For many of us, interview skills may as well be a foreign language. We meet someone for the first time, and before we know it they are throwing question after question at us.
Sometimes it can be hard to keep up.
The truth is, many candidates have a tough time focusing on a question without bird-walking. Imagine just how confused your interviewer is at this point.
Here is how to instantly boost your effectiveness during an interview.
What do you do when asked a seemingly simple question like this one?
Tell me, how do you handle a stressful issue at work?
What I find is that most applicants begin answering the question and often find themselves branching out with information and stories that have very little to do with the original question.
Here is my simple method to ensure that you leave your interviewer with the sense that you are organized and on track, and to keep you both speaking the same language the entire time:
1. Start with the Situation or ‘Task’
Let me tell you about a Situation (or Task) I had to deal with at my previous job. I was asked to step in and handle multiple high acuity babies without the help of my supervisor – for the first time on my own.
2. Describe the ‘Action’ you took
I called in the staff and divided them by skill level. I worked up a step by step plan for each team. Next, I let them know that I would be coming by on regular intervals to monitor their progress.
3. Move onto your Result
I found that the teams without an NNP to lead had the most difficult time, yet dividing the work amongst teams was the most effective way to manage this challenge.
I learned that it’s important to have a good mix of both experienced and junior level individuals working together. It builds strong teams and allows for professional growth.
The STAR method is a tried and true way to organize your thoughts and to increase your effectiveness during the interview. If you visualize your outcome and practice your responses ahead of time, the hiring manager will be nothing but impressed by your interview fluency.
