Integrys Energy Group

Interviewing at Integrys

What is Behavioral Based Interviewing?

Behavior Based interviewing focuses on experiences, behaviors, knowledge, skills and abilities that are job related. It is based on the belief that past behavior and performance predicts future behavior and performance. In behavioral based interviews, you are asked to give specific examples of when you demonstrated particular behaviors or skills. You may use work experience, activities, hobbies, volunteer work, or school projects as examples of your past behavior.

How can I best answer Behavioral-Based Questions?

Interviewers will be looking for three parts in your responses to the behavioral based questions.

First, explain the specifics about the circumstance that you were involved in.
Next, describe the actions you took in that circumstance.
Finally, tell what results followed due to your actions?

Keys to responding well to these types of questions are:

Use one specific example, not a general or vague example.
Don't describe how you would behave. Describe how you actually did behave. If you later decided that you should have behaved differently, explain this. It will show that you have learned from the experience.

Example Question/Answer

Give me an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult client or customer? What did you do?

Circumstances: Describe the circumstances in enough detail so the interviewer can fully understand your role.: "A client called with a complaint about the work of one of the consulting teams that reports to me. He said that the team hadn't completed its task because its final recommendations failed to address the staff increases that would be necessary to manage the project as outlined."
Actions: Describe the action you took.: "I very politely asked him if he'd like to review the contract, explaining that according to the original agreement, staffing considerations weren't a concern. He began arguing that there was no need for modifications and that if we were good consultants we would've prepared a quality report. Again, I reminded him of the limitations the contract placed on the team. I then assured him that if he'd like to have additional recommendations included, we could do so within a reasonable amount of time. I followed up by faxing him my understanding of the arrangement, along with a copy of the original contract. I also sent a copy to the consulting team to alert them."
Result: Describe the results, quantifying them whenever possible.: "The consulting team was able to rework its report to include the additional staffing that would be necessary. The team leader delivered the final report in person and had a brief discussion with the client. The client was impressed by the personal service and quick turnaround. He has since contracted with us to manage the project implementation."