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The PREP method is a framework for answering behavioral interview questions in a structured way
One of the most challenging things about a job interview is keeping your answers focused. You want to showcase your skills and experience and avoid giving too much detail or rambling.
The PREP method is a structured approach to answering open-ended behavioral questions. It stands for Problem, Response, Example, and Plan. Let's look at each part before getting into some examples.
PREP Method Overview
The PREP method has four steps:
Step 1: Identify the Problem
The first step is to identify the problem or challenge the interviewer is asking you about. This could be a hypothetical scenario or a question about something from your past experience. It's important to listen carefully so that you understand what the interviewer is asking.
Step 2: Response
The next step is to respond to the question directly by summarizing the problem and explaining your approach to solving it. This should be a high-level outline of your thought process and should include any relevant skills, knowledge, or techniques you used to address the challenge.
Step 3: Example
After your response, you should provide a specific example of how you applied your skills and approach to solve the problem. This should be a succinct story that demonstrates your abilities and provides evidence of your success. Your story should focus on your own contributions to the situation.
Step 4: Plan
The last step is to outline a plan for how you would approach a similar problem in the future. This shows the interviewer that you are proactive and thoughtful in your approach to problem-solving. You want the interviewer to envision how you would fit into their organization.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to get good at using the PREP method is to practice. We suggest searching for common behavioral interview questions and coming up with responses. For best results, try having a friend or family member ask you the questions to simulate a real interview. This will only improve your interview skills and your chances of landing the job.
Examples
Here are three examples of behavioral interview questions with simplified answers. Your answers could be more detailed, but remember to keep the details to the minimum of what's required to demonstrate your skill.
Example 1: Communication Skills:
"Tell me about a time when you had to communicate a complex idea to a team member who was not familiar with the subject matter."
Problem: The interviewer is asking about a challenging communication scenario.
Response: At my last job, not all of my team members had the same level of technical expertise as me. To communicate effectively, I needed to simplify things and not go through things too fast.
Example: For example, when I was working on a project to implement a new software system, I had to explain the technical aspects of the project to a non-technical team member. I used metaphors and visual aids to simplify the information and ensure that my team member understood the key points.
Plan: If I were faced with a similar situation in the future, I would take the time to understand the other person's level of expertise and adapt my communication style to meet their needs.
Example 2: Leadership Skills
"Tell me about a time when you had to motivate a team to achieve a challenging goal."
Problem: The interviewer is asking about a leadership scenario.
Response: In my experience, an effective way to motivate a team is to break the goal into smaller chunks to help create wins. This makes the overall project seem more achieveable and builds momentum.
Example: For instance, when I was leading a team to implement a new product line, we faced several setbacks that caused morale to decline. I organized a team-building event and used positive reinforcement to highlight the team's progress and keep them motivated. We ultimately succeeded in launching the new product line ahead of schedule.
Plan: If I were in a similar leadership role in the future, I would focus on clear communication, regular check-ins with team members, and incentives to keep everyone motivated and on track.
Example 3: Time Management Skills
"Tell me about a time when you had to juggle multiple projects with competing deadlines."
Problem: The interviewer is asking about a time management scenario.
Response: At my current job, we have 5-10 projects running at any given time. It's given me the chance to develop strong skills for both prioritizing my tasks and managing my time effectively to meet all the deadlines.
Example: For example, when I was working on a marketing campaign for multiple clients, I had to balance competing deadlines and ensure that all the campaigns were successful. I used a project management tool to stay organized, set realistic goals for each project, and communicated regularly with my clients to manage their expectations. In the end, all the campaigns were delivered on time and exceeded the clients' expectations.
Plan: In the future, I would continue to use project management tools to stay organized and prioritize my tasks, and communicate regularly with stakeholders to ensure everyone is aligned and expectations are managed effectively.