Behavorial interviews tend to focus more on scenarios and specifics.  For example, instead of asking you "What is your strength?," I might ask "Tell me about a time when you used your strengh."  As far as the actual questions they'll ask, nobody can tell you that because there are a bizillion from which to choose.  But you will definitely get some of the old standards used in any interview.

Now as far as that recruiter goes, I don't personally think he or she was being nasty or condesending.  He or she either focuses more on customer service jobs and/or think you're cut out for it.  Can't say for sure because I didn't hear or read everything he or she said, but I don't really think it was meant to be negative.

Now I don't know where you live, but as someone who teaches business and accounting, I can tell you that accounting is very hot right now.  And somebody even with an Associates Degree is finding employment, so I'm very surprised that you're unable to find something more accounting-related.

But either way, if you can get your foot in the door with a company that has other departments or positions where you can use your accounting and business knowledge, then it's worth it.  Perfect example: Many years ago, I had work in a clerical support role and because of my having a business degree, I was able to incorporate some other activities into the job that were related to my degree.  My point is that sometimes, we bring our degree knowlege into parts of the job where others didn't think or weren't able to do it.  In my case, I added some marketing and researching elements to the job.  The other assistants didn't know how to do this, nor even thought of doing it.  And as a result of my actions, they created a market research position and moved me into it.

The most important thing to remember is that you may not use your degree or training right away, which is the ideal.  But that doesn't mean it goes to waste or won't be used in the future.  A degree in accounting does help when it comes to moving into management because you're better able to read and intepret financial reports, like P&L.

know one that started out as a clerk in accounting andthe accounting mgr moved them into a jr. accountingposition (while they finished getting degree).   Anotherstarted at one company as entry level tech and then with thatexperience, found another job with more room to grow.   Might wantto look into AP or AR type jobs.    I think it's worthinvestigating every lead..... and it's best to avoid taking this stuffpersonal.   If they get a little pushy and the job is not what youwant, then stay calm and say "no thank you".  Then see if you canget them to look for what you want .   They may not haveanything in the area you want. 


good luck...

It  sounds to me , that you're very well diversly educated, that's amazing!!!!I know it wasn't easy w/ all your sacrifices to further your education!!!It should open alot of unique doors for you, don't give up on goals & dreams, if I can do it, so can you!!!Don't worry, you'll make it, you're a mom/housewife!!!Now i'm looking into getting a store front, soon!! We all have different journeys, & stories to tell!!!I salute you for your courage & strength to others!!! Good luck!!!

Thanks for all of your comments.  My interview went very well.....it was not as difficult as I expected.

I did get hired as the CSR.....measly $9.50 per hour .  That is the most upsetting part after how hard I worked for my degrees.  I AM WORTH MORE THAN $9.50 per hour !!!  But it's a job .... got to pay the bills, ya know.

It is a very nice place to work with good benefits.

The hours really suck 11:30AM to 8:00PM Monday thru Friday.  I also throw newspapers 7 days a week....wake up at 2:00AM Monday thru Saturday & at midnite to do the "humongous" Sunday papers (about 335 of them!!)  Seems like all I do is work and sleep right now.

Thanks again.......life goes on!

alp

 

A good recruiter or hiring manager will give you a few minutes to think.  Take these minutes to think because the purpose of the behavioral interview is to catch you off guard with a less than perfect response.  I have had candidates inadvertently tell me that they were hard to get along with, hard to manage, or got fired from their last job for insubordination. 

Research the company and its reputation prior to your interview.  Don't overprepare your responses or you will sound fake.  When asked negative questions like, "Tell me about your least favorite boss," think of a time when you personally achieved a win-win outcome with a bad supervisor.  Also you can explain negative situations objectively by removing negative adjectives.  For example, instead of "I left my last position because of poor management."  instead state, "I left my last position because my contributions to the team did not align with the direction management was moving towards.  I am interested in your company because your team has a great reputation for [career advancement, additional training opportunities, dynamic projects, etc] "  The second statement shows that you are a team player who respects authority even if authority did not respect you. 

Don't give the interviewer a negative attitude when asked a tough question, always spin the tough questions with positive responses, show him/her that you strive for negotiating a win-win outcome.  Hope this helps.   

Moreover, don't take it personally if you do not get the job.  If you are not a fit, you are not a fit, and you are probably better off not being in a work environment that does not suit you.