Mastering
Behavioral Interviews
by Laura Wisniewski
Does your heart race, palms sweat, or your stomach feel queasy just thinking about going on an interview? Interviews can
be extremely intimidating to the unprepared. It may seem as if you are in court and about to be cross examined by the prosecuting
attorney. Competition is fierce for many positions. Your preparation prior to the interview is vital to your success during
the interview.
An interview is a screening process used to determine a “right fit”. The interviewer represents the interests
of the organization and is charged with securing potentially successful candidates. Your role is to present yourself effectively,
while simultaneously considering your career objectives.
Whether you are interviewing for nursing school, your first job as a nurse or a new position within your organization;
understanding behavioral interviewing techniques will assist you toward achieving your goals.
About behavioral interviews
Behavioral interviews
are the most common form of interview utilized in healthcare. Candidates are presented scenarios or hypothetical situations
and evaluated based on their responses. Research has shown this to be eight times more accurate in predicting future performance
than simply asking; “Tell me about yourself”.
The situation may be presented as a question or begin with one of the following statements: tell me about a
time, describe how you handled, or give an example.
Some
specific examples are: Why did you choose nursing as a profession? Describe what you think a typical workday for a nurse is
like? Tell me about a time that you had gotten in over your head during a project. How did you handle a problem with a difficult
coworker? Give an example of when you went above and beyond what was required. If you witnessed an employee stealing from
the organization, what would you do?
Key skills and traits being evaluated are communication, teamwork, initiative, critical thinking, conflict
resolution, flexibility, stability and ethics. How you conduct yourself during the interview process is equally important
as what you say. Short answers, being unable to think of an example, blaming others, grandstanding, or canned responses are
red flags for interviewers.
Do interviewers expect a “perfect” track record? No, they are looking for high levels of self awareness, acceptance
of responsibility, and the ability to learn from past experience.
Before the interview
Prepare for the interview by reviewing your career, highlighting your successes and any obstacles that you
have overcome. If you are a nursing school candidate or new nurse, prepare examples based on your experiences
in school or other jobs you may have had. Write down potential responses and role play with a friend or family member. However,
do not over rehearse or bring a script with you to the interview.
Do your homework and research the school, organization or position. Be prepared to ask relevant questions.
The day before, get enough rest and engage in a stress relieving activity such as taking a walk or reading. As always, follow
the basics for successful interviewing such as professional dress, arriving early and displaying courtesy to the staff.
During the interview
In addition to maintaining
eye contact and demonstrating confident body language, employ the following method for presenting your answers. After hearing
the question or situation, take a moment to formulate your response. This can be accomplished by paraphrasing or repeating
the question. Blurting out the first thing that may come to mind could be disastrous. When formulating
your response use the S-T-A-R method.
The S-T-A-R method:
Situation or Task: Briefly describe the situation. Give enough information to set the stage without over doing
the details.
Action you took: How did you respond the situation or challenge? What did you say or do?
Result:
Did your actions lead to a positive outcome? If not, what did you learn from the
situation and what would you do differently?
After the interview
Resume your normal activities. Interviewing is hard work. Reward yourself for moving beyond your comfort zone.
Give yourself at least a day before attempting to evaluate your performance during the interview. Tomorrow when your adrenalin
level has returned normal, you will be able think more objectively.
Congratulations, you have been accepted into nursing school or offered the job of your dreams! Your hard work
and determination have paid off. Celebrate your victory.
The next time
Perhaps, this time you were not offered the position. After the selection process is completed, when asked,
most interviewers are willing to provide feedback. Asking for and accepting feedback will rapidly accelerate your professional
development.
Potential questions to
ask would be: What qualities or skills does the ideal candidate possess? What would you recommend that I improve? Do you have
any other suggestions? Let it be known that you are interested in reapplying in the future. Thank the interviewer for their
time and feedback.
There will always be
a next time. Remain prepared for the many transitions over the course of your nursing career. Change will periodically manifest
itself in the form of job opportunities, organizational redesign, life stages or a new career path.
Keep your interviewing skills sharp
and available for the next opportunity. Participate on panel interviews for new team members. In addition to observing behavioral
interviewing techniques first hand, you will have input into the selection process.
Keep moving toward your goals
Mastering these steps will significantly increase your probability
of success. Each new skill or technique moves you a step closer to attaining your goals. Matching your
unique skills and talents with the right opportunities, benefits both your career and healthcare.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Laura Wisniewski RN, BS, CIC is an education specialist, member of the National Speaker's Association
and owner of Nursing Voice Communications. Contact Laura Wisniewski at laura@nursingvoice.com
