If you are selected for an interview, it is natural to feel both excited and a bit nervous. This page offers valuable resources to help you prepare and make the most of this opportunity.
On this page
Behavioural-based interviews
Strathcona County uses an interview method called behavioural-based interviews to determine the best candidate for a job.
Behavioural-based interviews are a method of interviewing used to learn about you, your experience and knowledge. Interview questions ask you to provide examples of how you handled a situation in your past, as a good predictor of how you will handle a similar situation in the future.
An interview panel usually includes two or three interviewers. Typically, this is the immediate supervisor, Human Resources and/or one or two people from the branch or department.
Preparing for the interview
Prepare for the interview by focusing on the responsibilities of the job and list the skills required for each task. What are the key components of the job? What work-specific, transferable and personal management skills are required to do the work well?
Compare the job ad to your resume and align your skills, experiences and achievements with the key components of the job. Consider all your experiences through work, school, team/sports activities, volunteer work or personal experiences.
The types of interview questions you will be asked will depend on the requirements of the position you are being interviewed for and the competencies needed to be successful. The situations you describe do not have to be directly related to work; they may be related to leisure activities, volunteer work or school projects. Reflect on your experiences and identify relevant examples.
Competencies
Competencies describe the behaviours that enable employees to be successful in their role, regardless of their level in the organization. Think of them as the “what” and “how” of our job performance.
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Accountability: The ability to take ownership for outcomes, decisions and accept personal responsibility.
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Communication: The ability to interpret, translate and convey messages both verbally and written with clarity. Actively listen; encourage discussion and deliver and receive constructive feedback.
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Emotional intelligence: The ability to demonstrate self-awareness, emotional control and understanding other’s strengths, limits and potential.
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Influence: The ability to inspire action and to navigate or de-escalate conflict situations and changing environments.
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Integrity: The ability to demonstrate ethical standards and behaviours.
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Service Excellence: The ability and willingness to provide responsive, proactive, knowledgeable actions and recommendations to exceed customer expectations. Internal and external customers' needs are the primary focus of activity within the context of the County’s priorities, policies and service delivery standards.
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Strategic thinking: The ability to establish a course of action to accomplish a long-range goal or vision.
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Systems thinking: The ability to consider inter-relationships as well as implications (unintended consequences) of different options from a people and organizational perspective.
The STAR Method
Practice using the STAR method to structure your responses.
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It is a structured approach to answering behavioural-based interview questions and helps you provide clear and concise responses.
Interview tips
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Print off and review the posting prior to the closing date, in the event you are called for an interview. Postings are no longer available to view after the closing date.
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Be specific in your responses and provide concrete, relevant examples.
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Use positive language and focus on your strengths.
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Listen carefully to the question and stay on topic.
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Be honest and authentic in your responses.
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Practice nonverbal communication, paying attention to your body language, maintaining eye contact, using a firm handshake and having good posture.
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Show enthusiasm, displaying genuine interest in the opportunity. Express your passion for Strathcona County.
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Stay calm and confident, take deep breaths, maintain a positive attitude and exude confidence throughout the interview.
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Use “I” rather than “we”, “us”, “they” or “our.” After all, the interview is about you.
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If you do not understand the question, ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify.
Learn about Strathcona County
To help prepare for the interview, learn about Strathcona County and the culture of our organization:
