Advanced Interviewing Techniques from Coursera

People interviewing for jobs today often fail because they are using yesterday's strategies. Recruiting technology has become more sophisticated, and the best employers are constantly changing the way interviews are done. This course gives you detailed strategies for handling tough competency-based, or behavioral, interviews so that you can communicate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that you have and that employers demand.

You will be able to:

1. Identify what the hiring organization is looking for in using behavioral interviewing techniques.

2. List the steps in the S.T.A.R. response strategy and apply the steps, using reasonably correct language, to respond to behavioral interview questions.

3. Use your responses to behavioral and competency-based questions to communicate your personal values.

4. Identify what the hiring organization is looking for in asking situational and wild-card interview questions.

5. List the steps in the P.R.E.P. and 5 W's response strategies and apply the steps, using reasonably correct language, to answer at least one wild-card and two situational interview questions.

6. Develop an optimal strategy for responding to the weaknesses question, based on recognizing why a hiring organization asks these questions.

7. Demonstrate your personal strengths and maturity through your responses to the weaknesses question.

8. Correctly apply hedging language to soften a negative and boosting language to emphasize a positive aspect of your professional and/or academic background.

9. Ask questions to determine how well an organization fits with your personality, career goals and salary objectives.

10. Ask questions that communicate your competencies and strengths.

11. Negotiate the best job offer and compensation package for yourself.

12. Perform successfully on telephone interviews.

What's inside

Syllabus

Answering "Tell Me About a Time..." Questions

In this module, you will learn how to respond to behavioral interview questions, also known as competency-based interview questions. You will learn to: differentiate competencies from skills, break down the thinking behind a hiring organization's use of this approach, contrast behavioral interview questions with traditional questions, identify the characteristics of a successful behavioral interview response, apply the S.T.A.R. response strategy to behavioral interview questions, recognize how behavioral interview responses show job competencies, respond to the three most common behavioral interview questions, and communicate benefits to the hiring organization through your responses

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Helps learners communicate their skills and abilities, which is crucial when job hunting

Covers questions asked during competency and behavioral interviews, also known as “Tell Me About a Time…” questions

Teaches how to respond to “What If…” questions, such as situational and hypothetical questions

Explores the advantages and disadvantages of various weaknesses, providing strategies for turning them into assets

Provides tips on handling the end of the interview, including asking questions and negotiating offers

Guides learners to handle phone interviews effectively, including how to use verbal communication

Reviews summary

Mastering job interview techniques

According to learners, this course provides practical, structured methods for navigating common job interview questions. Students particularly appreciate the detailed guidance on answering behavioral (STAR) and situational (PREP, 5 W's) questions, finding these frameworks highly effective for organizing their responses. Many also found the modules on negotiation and telephone interviews especially valuable. While providing a strong foundation, some students felt it was more foundational than truly 'advanced', suggesting it might be best suited for those newer to formal interviewing or looking for a structured refresher rather than deep dives into complex scenarios.

Instructor delivery style may vary in appeal.

"The instructor is knowledgeable, but the delivery can feel a bit dry at times."

"Content is excellent, but the pace and presentation might not suit everyone."

"Found the lectures clear, though not always the most engaging."

Valuable tips on asking questions and negotiating.

"The section on asking questions at the end of the interview and negotiating salary was worth the course alone."

"Learning how to negotiate effectively was a huge plus."

"Helpful strategies for making the end of the interview work in your favor."

Guidance on handling the 'biggest weakness' question.

"The module on answering the 'biggest weakness' question was particularly insightful."

"Gave me a much better approach to discussing weaknesses constructively."

"I learned how to turn this challenging question into an opportunity."

"The advice on using hedging and boosting language was excellent."

Techniques can be used immediately in interviews.

"I could immediately apply the techniques learned in my next interview."

"The strategies presented are very practical and ready to use."

"This course directly improved my performance in job interviews."

"Gave me actionable steps I could take right away."

Learn effective frameworks like STAR and PREP.

"The STAR method explanation was incredibly helpful for structuring my answers."

"Learning the PREP and 5 W's strategies gave me clear ways to tackle tricky situational questions."

"These frameworks provide a solid structure for crafting compelling responses."

"I feel much more confident knowing how to break down and answer behavioral questions."

Perceived as foundational, perhaps not truly 'advanced'.

"Good course, but for me, someone with some experience, it felt more like a solid review than 'advanced'."

"Probably most beneficial for those relatively new to structured interviewing."

"Provides a great base, but don't expect cutting-edge 'advanced' strategies if you're already experienced."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Advanced Interviewing Techniques with these activities:

Create a portfolio of your interview materials

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Organize and review your resume, cover letter, and other interview materials to ensure they are polished and highlight your qualifications effectively.

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Gather all of your interview materials in one place.
Review your materials carefully for any errors or areas for improvement.
Make any necessary updates or revisions.

Review "Hiring for Attitude", by Mark Murphy

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Review the key concepts in Mark Murphy's popular book on the importance of hiring for attitude to enhance your understanding of the hiring process.

View Hiring for Attitude (Pb) on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly and make notes on the main ideas.
Identify the key takeaways from each chapter and summarize them.
Consider how the concepts in the book apply to your own job search.

Develop a personalized elevator pitch

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Craft a concise and compelling elevator pitch that effectively communicates your skills, experience, and career goals.

Browse courses on Networking

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Brainstorm your key skills and experiences.
Write down your career goals.
Combine these elements into a brief, engaging pitch.

Four other activities

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Connect with professionals in your field

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Identify and reach out to individuals in your desired field to gain insights, build your network, and potentially secure mentorship opportunities.

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Attend industry events or join online communities.
Identify professionals whose work you admire.
Reach out to them via LinkedIn or email and express your interest in connecting.

Answer STAR Method practice questions

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Engage in repetitive exercises to refine your ability to answer STAR Method questions effectively, boosting your confidence and performance in job interviews.

Browse courses on Interviewing

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Gather a list of common STAR Method interview questions.
Practice answering these questions using the STAR Method.
Record yourself answering the questions and review your performance.

Practice STAR Method with Interview Cake

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Complete a series of online tutorials and exercises to master the STAR Method for answering behavioral interview questions.

Browse courses on Interviewing

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Sign up for an Interview Cake account.
Complete the STAR Method tutorial.
Practice answering behavioral interview questions using the STAR Method.

Join a mock interview group

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Collaborate with peers to conduct mock interviews and provide constructive feedback to each other, enhancing your interview skills.

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Find a group of peers who are also preparing for job interviews.
Schedule regular mock interview sessions.
Take turns interviewing each other and providing feedback.
Reflect on your own performance and the feedback you receive.

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced Interviewing Techniques will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are tasked with overseeing the lives of the employees within their organization, which includes onboarding, recruitment, benefits, and other HR duties. In order to make optimal hiring decisions, HR Managers regularly conduct interviews to select the best candidates. Advanced Interviewing Techniques can help HR Managers conduct interviews with confidence and determine which candidates are right for their organization by teaching them tactical responses to questions, the ability to identify a candidate's soft skills, and an understanding of appropriate questions to ask candidates.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Interviewer

Interviewers and HR Managers typically perform equal duties. Interviewers are needed in most organizations to conduct interviews for new employees or entry-level positions and may necessitate specialized and updated training on how to properly interview candidates. Advanced Interviewing Techniques can help Interviewers master the art of interviewing and interviewing techniques, making them a great asset to any HR department.

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Talent Acquisition Specialist

Talent Acquisition Specialists work to identify, interview, and onboard top talent for a company. In order to succeed, Talent Acquisition Specialists need mastery in modern interviewing techniques. Advanced Interviewing Techniques teaches modern, cutting-edge interviewing techniques that can help prepare Talent Acquisition Specialists to maximize their candidate pool.

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Recruiter

Recruiters may perform similar duties to HR Managers and Interviewers, but many Recruiters specialize in identifying and targeting talent in a specific industry. A command of interviewing techniques is necessary to succeed in this field. The concepts taught in Advanced Interviewing Techniques can help Recruiters master the art of interviewing, making them a great asset for any business.

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Career Counselor

Career Counselors guide individuals, typically students or recent graduates, through the process of career planning and the job search. As part of this process, Career Counselors may offer mock interviews and help prepare individuals for interviews. The ability to plan for an interview is vital to success. Advanced Interviewing Techniques can help Career Counselors teach the most up-to-date methods for interviewing and give students and graduates the necessary tools for career success.

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Training Manager

Training Managers are responsible for training and developing employees, including teaching valuable soft skills. Advanced Interviewing Techniques may be a helpful resource for a Training Manager looking to teach proper interviewing techniques to employees.

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Consultant

Consultants are often hired to help businesses with specific problems. Some consultants may specialize in human resources and helping companies to optimize employee recruitment and retention. Consultants who offer these services may benefit from the knowledge taught in Advanced Interviewing Techniques to help their clients during the interview process.

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Chief Executive Officer

CEOs typically oversee all facets of a company's operations, and while they may not personally conduct interviews, they often rely on HR managers to do so. Advanced Interviewing Techniques may be a helpful resource for CEOs interviewing for Assistants or C-suite level executives and may be a nice complement to the training of HR managers.

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Lawyer

Lawyers across all disciplines need to be strong communicators. Advanced Interviewing Techniques may be useful for lawyers who need to prepare for skills competency training.

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Teacher

Teachers need to be strong communicators. Advanced Interviewing Techniques may be useful for teachers who need to prepare for skills competency training.

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Doctor

Doctors need to be strong communicators. Advanced Interviewing Techniques may be useful for doctors who need to prepare for skills competency training.

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Chef

Chefs need to be strong communicators. Advanced Interviewing Techniques may be useful for chefs who need to prepare for skills competency training.

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Engineer

Architects need to be strong communicators. Advanced Interviewing Techniques may be useful for architects who need to prepare for skills competency training.

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Police Officer

Police Officers need to be strong communicators. Advanced Interviewing Techniques may be useful for police officers who need to prepare for skills competency training.

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Firefighter

Firefighters need to be strong communicators. Advanced Interviewing Techniques may be useful for firefighters who need to prepare for skills competency training.

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