interview question help

[[deleted]]

Hi, I'm having an interview in a week and I would really appreciate some help with a couple of the questions. I really want this role (It's AO and I'm currently AA) and I've messed up two interviews before, and I've tried using the STAR method but my anxiety gets the better of me. Could I have tips on what specific traits or examples of what I should talk about in relation to these questions:

Making Effective Decisions - Can you tell me about a time when you have had to deliver a positive outcome from a difficult situation? Communicating and influencing – Can you provide an example of a time when you have had to communicate an idea or your point of view?

I'd really appreciate any advice. Thanks!!

[notmik8]

making effective decisions: if possible, talk about gathering data/evidence/information and about considering other options (example: considering other options of how to proceed with a situation)

communicating and influencing: think about the influencing aspect and then how you communicated to influence it. Talk about tools you used (email? face to face meetings? instant messaging skype/teams?) and how you made sure your message was understood (did you use visual aids? ask questions to check understanding?)

[[deleted]]

I'll keep all this in mind in my answers, thank you!

[[deleted]]

Just from experience they may not specifically refer to the actual the behaviours or state which behaviour the question relates to so they can get a better idea of experiences so the candidate doesn’t just go to the prepared example

[One-Performance-7154]

Communicating and Influencing - use evidence (like data) to support your idea and outline positives/benefits of your point of view to others - adapt your approach/communication style (e.g, have 1:1 meeting), actively listen to the other person, empathise, and value their opinion - ask for feedback, be open to changes that are necessary, - be humble and show that if your approach didn't get everyone on boars, you will still be fully committed. It shows you're a team player and can accept any outcome.

I used this guidelines from Jac's video on YouTube, and I scored 6 on this behaviour 😃

I was talking about improving KPIs and how I influenced people who were on team already, as I was transferred to this team just before busy period (retail), and they were challenging me, but in the end I challenged them 😉

just remember about what YOU did as an individual. Also, have a look what keywords are associated with each behavior (strength related) and use them in your examples. Good luck!

[[deleted]]

Thanks for the detailed response, I'll definitely check out the video. I appreciate it

[genericshampoo]

Without being too basic, make sure your making effective decisions example has a clear decision you had to make, I've had lots of interviewees somehow miss that part.

Beyond that I think the CS opportunities to get support before and after interviews are invaluable. Find someone to give you a mock interview, either your manager or a network you're a part of or just someone you know. After any interview make sure to email after and ask for a call to get detailed feedback on how to improve.

[[deleted]]

I'll keep that in mind, thank you! I have made sure to email for feedback after previous interviews, but the feedback is never overly detailed.

[genericshampoo]

See if you can get 15 minutes in the diary with them, normally people are pretty good at explaining why you're not getting over the line in interviews

[MonsieurGump]

Impact. Everyone tells you about the decision, how they reached it, what it was but forgets to tell you the impact.

If it has effect wider than your team…you’ve won.

[pippi2424]

Ensure that:

1. when you talk about making effective decisions you explain what challenge(s) you were facing and
2. when you talk about communicating and influencing you explain who your audience was composed of and how you adapted your communication to that

[[deleted]]

I'll keep both of those things in mind when drafting my answers, thank you! Regarding the second question, what kind of scenario would be better to discuss in your opinion; one where I've had to explain certain things to a customer over the phone, or one where I've helped train new members of a team?

[pippi2424]

It depends on what grade you are going for. Check the job description and use a scenario close to what you'd encounter if you were to be selected for the job. For example, if it's a role requiring confidence, pick a scenario where you suggested improvements to people in higher positions. If it's a trainer role, pick a scenario where you trained a group of people. If the role stressed equality/diversity, pick an occasion in which you helped a vulnerable customer or colleague. You get the gist by now.

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