PAR Interview Method
What is the PAR Interview Method?
To answer the question, “Can you tell me about a time when you faced a major project deadline?” using the PAR technique, the candidate should follow these steps:
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Problem (P): Describe a challenging situation they faced in a previous role. This could be a project, task, or issue that required problem-solving.
“Our team was tasked to complete a time-sensitive project for an overseas client to drive up their marketing profits.”
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Action (A): Explain the steps they took to address the problem. This part highlights their thought process, approach, and skills used to tackle the situation.
“I prioritized tasks, communicated with my team to ensure we were on track, and worked extra hours to stay ahead.”
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Result (R): Share the outcome of their actions. This should include measurable or qualitative results that demonstrate the effectiveness of their solution.
“We delivered the project on time and received positive feedback from the client, which led to a follow-up partnership.”
Examples of PAR Interview Method Questions
- Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in the workplace. How did you handle it?
- Recall a time when you had to make a quick decision. What was the situation, and what was the result of your decision?
- Tell me about a time when you received negative feedback. How did you respond, and what changes did you make based on it?
- Describe a situation where you identified a problem that others overlooked. How did you address it, and what was the result?
Related Terms
Core Competencies
are the qualities, abilities, and skills that organizations look for and are central to an organization’s goals and culture.
Competency-Based Interview
in this type of interview, hiring managers ask candidates questions that give a clear idea of how well the candidates may handle circumstances that arise on the job.
Second or On-Site Interview
is conducted by a department supervisor or a hiring team comprised of people who will be working with the candidate.
Group Interview
is a term that refers to an interview that consists of one or more company representatives interviewing multiple candidates simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the PAR interview method different from other interview techniques?
With the PAR interview method, candidates focus on showcasing their past experiences and how they handled challenges. It highlights their thought process, skills, and both qualitative and quantitative successes. Unlike traditional interview questions, which may focus on general qualifications, PAR-based questions aim to assess a candidate's ability to perform a job by evaluating past behaviors and actions.
What’s a good way to answer the “Result” part of a PAR question?
The Result is critical because it shows the impact of a candidate’s actions. It should be specific and, if possible, quantifiable. For example:
- “As a result, customer satisfaction improved by 35%”
- “These implementations led to a 10% increase in revenue.”
- “Our team completed the project ahead of schedule, resulting in a 40% cost savings.”
What should candidates avoid when answering PAR method questions?
When responding to PAR method questions, candidates should avoid being too vague, taking too long to explain (keep answers under 2 minutes), and focusing too much on the problem without walking interviewers through their solution process.
How should a candidate answer, if they do not have an example for a specific question?
Candidates can offer a similar experience and explain how they’d approach the problem based on their skills and past experience—the key is to emphasize adaptability. They can explain their thought process and actions they took to solve an issue.