Before going into an interview, most of us think about one thing: I must answer every question correctly and impress the interview panel. Right?
But here’s the truth—interviewers don’t just want answers, they want stories.
Imagine three friends reminiscing about their childhood holidays. One says:
“It was fun. We enjoyed ourselves. We used to go out together.”
Another says:
“I remember buying new clothes before the holiday and hiding them under my pillow so nobody could see them. On the holiday morning, I would put on the new clothes and go to the fair with my father.”
Ten days later, which story will you still remember? The second one. Why? Because the first person gave an answer, but the second person told you a story.
That’s the difference in interviews. Most people give answers. The ones who tell stories are remembered—and often hired.
From Answers to Stories
Take a common interview question: “Have you faced challenges in your career, and how did you overcome them?”
There are usually three kinds of responses:
- Short denial: “No, not really.” (Many fear that admitting challenges makes them look weak.)
- Generic response: “Yes, I have faced many challenges, but I believe challenges help us grow. I am always ready to face them and usually solve them by discussing with colleagues.”
- A structured story.
Let’s look at the third option.
Example Story
*”In 2022, while working as a team leader on a project, I encountered a tense situation. One morning, as I arrived at the office, I saw a group of people gathered outside, demanding that our project also be implemented in their community. Security staff had closed the gates, and the situation was becoming confrontational.
As the project lead, it was my responsibility to address this. I immediately invited three representatives inside for a constructive discussion while requesting the others to return home. My team and I listened carefully to their concerns, took a week to review the feasibility, and realized their request was legitimate. Three months later, we expanded the project to their area.
As a result, hundreds of young people found employment, and thousands of children returned to school.
This experience taught me the importance of listening carefully to communities, understanding their perspectives, and designing solutions that meet real needs.”*
The STAR Method
What makes this story effective is its structure, often called the STAR method—a globally recognized interview technique:
- Situation: What was happening?
- Task: What was your responsibility?
- Action: What steps did you take?
- Result: What was the outcome?
- (Bonus: What did you learn?)
If you tell your experiences in this format, your answers will not just inform but engage.
Remember: Interviews Are Two-Way
Many candidates think an interview is about pleasing the employer. In reality, it’s a two-way conversation.
Yes, the employer is evaluating whether you are the right fit—but you should also evaluate whether their work culture, growth opportunities, and values match yours.
So, avoid the mindset of saying “yes to everything.” Think of it like a partnership—you are assessing them just as much as they are assessing you.
Two Quick Stories
- Once, in an interview, I was asked: “What motivates you to work here?” Instead of jumping into a rehearsed answer, I asked the interviewer: “You’ve worked here for 12 years. What has kept you motivated?” He answered. I replied: “That just motivated me.”
- In another interview, I noticed one panelist was distracted with their phone, while another kept leaving the room. I paused and said: “Just as you’ve committed these 45 minutes to me, I’ve committed them to you. This time is important for both of us. If you have something urgent, please finish it first—we can restart afterward.”
Both moments showed something critical: interviews are not one-sided.
Final Thought
Needing a job does not make you weak. Often, if an employer’s first-choice candidate rejects the offer, they re-advertise the position—because they couldn’t find someone like you.
Remember, the people interviewing you today have all been on the other side of the table at some point—and so will you.
Good luck with your next interview.