GRID / RESUME / BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWS

1.       Complete the Grid.

·         Build about 6 – 10 really good stories that can be applied to different attributes (leadership, creativity, etc.)

·         Practice telling them several times prior to interviewing using the following format.

SITUATION (Briefly describe the problem you faced)

ACTION (What did you do to fix the problem)

RESULT (What result did your actions accomplish)

Spend the bulk of the time on the ACTION and RESULT.

2.       General Grid / Resume / Behavioral Interview Tips

·         Focus on “I” not “We”.

·         Don’t save your best stories for last. Always start with the best ones and work down.

·         Always give specific examples rather than general descriptions.

·         Use examples from different experiences. Don’t just use one project or job.

·         Make sure you have conveyed your stories well to the interviewer. If not, use 1 or 2 minutes of question time to tie them together.

Example for Creativity/Innovation:

1.                   Situation:

·         Worked at P&G this summer on the Millstone Gourmet Coffee Brand.  Millstone is sold at grocery stores, primarily in the Northwest.  Starbucks, a "café" competitor, entered into grocery stores in April in 10 of our West Coast markets.  Problem: Starbucks was eating away at our market share.

2.                   Action:

·         Analyzed the data to find the intensity/seriousness of the problem.  Found that in some markets our share was down 10% from same time previous year.  Focused on innovative way to solve problem - partnering with independent coffee shops.  Idea:  They serve unique Millstone blends in their cafés, Millstone helps them with marketing.  Interviewed several independent owners and based on their needs, put together a sales plan.

3.                   Result:

·         Pitched the sales plan to a café in downtown Cincinnati. They agreed to the partnership and test market will begin in late Fall 1998.  The expected results:  Millstone will gain "café" equity and be able to compete on level ground with Starbucks in grocery because Millstone will be viewed as a café coffee.  After the test market is complete, the results will be evaluated and the plan will be rolled out on a regional level.  Our share numbers will return to the pre-Starbucks grocery level.  In addition, Millstone is now in a whole new channel.   This innovate plan allows Millstone to be a "café" coffee without P&G getting into the real estate business.

Practice talking through your resume.  For example:

·         What did you do at each job?  (Talk about a time you made a difference - don't just describe your job)

·         Why did you leave each job?  (Focus on positives - I had an opportunity elsewhere that I couldn't pass up, etc…If there aren't any positives then do not act bitter)

·         Why graduate school and why at this time?  (Specifically, how will graduate school help you achieve your goals?)

·         Why UT MBA?

·         What activities were you involved in before school and what in school?  (What did YOU specifically contribute?)

Build a credible story that shows a natural progression to your education and career decisions.