interviewing for (hotel,
resort, food service, and restaurant); there will be additional
keywords
the employer is looking for. A chef may want to use the
word "presentation", for example. A room cleaner would want to be sure
to
use the word "thorough" during the interview. A front desk manager
would
want to use the word "appearance". Develop your list accordingly.
Research will pay big dividends
Whether you are applying for a position in a hotel, resort community,
or a
position in food service; it is critical that you do your homework.
There
are three easy steps you can take to prepare for the application and
interview process.
-Research. Do an internet search, visit, or call to gather information.
It
will be beneficial to write keywords used in the web content or
conversation, to use when applying or interviewing.
-Apply. Tailor your resume and cover letter to meet the employer's
needs.
Use the information that you have gathered to write an effective
document
that will cause the employer to immediately take notice and call you in
for an interview.
-Interview. Become familiar with behavioral interviews. You can do an
internet search to obtain lists of potential questions. The key will be
to
know the typical formats and have a dozen rehearsed scenarios that you
can
tailor to the specific question at the interview.
What format should you use in relating scenarios?
Many employers will be listening for a simple three step response
format
to their questions; therefore you will want to frame your responses
accordingly. The format is knows as Situation-Action-Result (SAR).
-Situation-the employer wants a concise description of the setting and
circumstances that you are discussing.
-Action-the employer wants you to describe what action you took in the
situation.
-Result-the employer will be looking for the results. Using keywords
and
quantitative, measurable results will be very impressive!
Employers will be listening for how you reacted to the situation, what
action you took and the results. Be prepared to give at least one
example
of what might be perceived as an extremely difficult situation. Prepare
to
share about a negative situation that had a positive outcome.
What are the three types of questions in Behavioral Interviews?
-Open questions. These are questions that will allow you to use the SAR
format and answer in a clear and concise manner. The employer will
likely
follow up with additional probing questions, looking for signs that you
may not have been completely honest.
-Tell me about a time that you helped someone in need.
-Give an example of a situation that was uncomfortable for you.
-Relate an experience you have had as a part of a team.
-Closed questions. These are questions that are asked for the purpose
of
verifying something you may have indicated during the application
process
or earlier in the interview. The employer is looking for consistency in
your answers.
-You attended XYZ Institution, correct?
-You are able to begin next week, correct?
-You intend to live in this area for at least another year, correct?
-Why questions. These are questions that require you to give a logical
and
decisive explanation for a previous action. The employer is not judging
your action, but rather your ability to reason, logic and make a
decision.
-Why did you choose to apply here?
-Why have you changed jobs within the hospitality industry three times?
-Why did you leave your position at XYZ company?
You Are Ready
You have researched the company, located keywords, applied for the job
prepared a number of scenarios, and rehearsed answers to potential
questions. You are now ready to go to the Behavioral Interview with
confidence.
SOURCE: HCAREERS .....