Assertiveness

Assertive behavior questions also generate verbal and physical responses that can quickly reveal to interviewers candidate confidence levels. Confident candidates usually share in detail their stories of past assertive behavior and successes in a calm, clear and eager manner. Their confidence shows through body language such as steady eye contact, good posture and a smile. Un-confident candidates usually have difficulty answering questions and may not sound enthusiastic or provide clear details. Their lack of confidence can also show through body language such as poor eye contact, closed arms or a frown.

Without being assertive and letting others know of your skills and accomplishments, you will miss out many opportunities. Since no one is perfect, you will make mistakes occasionally. Own up to them and learn from them, then move on.

Even if you mess up once in a while, you will be respected far more for giving it your best shot than by not trying at all. As Wayne Gretzky, the hockey player said, You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

Evaluate the answer and try to see if the job seeker is intimidated by authority figures; are they prepared to protest something they do not believe in; are they able to see things from someone else's perspective.

Assertiveness is a way of communicating to others in a direct, open, and honest manner about your individual rights and needs. In communicating with others in an assertive way you are able to express who you are, to respect yourself, and to value your own opinions and beliefs. Assertiveness is never done in a way that violates the rights of others and does not involve hurting others in physical or emotional ways. The goal of assertiveness is effective communication and mutuality in relationships?equalizing the balance of power in relationships through giving and getting respect and leaving room for compromise when the rights and needs of two people conflict.