Crafting Interview Answers that are Human, not AI

I hope you found yesterday’s exercise of using AI to decode job descriptions and create practice interview questions enlightening – dare I even say fun? It always amazes me how quickly AI can scan job descriptions and extract keywords.

Now, it’s time to prepare answers to those questions we created yesterday. While AI is helpful in crafting practice questions, the best interview answers won’t be found using AI. It is important to craft compelling stories that reflect you as a valuable employee, a collaborative team member … most importantly a human! That is what will set you apart in the interview.

Today is all about mastering the art of the behavioral interview. These questions are your chance to shine, to give a clear picture of why you’re the perfect fit. They often start with phrases like, “Tell me about a time when…” or “Describe a situation where…”

The best part, there is a formula for crafting these answers. (If you get stuck, look back at day 1’s exercise – some of your answers to the brainstorming exercise may help jog your memory.)

The STAR Method: Your Key to Success

The key to acing these questions is the STAR method:

• Situation: Set the scene. Briefly describe the background.
• Task: What was the challenge or goal you faced?
• Action: What specific actions did you take?
• Result: What was the outcome? How did your actions make a difference? Quantify your impact whenever possible (e.g., increased sales by 15%, saved the company $10,000).

Example:

“Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult colleague.”

• Situation: “In my previous role at [Company Name], I shared a sales territory with a senior rep who had a very different work style than mine.”
• Task: “We needed to find a way to collaborate effectively despite our differing approaches to reach our sales targets.”
• Action: “I initiated regular meetings to align our strategies, leveraged his strengths in relationship building, and focused on my strengths in detailed preparation and analysis. We learned to complement each other’s skills.”
• Result: “Our territory became the top producer for sales for three consecutive years. We were even invited to present our collaborative approach at a national sales convention.”

Remember these key points:

• Be concise and focused: Follow the STAR framework to keep your answers clear and to the point.
• Tailor your answers: Connect your stories to the specific requirements and challenges of the job you’re interviewing for.
• Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse your STAR stories to ensure they flow smoothly and confidently.

By mastering the STAR method, you’ll be well-equipped to impress your interviewer and demonstrate your value.

Let’s craft those winning interview stories!