Career Center

Behavioral Interview questions are designed to provide you an opportunity to describe the work you’ve performed and the skills you’ve demonstrated that you’ve expertly outlined on your resume. Interviews can make even the most confident person nerve-wracked, so we recommend following these tips to help you prepare:

1. Research behavioral interview question samples – there are many of them posted on the internet- and select 10 random questions. One example: Tell us about a time when your priorities changed quickly. How did you respond and what was the outcome?
2. Review your resume and jot down the examples that most significantly relate to each question. Think STAR: Identify a situation or task, describe the action, what was the result.
3. Once you’ve identified the examples, rehearse your answer with a trusted friend. Ask them –“Does my answer relate to the question?” and “What was missing? Did I talk too long?”
4. Be direct and descriptive in your answer. Keep your responses brief and then ask your interviewer. “did I provide enough information?" This opens the door for follow up questions (which they’re already thinking about) or they can move on to the next question. Asking an open-ended question keeps the flow going and minimizes the “awkward silence”.
5. Be professional, be honest, don’t give personal examples, and smile!

It’s important to remember that you have a small window of time to get the interest of a hiring manager. Therefore, develop a resume that is focused and brief (1 to 2 or 3 pages depending upon experience and level of position). A lengthy resume doesn’t necessarily translate to higher qualifications. Here are some additional suggestions to help you develop your winning resume:

1. Start by determining your objectives. What sort of a job do you want? Research and know what skill-set and experience is needed to do well in that job. After your objectives are determined, prioritize the content of your resume to suit those objectives.
2. Be honest. Use creativity wisely; don’t over-embellish.
3. Use short bulleted sentences to describe your job duties for each position you’ve held.
4. Use action words like prepared, managed, developed, directed, monitored, and presented- they will cause your resume to stand out. Avoid using the same verb over and over.
5. Make a connection with the job opening. When describing your experience use key words from the job posting. Customize your resume to the job posting each time you apply.
6. Use %, $ and #’s to help your resume stand out. For example: Managed 15 strategic accounts billing in excess of $15MM annually. List achievements.
7. Highlight your strengths. Before listing your work experience, insert a professional profile section with a bulleted list of your key technical and behavioral strengths that relate to the position.
8. White space. White space is good. It allows the reader to more easily review the information and grab their attention.
9. Standardize font type throughout your resume and use standard type like sans-serif.
10. Get third-party advice. Have someone you trust proof-read your resume and give you feedback. Encourage them to ask you questions; revise your resume as needed.

Keep a positive attitude throughout your job search. Apply to positions that are a match to your skills and interview as much as possible. You’ll build confidence and ultimately land that perfect job!

All applicants will be required to consent to a Background Check to verify: Social Security number, past 10 years and current work experience, county and state criminal record, and education.

Finance positions also require a credit check.

Satisfactory completion of the background check does not indicate a job offer will be made. All final hiring decisions will be made by the department manager, interview panel, and Human Resources.