The Obituary Model: Mastering the Personality Dimension of Job Interviews

An innovative communication exercise is presented that develops students’ ability to craft responses to behavioral-based job interview questions that assess whether a candidate’s personality is a fit with the job and company values. Synthesized from a range of historical biographical models, the techniques discussed furnish students with a critical skill: By tactfully employing anecdotes and vignettes in response to questions regarding personality, personal interests, and professional attitudes, students are taught how to add character and dimension to their credentials, direct the flow and direction of the interview, and vividly bolster their arguments for differentiation and selection.