With Q1 in full swing, the busiest hiring months of the year are here. If you're actively looking, have you brushed up on your interview skills yet? Taking the time to refine your approach can make a big difference—not just for you as a candidate, but also for the recruiter evaluating your fit for the role.
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, demoralizing even, as put by one candidate I spoke with this week. As professional-interviewers, recruiters do understand the leap of faith that candidates take when gushing out their career experiences and hopes to a stranger over the phone. We understand the sensitivity of sharing that information, as well as the urgency behind a person that has been searching hard for the right opportunity. It is tough out there for candidates, especially recently, and we see that.
Let's talk about how to "hack" the interviewing process to alleviate some of the anxiety that comes along with wanting to have the right answers. This strategy helps you feel more confident, and is the most helpful to recruiters as they try to assess the fit.
A great way to keep your responses structured and to the point is by using the STAR method:
Situation – Briefly describe the context.
Task – Explain the challenge or responsibility you faced.
Action – Highlight the specific steps you took.
Result – Share the outcome, ideally with measurable success.
See the end of the article for a sample interview question and a STAR response.
For example, if asked about a time you solved a problem at work, don't spend a large chunk of time setting up the scenario or giving details that are not fully necessary to answer the question. The best approach is to quickly lay out the situation and move on to what you did and what the result was. It’s easy to go off on a tangent, especially when nervous. If you catch yourself veering away from the original question, pause and bring your answer back to the main point. Focus on what’s relevant to the role and avoid unnecessary details.
Another key is to try not to deliver a long introduction or pitch at the start of the call. While recruiters understand the enthusiasm, they usually have specific questions prepared, and this often takes up valuable time. It can sometimes feel like the conversation is off track right from the start. Let the interviewer guide the conversation, and be mindful of time and staying on topic.
Being well-prepared for interviews can make all the difference. The STAR method helps you gain confidence and stay on track, and gives recruiters the clarity they need to assess your fit for the role. Keep your responses focused, stay mindful of time, and let the conversation flow naturally!
Example:
Question: "Can you describe a time when you had to solve a complex problem at work?"
STAR Response:
Situation: At my previous job as a project manager, our team faced a significant issue when a key client requested a last-minute change to their project, which would delay the timeline and increase costs.
Task: I was responsible for managing the project timeline and ensuring that the client’s needs were met without sacrificing quality or exceeding the budget.
Action: I immediately organized a meeting with the team to assess the impact of the changes. I worked closely with the design and production departments to identify any potential bottlenecks and prioritize tasks. I also communicated directly with the client to manage expectations and suggested alternative solutions that would allow us to deliver the project on time while minimizing additional costs.
Result: As a result, we successfully implemented the changes without delaying the project. The client was satisfied with the solution, and we completed the project 10% under budget, ultimately strengthening our relationship with them. The team was also able to streamline similar processes for future projects, saving time and costs.
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