It’s a well-known fact that a candidate’s past performance serves as a strong indicator of future performance. By asking candidates to elaborate upon their prior professional experiences, employers can assess whether the applicants possess the requisite skills for the position, and they can determine the applicant’s potential for success. Behavioral interview questions provide an opportunity to connect current skills and knowledge with the core competencies of the position.

Behavioral interviewing and pre-employment tests such as personality tests and psychometric assessments are popular and mainstream modes of job hiring. They are considered as one of the most effective methods to measure an applicant's ‘fit’ or match for a position.

Employers such as AT&T and Accenture have been using these methods since the 1970s, and because increasing numbers of employers are using behavior-based methods to screen job candidates, understanding what are the top characteristics that the employer is looking for is a crucial job-hunting skill. We would like to call your attention to the ten behaviors that HR managers think consistently identify a person who will likely be successful in their work.

Achievement Drive

Measures the willingness of an individual to accomplish the task at hand in a professional and proficient manner. This is a necessary and useful skill to utilize when working in sales and in a competitive atmosphere. In general, the presence of one’s achievement drive will determine whether or not they are consistently able to reach and accomplish their goals.

Assertiveness

Determining the ability and willingness of an individual to speak their mind and take control of a situation, especially when there are many people present, say what they are thinking, and act swiftly in a given situation. This skill is helpful in managerial positions, and when leadership is necessary.

Flexibility

Measures the degree to which an individual is likely and able to analyze as well as adapt to unexpected circumstances while remaining open-minded rather than stubborn. A flexible person can think on their toes and remain calm in the face of chaotic circumstances. Improvisation is one of their greatest learned skills. This skill is helpful for those working in fast-paced jobs.

Helping Disposition

Measures the (usually) inherent desire of a person to go out of his or her way to help someone in need. A person with a relatively high helping disposition will naturally notice and tend to others’ needs just as they would address their own needs. This skill is helpful in most, if not all, jobs.

Leadership

Measures the interest and necessary disposition of a person to assert themselves and take control of a situation. Leadership is essential in jobs that require management and collaboration. Supervisors, managers, group leaders, and self-motivated persons need leadership skills to be successful.

Reliability

Determines the ability of a person to be dependable, consistent, and conscious about the quality and content of their work. Persons with reliability consistently complete their work on time, act with integrity, and maintain their co-workers’ trust. Reliability is a key factor in obtaining job success.

Rules Compliance

Measures the degree to which an individual is likely to adhere to and follow company policies, rules, and procedures as established by management. Rules compliance is especially important for jobs requiring a great deal of trust, such as government positions, those dealing with cash flow, and positions of authority.

Self Confidence

Measures the ability and self-esteem of an individual to carry themselves with dignity and courage. Persons who are self-confident acknowledge what others think of them but are not overly affected by what they are hearing; they are able to speak their minds, act on their decisions, and assert themselves boldly in situations.

Team Player

Determines one’s ability to work effectively alongside and in unison with others in a collaborative environment. A team player will listen to and utilize the ideas of others just as they would their own; he or she works with others to achieve a common goal. This skill is necessary for nearly all working environments.

Trustworthiness

It measures a person’s ability to maintain integrity and conduct themselves in an honorable manner both inside and outside the workplace. A trustworthy person brings unity and a sense of cohesiveness to a working environment. This is a commendable and necessary skill in all working environments.

The possible number of unique behavioral interview or assessment questions is only limited by the imagination of the interviewer, so we’ve included a few tips here on jobget.com or simply Google “Behavioral Interview Questions” to give you an idea of what you’re up against.