Performance Based Interviewing (PBI)

Interview Process

PBI gives you, the candidate, the opportunity to demonstrate why you are right for the job. Before going to an interview, it is important to understand the process and prepare to present your best self to the interviewers.

This page provides tips that may help you before, during, and after the interview. Today, many interviews are conducted virtually using video conferencing software, such as Microsoft Teams. Knowing how an online or face-to-face interview may differ can help you do your best to show you are the most qualified candidate.

Before the Interview

• Review the job duties, qualifications, competencies, and requirements from the job posting so you are familiar with the details of the position. Research the VA, so you have a better understanding of the agency’s mission, goals, and the type of employees they are looking for.
• Review your prior work and educational experiences to understand how they match the job requirements. Think of critical tasks or projects from your past. Be prepared to showcase your accomplishments with specific examples of performance.
• Identify a past work experience or project that demonstrates multiple technical and soft skills. Practice the sequencing of the story so it is easy for the interviewer to follow and emphasize your varied skill set.
• Practice your interviewing skills. It is helpful to practice answering interview questions prior to the actual interview. It is natural to feel anxious prior to an interview, but practicing can ease your worries.
• View the interview as a conversation between you and the interviewers where you are gathering valuable information to help you make the best career choice possible.
• For online interviews – Test your computer system to ensure you can log in to the interview site or software. You do not want to experience difficulties at the time of the interview. Be prepared to be on camera – wear professional business attire and take the interview in a neat room or use a professional background. Find a quiet room free from distractions and noise so you can give the interview your full attention.
• For in-person interviews – Make sure you know the room and location of the interview. Map out how long it will take you travel to the location to ensure you are on time.

During the Interview

• Listen carefully to each question and ask for clarification if necessary.
• Talk about yourself using specific examples of how you applied your knowledge, skills, and abilities to important work situations. Structuring your answers to have a clear beginning, middle, and end can make your responses complete and easy to follow. Using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR); Problem, Action, Result (PAR); Situation, Obstacle, Action, Result (SOAR); or Context, Challenge, Action, Result (CCAR) strategy when answering questions can help make sure you provide a complete response. For more help on using these techniques, a quick internet search of these terms will provide multiple resources for further information.
• Take a few moments to construct your response. Be willing to take a few moments to think of a response instead of answering right away. Pausing briefly will give you time to think, reflect, and compose your response.
• Be honest but not modest when describing your qualifications. Highlight the valuable skills and experiences you have gained to show the interviewer you are the best candidate for the job. Be sure to take credit for your work with “I” statements, when warranted.
• Speak slowly so the interviewer may understand you.
• At the conclusion of the interview, you will often be given an opportunity to ask questions. Make use of the time by asking questions about the organization or the position if you would like more information. Reiterate your interest in the position and ask questions that demonstrate your knowledge of, and interest in, the organization and position.
• You can also touch on qualifications you did not have a chance to discuss and inquire about the next stage in the process. Thank the interviewers for their time.

After the Interview

• Do not expect to receive a job offer during the interview. Hiring managers will only decide once they have interviewed and rated all candidates. Human Resources will notify you of the results once a selection has been made.
• Send a follow-up email to the interviewer(s) thanking them for their time and to reiterate your interest in the position.
• Make sure your references are up to date. They will likely be contacted after the interview process, and they should be aware that they may be contacted soon.
• Have patience with the process – there often many candidates to review for each position and reference information to collect before a tentative offer can be made.

return to top