Knowing how to navigate behavioral interviewing could make the difference in landing your next job.
Have you applied for a dental job recently and learned they are doing something called “behavioral interviewing?” It isn’t the typical old-school questions about weaknesses or strengths. Now, they are asking for examples of what you have done in the past. Why? Because past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.
Before you get all nervous about this style of interviewing, think about how it actually takes pressure off of you. You get to tell stories of your choosing. But, you need to be prepared.
So, how does one prepare to answer behavioral interviewing questions? Answers should be two to three minutes in length. Going on and on isn’t in your best interest. Some places use a STAR response. This is very helpful, because it keeps you focused when you are interviewing. Keep in mind; some practices are scoring your answers based on that style of answering. Yes, there is a whole point system, and you don’t even realize that.
Related reading: 5 tips for langing the perfect job
What is a STAR response?
S- Situation. Explain a situation briefly that answers the question.
T-Task. What was the task at hand?
A-Action. What was the action that you took?
R-Results. What were the results (positive) results that you got?
Some interviewees literally say the words, “The situation was… The task at hand was … The action I took was… and the results were…” I tend to do it that as a way to keep me focused as well as to make it easier for the interviewer. Sometimes applicants forget to tell the results. (Make sure that they are positive results.) Think about it: You control what you share.
You are probably wondering at this point what a behavioral interview question looks like. Here are 10 that have been used in my interviews.
More from the author: Do you really want THAT dental job?
Go online and Google behavioral interviewing to get more questions to practice with. My recommendation is that when you are going to have an interview, practice ahead and make the interview much easier. You will be surprised how easy it is to plug your four or five stories into their questions instead of having to answer on the spot. Also, practice mock interviewing with your friends, family, or colleagues. The more you practice the better you will be at behavioral interviewing.
Email me at diana2@discussdirectives.com to share your behavioral interviewing experiences.
Episode 31: Dentsply Sirona Implant Announcements
September 30th 2021DPR’s Editorial Director Noah Levine sat down with Gene Dorff, Dentsply Sirona’s group vice president of implants and Dr. Dan Butterman to review several big announcements the company made in the arena of implants during Dentsply Sirona World 2021 in Las Vegas.