This is an audio recording, and transcript, of a behavioral interview. The candidate is a national VISTA recruit, based in New York, who is willing to relocate to Chicago for her service year. Before the interview, the candidate was given some questions to think about, was told the interview would take about 40 minutes, and was informed that she would be interviewed by only one person. She was also advised that she would be expected to ask questions at the end.
As you listen to this file think about:
What in the interview worked?
What were the challenges?
What strategies did the interviewer use?
What strategies could you incorporate into your own interviews?
This resource was created by the Northwest Regional Educational Lab (NWREL) and Bank Street College (BSC) training team. NWREL/BSC has been a Training and Technical Assistance provider for AmeriCorps VISTA since 1998. They design and deliver the Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) and the Supervisor Orientation (SO), as well as other events.
NWREL/BSC uses this recording in the Supervisor Orientation to help new VISTA supervisors prepare to interview VISTA candidates.
Use this resource to:
See a behavioral interview in action
Identify the types of questions asked in an behavioral interview
Plan your interview
Click the play button to hear a sample audio interview
Ask the right questions for the information you need
This resource was created by the Northwest Regional Educational Lab (NWREL) and Bank Street College (BSC) training team. NWREL/BSC has been a Training and Technical Assistance provider for AmeriCorps VISTA since 1998. They design and deliver the Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) and the Supervisor Orientation (SO), as well as other events.
NWREL/BSC uses this handout in the Supervisor Orientation to help new VISTA supervisors prepare to interview new VISTA candidates.
Use this resource to:
Identify the types of questions asked in an behavioral interview
RARE (Resource Assistance to Rural Environments) uses these questions when interviewing applicants for its sites. The form includes several "scenarios" that help determine whether the candidate is a good match for the communities and situations RARE deals with.
RARE helps rural communities increase their capacity to improve economic, social, and environmental conditions. Members-college graduates with individual placements-live in the communities they serve.
The Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) AmeriCorps program uses these questions when interviewing prospective members. The form also has tips for the interviewer on what to look for in rating the answers and the candidate's suitability for placement.
FWPS provides tutoring and civic leadership training to school children through individual placements; many members are age 50 and above.
LISC is an AmeriCorps National Direct Program based in New York City that focuses on increasing affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate income families.
The Northwest Service Academy Lower Columbia Center (NWSA/ LCC) uses this form when screening and interviewing applicants. It includes questions that help the interviewer determine if there's a good match and whether the candidate is better suited for a field or individual placement.
NWSA addresses critical environmental and educational needs, partnering with 125 community agencies, with members serving in individual placements or on field teams.
This resource, from the Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), outlines procedures to follow before, during, and after an applicant interview.
NWSA addresses critical environmental and educational needs, partnering with 125 community agencies, with members serving in individual placements or on field teams.
Get to know your applicant before in-person interviews
The Washington Reading Corps (WRC) uses this checklist when conducting phone interviews of applicants. It helps them track whether applicants:
Meet the basic requirements for national service
Have appropriate expectations for their service year
Have the necessary skills and experience
WRC provides tutoring services and collaborates with community partners to improve student achievement. It uses VISTA and state and national AmeriCorps members in team placements.
