publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/518940
ILTA WHITE PAPER: MAY 2015 WWW.ILTANET.ORG 33 TALK THE TALK TO GAIN PROFESSIONAL MOBILITY DON'T USE HYPOTHETICALS Interviewers in e-discovery often ask candidates a question like, "Say an attorney walks into your office with a 100GB hard drive and says we need to produce this to the SEC in four weeks. What should we do? How would you respond?" This is a question, like many others, that invites the interviewee to respond or hypothesize with their answer. One might answer the question by saying, "Well, what I would probably do is…" This is a trap, whether intentional or not. Instead of indulging the hypothetical, use this opportunity to bring the conversation back to the actual. Try to recall a historical example demonstrative of the hypothetical answer requested. Answer with, "A case I worked on a few years ago had a similar dilemma. The way we responded was…" This will usually create a deeper sense of credibility when providing consultation. The past makes us equipped to handle the future more adeptly. A popular and easy-to-remember technique that allows you to structure your response to competency-based questions with greater specificity is STAR, which emphasizes behavior. STAR stands for: • SITUATION: Present a recent challenge, problem or situation you found yourself in at work • TASK: Identify the intended goal or measure of success to address the problem • ACTION: Explain what you did to reach that goal and achieve success (include what you did, why you did it, the alternatives, who collaborated with you, what steps were taken, etc.) • RESULTS: Present the outcome of your actions (objectives met, lessons learned, how you can apply experience to future situations) STAR is similar to SOARA, which stands for: • SITUATION: Present a recent challenge, problem or situation you found yourself in at work • OBJECTIVE: Identify what you aimed to achieve • ACTION: Explain what actions you took • RESULTS: Present the outcome of your actions • AFTERMATH: Share what you learned from the experience and how you use knowledge gained The STAR and SOARA techniques were developed as job interview methodologies and are thought to provide higher predictability of future on- the-job performance than traditional interviewing techniques. They also can apply to everyday communication when dealing with staff and clients. Storytelling is a powerful tool and art form that all professionals should apply to their business life and interview process. Storytelling is a powerful tool and art form that all professionals should apply to their business life and interview process.