To take your interview preparation serious, may be your best decision ever. Never see your first interview as a learning opportunity, you may never get a second. In this article, Impactpool presents two excellent methods to structure answers in a Competency Based Interview.
Normally an interview assessment consists of three to four candidates, and often at least 2 out of 3 has purchased an online interview training coaching. Don't lose your dream job because you didn't prepare. To keep in mind, Impactpool offers individualized Competency Based Interview training, but don't miss the interview tutorial that you can access as a fellow.
In this article, we will introduce you to two excellent ways to structure your interview - STAR and IPAR. In an earlier article, we introduced you to CARL and CARI, so when it is time for you to prepare for the interview you have a few techniques to choose between.
Preparing a Competency Based Interview Answer
When preparing your Competency Interview Answers, you should select examples based on real experiences from your past career. It is important that you select an example that is relevant and sufficiently detailed to show that you understand what is required, that you possess the relevant core competency and can use it effectively. In another article, we have described how you can use a T-table to identify the most important parts of the job description, in terms of essential competencies, skills, and requirements. Ensure that the example you select is logical given the job you are being interviewed for.
Competency-Based Questions require you to provide an example of a situation in your career. One major mistake that you can see from applicants is that their answer has a beginning, but no end. It turns out to be a long rambling answer, resulting in a low score. As many international organizations still use phone interviews primarily, it is extremely important that you can catch the panels attention. You don’t want to give a long and unfocused answer forcing the interview facilitator to cut you off in the middle of your answer.
The key to an effective and top scoring competency based interview answer lies in 1) selecting a relevant example with clear linkage to the job description and 2) how you structure your response. Basically how you pitch yourself.
1. STAR = STAR is often referred to as the SAR, SOAR and PAR technique and gives a logical process to create and deliver your answer as follows:
S or T = Situation or Task
Describe the SITUATION you were involved in or the TASK that you were completing. The example you choose should be related to a job situation, however when interviewing for an international organization for the motivation question also a life-changing experience could be a great example of a situation.
A = Action
Be detailed describe the action you took, the process you followed and the steps you completed. Use action verbs. You have 45 minutes to 1 hour, make sure that you talk about what you have done. Avoid the temptation to invent or embellish. Practice before-hand not to use WE, use I. Even if you are discussing a group project or task, describe what you did rather than the achievements of the team. This needs a lot of practice, but if you are not telling the panel about your achievements, it is impossible for them to assess the value of your actions.
R = Result
Here is where you must be focused and prepared to be to the point. In this part of the question, you should provide the results you achieved. Use action verbs. A good results part of an answer will help you to avoid the risk of getting long-winded and off track. This is the most important part of the answer and you will need to show that your actions resulted in a successful outcome. Talk about what you accomplished, what you delivered in terms of benefit and what you learned.
2. iPAR = As an experienced interviewer, I am most impressed in applicants that use IPAR. It is a similar method as to STAR, however, it is more selling to me. I have seen in myself that I am more curious to hear about the rest of the applicants started off with a sales pitch:
I = Introduction (sales pitch)
Similar to all other methods use I and select an example based on real experiences from your past career. In IPAR you start with an Introduction Give a sales introduction consisting of a single sentence summarising your achievement: “In early 2014 I myself created a project in Liberia focusing on clean water, after 9 months I had been able to raise $ 9M and employed 6 project staff“. From my experience sitting in hundreds of interview panels, I can see that the sales pitch, creates greater interest in the eyes of the panel.
P = Problem
Describe the problem (similar to situation or task) in a few sentences, but giving sufficient details so that the interviewer can get a full understanding of the challenge involved. If you can also show that you identified the problem and initiated the action this will stand in your favor.
A = Action
Describe the Actions you took, use action verbs. Describe the process you followed and the steps you completed. Similar as to STAR, CARL, CARI never use WE, talk about yourself, use I.
R = Result
Again here is where you must be focused and prepared to be to the point. In this part of the question, you should provide the results you achieved, link it back to your start off the pitch. Use action verbs. If available show statistics, figures which confirm the magnitude of your achievements, don’t forget to mention positive feedback and be humble talk about what you learned and how this learning will help you in the job you are being interviewed for.
Photo: iStock
Comments
Post a Comment