Second Try, “I felt so much more prepared and thought to myself, Man, I nailed it.”

Carole:

I just wanted to let you know that I passed Phase II and I am going through the polygraph, medical exam, etc. I have to say that thanks to you I actually smiled when I walked out of the interview this year. Last year I just wanted to cry.

Comment posted on my LinkedIn profile

“I bet she could get a “goldfish” through the FBI interview.”

I felt so much more prepared and thought to myself, “Man, I nailed it. If that doesn’t get me a passing score, I do not know what will”. I know that may sound cocky, but I had to make myself pause before answering the question to not give the impression that everything was rehearsed.

There was only one question that took me by surprise. When answering the question, I stuck to your 20/60/20 rule and remembered you saying use basic problem solving skills if I get stuck. I was able to incorporate the logic behind the “planning an event” question to give what I felt was a great answer.

Also, you will be proud of this, I was asked very few clarifying/probing questions. The few questions asked were very benign (e.g. “Wow you did all that, did you get paid any extra money?). Last year the clarifying questions felt like nails in my coffin.

Thank you for all of your help. I can truly say that I was VERY prepared and it was money well spent.

FEDERAL AGENCY INTERVIEW

NOW I realize that the first time I completed and failed this interview years ago, I was not prepared.
Therefore, the interview seemed tremendous and tedious last time.

However, this time I felt almost as if I needed more time to talk, because I had so much to say! I felt
more confident and comfortable, thanks to your help and expertise.

Yesterday, one day after the interview, I received a call saying that I passed the interview!! I could not
believe it!

Our preparation that went into this interview was clearly worth it.

You are phenomenal at what you do; and I will be recommending you to anyone I know that struggles
with interviews, or needs a refresher.

You helped me to understand how to set up my stories, speak with confidence, and be overly prepared. Your guidance helped me in achieving this lifelong dream of mine, and I will always be thankful. Every college needs to have courses with your coaching and guidance; I believe it would be extremely beneficial.

From the coach:

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWING IS ABOUT “TELLING STORIES.”

A TIME WHEN…A SITUATION…A SUCCESS/FAILURE.

WRITING STORIES – MATCHING THE STORY WITH THE FACTOR  IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. THE FACTOR MUST MATCH THE ACTION YOU ARE ATTEMPTING TO SHOW DEMONSTRATING IN THE STORY.

While you are learning the technique of behavioral interviewing, I suggest using “one factor” per story.

Later when you are more at ease with the skill, we will work on moving your stories around.