The Interview Process

[Channizard]

So I wasn't -exactly- sure where to put this, but I thought I'd jam it in here and see if it fits.

In one week's time I go for one of the most, if not THE most, daunting interview I'll ever face. I've been plucked from a selection of people for an interview for WorkSafeBC. WorkSafeBC is the Workers Compensation Board of BC (Canada, der). The job entails the processing of reports, transcribing and forwarding information to claimants, doctors and employers, following up on claimants, and arranging appointments with Doctors. Highly organized job, unionized position, part Government. I count myself extremely fortunate to have found this at the tender age of 22.

Background: Over the last few months, after I had a leg surgery, I buckled down and started doing some online courses. I did some medical terminology, thinking next year I'll do Medical Transcription, because if there's anything I can do, it's type. Fast. And I'm not talking, using the entire length of my fingers to swarm over the keyboard. I'm a chicken pecker. I sit there, and use just my index, and seldom my middle and thumb, fingers and slash my way through words. I've done this, successfully and quickly, for 5 years or so.

So when I found an ad at an online job bank a month ago for WorkSafeBC as an office assistant, I, on a whim, applied. I didn't think my application would be taken seriously. I worked abroad in a bar when traveling, I worked at McDonalds 3 years ago after my first surgery when I needed money, and just previously I was in a Greek restaurant as a delivery driver.

But then I got the call.

They wanted to take me in for a skills assessment test. I researched what I could, and it was 2 hours of Word Precessing, Excel and Word simulations, alphanumeric coding and matching, and 3 timed typing tests. I felt confident about it... until I remembered 3 specifically wrong answers on the Excel processing. I worried, because that was the least lenient of the tests for wrong answers. Now what? I'll surely fail!

But then this afternoon I got the call again. I passed the tests and I'll be brought in for a behavioral interview with two major HR Regional and District Managers. Not your typical supervisor interview at McDonalds.

So why am I here? I have a week to prepare for this, but because of my job history, I've never been on a proper interview. I'm googling interview questions and samples but I've never actually experienced the interview process before. It's always been "You're available anytime? Low wage start? Okay, you start monday." Pretty low expectations, and I was always okay slumming it because I had to. But now I'm COMPLETELY ill-prepared for this.

What are some questions they may ask? What are some sample answers I should provide? What should I wear? Full blazer pant suit? Semi-formal-casual? What does that even mean?

I've got on a tangent... hopefully anyone who's waded through my mess with have ample enough advice for me. Any and all is appreciated!

 

[Lirael]

First of all, that's great news! Congrats! I wish you the best of luck in the interview.

They may ask you about where you see yourself within the company. What do you think you'll bring to them? What skills will you use to push things forward? Is there a particular task you're looking forward to?

They may give you mock situations and may ask how you would respond in each.
- How would you deal with a complaint?
- How would you prioritise your tasks (assuming you aren't given a strict and specific schedule)?
- How would you ensure the correct information is passed on to the correct client?
- What sort of language would you use in correspondance with clients?

They may ask you questions about the company itself; why do you think it's important?

At interviews like these, it's a great idea to find out a few things you can say about the company itself to show you've done some research and know what you're going to be doing. Find out something you like about the company and mention that if possible - show you're enthusiastic about working there. Tell them that you feel the role is important; add that you have organisational skills which will help you provide the best service possible.

If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

 

[Richard B Riddick]

The behavioural interview

Behavioural interview questions are based on the KSA statements of the position you applied for, though you may be tested for some KSA statements using a written test, role-play, case study, presentation, in-basket exercise, or other assessment method.The behavioural interview process is part of a larger recruitment strategy, and is not the sole determinant in awarding you a position. You must demonstrate sufficient competency in all KSA areas to be selected. The fundamental principle behind competency based recruitment is that the selection process is based on observable and measurable behaviours. Specific assessment tools are developed to measure each competency.

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The interview panel

The interview panel is generally comprised of two or three members, each of whom will take turns asking you pre-established questions. Members of the panel will take detailed notes of your responses.Behavioural interviews are based on the premise that past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour. Your interviewer will ask a series of questions designed to obtain job-specific information about your past experiences. The interviewer will ask for specific examples that demonstrate you possess the competencies required in the KSA statements.For example, you may be asked, “Tell me about a time when you were confronted by an angry customer.” This question asks you specifics about what you actually did, and therefore provides better information to a prospective manager about your ability to perform a given job.

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Some helpful hints for behavioural interviews:

• Listen carefully to each question, and don't be afraid of silence. Take time to think about your answer.
• Be detailed and specific. Remember to describe Situation — Action — Result.
• Stay focused and provide the information asked for in the question.
• RELAX! Even though interviews are stressful events for most of us, try to think of it as an exchange of information. There are no trickquestions!

http://www.worksafebc.com/careers/how_we_recruit/default.asp

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Sometimes, you can find a specific list of questions they ask via internet search, etc.

Good luck!

 

[Channizard]

Yah I've googled it and looked at the main site and came up with those same pages but it still wasn't 100% helpful.

I've been going over a lot of lists of popular interview questions and it's quite alarming how some of these would stump me.. had I not looked into this first. "Tell me about yourself".. Well I got a pet turtle and some birds.. "Okay bye."

I can look up as many interview questions as I possibly can, but at the same time I'm seeking out people who have been in clerical positions and have gone through the ringer once before.

But thanks, the encouragement is definitely appreciated!