“Storify” (my new verb): to turn an answer or an example into a story.
Be Prepared: PARE Your Answer:
Make you story relatable and easy to follow with structured answers. A story takes it to a human level and people are better able to relate to your story. Adding the right emotion is truly like adding the icing on the cake. Stories inspire empathy. Empathy is very helpful when the interviewer is making a decision about whether you fit into their team culture.
(P) Problem: Describe with lots of specific details a problem or a challenge that you faced
(A) Actions and attitude: What actions did you take to solve it? (Highlight your skills) Were lessons learned? What attitude did it take to accomplish the task? (a determined solution- oriented mind set, positivity?)
(R) Results: Describe in detail the outcome. What happened as a result of your actions? How do you know you were successful?
(E) Emotion: Connect with your listener through positive emotions. How did you feel about this accomplishment? (pride, a sense of fulfillment, joy)
Its a story, yet its not fiction! You need to know ‘What’s in It for Them’ (WIIFT) and what you have to offer each employer at every interview. Be ready to present real life examples with the kind of specific and concrete evidence that employers want to know about you. Your stories are a powerful tool. Use them to: provide specific and concrete evidence of your skills and experience, engage with your audience (listener) at an emotional level and make an impact that will be remembered.