How to Get Your Story Straight

Crafting a compelling candidate narrative is essential when it comes to interviews. Your narrative should include an exit statement, a positioning statement, and accomplishment statements. These elements form the backbone of your responses and demonstrate why you are the best fit for the role.

Exit Statement

One of the first hurdles in an interview is addressing why you're looking for a new job or leaving your previous one. This can be tricky, especially if you were made redundant, dismissed, or have a less-than-ideal work history. However, it's crucial to handle this with grace and positivity.

Employers seek candidates who appear reliable and professional. It might raise red flags if your explanation is too long or hints at negativity. Keep your response short, clear, and positive. Avoid unnecessary details and focus on a professional version of the truth.

For instance, if you left due to a conflict with your manager during organisational changes, you could say: "There were significant changes in the company's structure, which affected my role, leading me to seek new opportunities."

Follow this by expressing enthusiasm for the position you're applying for and briefly mentioning your qualifications. An example might be: "I'm now looking for opportunities in the tech industry where I can leverage my extensive sales experience."

Positioning Statement

When asked, "Tell me about yourself," it's your opportunity to present a high-level overview of your qualifications and fit for the role. This isn't the time to recite your CV or delve into exhaustive details. Focus on what the interviewer needs to hear, ideally in four concise bullet points.

Start by stating your professional identity: "I am a marketing specialist." Next, highlight your expertise: "I excel in crafting effective marketing campaigns, analysing consumer behaviour, and leveraging social media for brand growth."

Then, describe the types of organisations you've worked for: "I've worked for both dynamic startups and well-established corporations in the retail and technology sectors." Finally, mention unique strengths that make you stand out: "My strengths include developing comprehensive marketing strategies, using data-driven insights to drive decisions, and building strong partnerships with key industry influencers."

Accomplishment Statements

As you move past the initial screening, interviewers will dig deeper into your experience and qualifications. They will ask specific questions about your past performance, often framed as "Tell me about a time when…." To prepare, review the job description and anticipate areas they will focus on. Prepare at least five to ten accomplishment statements in advance.

Your responses should be clear and structured, avoiding unnecessary details that might confuse the interviewer. Use the SOAR method to format your answers:

Situation: Set the context for the story.

Obstacle: Describe the challenges you faced.

Action: Explain the steps you took to overcome these challenges.

Result: Share the outcome and its impact.

For example:

Situation: "I was assigned to lead a project team with a tight deadline to launch a new software feature."

Obstacle: "Several key team members were unavailable due to overlapping project commitments, risking a delay."

Action: "I reorganised the project schedule, delegated tasks to available team members, and implemented daily stand-up meetings to ensure continuous progress."

Result: "The team successfully launched the software feature on time, received positive client feedback, and saw a 20% increase in user engagement."

Prepare at least five accomplishment statements in the SOAR format to ensure you are ready for any detailed questions.

Crafting your exit statement, positioning statement, and accomplishment statement is crucial for presenting yourself as the best candidate during an interview. These elements require careful thought and rehearsal, but they are your tools to create a compelling narrative that highlights your strengths and readiness for the role.

With a well-prepared narrative, you can confidently navigate interview questions, present yourself positively, and demonstrate your suitability for the job. So take the time to get your story straight, and you'll be well on your way to making a strong impression in your next interview.