Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

You probably don't know what the interview style will be but that doesn't matter. A lot of companies are using the S.T.A.R. system but even if this prospective employer isn't, you can craft your responses to their questions using the STAR system to sell yourself on every question they ask.

It stands for:
Situation/Task
Action
Result

As much as possible try to tell a story. Give the SITUATION or TASK, tell them about the ACTIONS you took, and tell them the RESULTS that came from those actions (if you have ideas on how to improve the results explain those too). Make sure you craft your responses in a context that relates to the position you are applying for. Try to use numbers or hard facts as much as possible. (ie. improved website traffic by 50% in 3-months, increased print ad response by 15% with new copy, etc)

Most executives are driven by results so this approach works well.

Just remember;
1. Tell them what the situation was
2. Tell them the actions you took to handle it
3. Tell them the results that came from those actions

Hope this helps & good luck!
Zack Pike

Stop looking at interviews as interviews. Instead, start seeing them as business meetings in which your objective is to negotiate a specific deal, namely, your appointment.

This is no time to be shy, but it's also no time to be an egomaniac. Beat your own drum, point out your core strengths, and put yourself in the shoes of the person you're meeting with.

What does this person need that's going to benefit their company?
They want reliability, commitment, passion, trust, and a great attitude. Use examples from your current employment and apply those examples as metaphors to help build your credibility and confidence.

I'm urging you to consider these things because the person employing you needs to know you will provide those last two elements, day in, day out: credibility and confidence.

I hope this helps. Good luck with your meeting.

Gary Bloomer,
Wilmington, DE, USA