As a student staff member, you dedicate significant time to supporting your peers, learning on the job, and growing in ways that might not always be obvious. Whether you aim to pursue a career in student affairs, apply for an internship, or step into an entirely different field, your experience in this role is invaluable. But how do you translate your journey into impactful interview responses? Enter my method: a new and improved twist on the classic interviewing techniques that ensures your answers are structured, concise, and memorable.
When I was applying for my first professional roles in graduate school, my mentor introduced me to the STAR Method. STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) gave me a framework to articulate my experiences clearly and without rambling. Yet, after sitting on search committees for both student and professional staff positions, I realized there could be an even more effective way to approach behavioral interview questions – or questions that ask you to recall an experience where you demonstrated a particular skill or handled a certain situation.
Let me introduce the RACE Method:
- R: Restate the Question. Start by paraphrasing the question in your response. This not only buys you important thinking time but also ensures that you’re internalizing and thus directly addressing what they’re asking.
- A: Answer the Question Concisely. Before diving into details, provide a one-sentence summary of your answer. This clarity upfront allows interviewers to follow your response more easily.
- C: Cite a Past Experience or Anecdote. This is where you flesh out the first narrative part of your answer. Describe a specific example, giving context, actions, and outcomes. Keep it relevant and concise. Use numbers or measurable results whenever possible to highlight your impact.
- E: Establish the Connection. Connect the lessons you’ve learned from the aforementioned section directly to the role you’re applying for.
I believe the RACE Method works very well because it shifts the focus from simply recounting experiences to making your qualifications undeniable. You’re not just sharing a story, but painting a clear picture of how your skills translate to the role at hand.
Now, how do you practice this? First, remind yourself of all that you’ve accomplished. Take a look at your resume or LinkedIn profile to identify key details. Allow for those to inspire memories of difficult situations you overcame and particularly poignant learning opportunities. Next, at least skim the job description and institution’s website. This will allow for you to pick up on values they have and skills they are seeking that align with what you have done or are looking to do. Finally, ask a friend, peer, or supervisor to conduct a mock interview with you where you practice the RACE Method.
No matter your major or career path, your student staff role has equipped you with transferable skills. All you have to do, is practice the way you can accurately convey all the hard work you have done and the exciting opportunity you are willing to take on!
