How to Use the PAR Method: Complete Guide (With Examples)

Acing a job interview is about providing thoughtful and concise answers showcasing precisely what makes you the right candidate for the role. How can you ensure your answers hit the mark? The PAR method can help. 

In this guide, we'll explore how to use the PAR interview method to craft detailed answers that highlight your skills and qualifications and leave a positive impression on potential employers.

What is the PAR Method?

The PAR method is a simple technique for answering tough interview questions. This approach divides your response into three parts: 

Hiring managers ask behavioral interview questions, such as "Can you give me an example of a time you contributed to team culture or success?" to better understand how you apply your skills and expertise to real work situations. 

The PAR method helps you focus on the essential details to construct a straightforward narrative of the problem and offer a clear solution highlighting your abilities and role within your team. 

Preparing for PAR Method Interview Questions

Follow the steps below to craft compelling answers to common interview questions using the PAR method: 

STEP 1

How to Use the PAR Method

Let's break down each element of the PAR method to construct a clear narrative: 

Problem: Contextualize the Issue

The objective is to provide a precise description of the circumstances. To keep it brief, focus on relevant components of the story. 

Imagine you're answering the question, "Can you give me an example of a time you contributed to team culture or success?". Here's an example of how you can set up the situation:

Action: Describe the Steps You Took 

Explain your role in the situation, what tools you used and the reasoning behind your decisions. The action portion of your answer can go as follows:

Result: Discuss the Outcome

The most crucial element of your response is the results of your actions. How did your decisions impact the outcome of the situation? Define how you measured your success and what positive changes ensued. Let's finish crafting our response: 

5 PAR Method Examples

Use these PAR method example answers to help you craft your own: 

Describe A Time in Which You Came Up With an Innovative Solution to a Problem.

Problem: As a quality assurance specialist at a software company, I experienced frequent delays in delivering software updates due to the time-consuming manual testing process. This negatively affected customer satisfaction and delayed product releases.

Action: I proposed implementing automated testing scripts to handle repetitive and routine tests that didn't require manual intervention. After gaining approval from management, I researched and selected an appropriate automation tool. I then led the team in developing and customizing scripts for the most time-consuming tests. I also provided training for the team to manage the automated system effectively.

Result: This innovation reduced the testing time for each release by 40%, allowing us to meet deadlines more consistently. We were able to reallocate resources to focus on more complex issues that required human judgment, improving the overall quality of our product. Customer satisfaction scores increased as we reduced the number of bugs in our releases and provided more timely updates.

How Do You Work with People with Different Personalities?

Problem: As a project manager, I led a cross-functional team that included individuals from different departments with diverse personalities. Some team members were highly detail-oriented, while others preferred a big-picture approach. This caused friction and delays in decision-making as team members struggled to communicate effectively.

Action: I recognized the need to tailor my approach to meet different working styles. I organized individual meetings with each team member to understand their preferences and concerns. Then, I created a balanced communication strategy: for the detail-oriented members, I provided structured reports and clear timelines, while for the big-picture thinkers, I focused on long-term goals and outcomes in meetings. I also introduced personality-based team-building exercises to help the group appreciate each other's strengths.

Result: By acknowledging and accommodating different personalities, collaboration improved significantly. The team began working more harmoniously, and we completed the project two weeks before schedule. Team members reported greater job satisfaction and a better understanding of their colleagues, contributing to smoother future collaborations.

Can You Give an Example of a Time You've Dealt with a Difficult Client? 

Problem: While working as a sales account manager, I had a client who was dissatisfied with the service they were receiving. The client was upset about delays in product delivery and threatened to terminate the contract, which would have been a significant loss for the company.

Action: I immediately met with the client to understand their concerns. After carefully listening, I acknowledged their frustration and took responsibility for the issues. I then collaborated with the logistics team to prioritize their shipments, implemented a tracking system so the client could monitor future orders in real time, and provided regular updates on the progress. Additionally, I offered a discount on the next order as a gesture of goodwill.

Result: The client appreciated the prompt action and transparency. Not only did they continue their business with us, but they also expanded their contract, increasing their order volume by 15%. The personalized service strengthened the relationship, and they became one of our most loyal clients, often referring new business to the company.

Describe a Time When You Had to Make a Tough Decision on the Spot. 

Problem: During a busy dinner service at the restaurant, our head chef unexpectedly had to leave due to a personal emergency, leaving the kitchen short-staffed. We had a full house, and orders were piling up. This could have led to long wait times and unhappy customers if not handled immediately.

Action: I quickly assessed the situation and decided to step into the kitchen myself, as I had prior experience as a line cook. I also reallocated tasks by asking one of the senior line cooks to manage the kitchen while I temporarily helped with the cooking. I communicated with the front-of-house team to manage customer expectations, letting them know there might be slight delays. Additionally, I offered complimentary drinks to guests as a goodwill gesture.

Result: Thanks to the quick decision, we maintained a steady service with minimal delays. Customers were understanding and appreciative of the communication and complimentary drinks. The night ended successfully, and we received positive feedback from guests, with many praising the service despite the challenging situation. This helped maintain the restaurant’s reputation for excellent customer service.

How Do You Deal with Conflict? 

Problem: As an HR manager, I encountered a conflict between two employees in the marketing department. They had differing opinions on approaching a major campaign, which led to heated arguments and disrupted team collaboration. If the conflict went unresolved, it could have negatively impacted the campaign's outcome and team morale.

Action: I scheduled a private meeting with both employees to understand their perspectives. I facilitated an open discussion where each person could express their concerns in a structured, respectful manner. After identifying the root of the disagreement, I encouraged them to focus on shared goals and find a middle ground. I also introduced a conflict resolution process for the entire team, including regular check-ins to prevent future issues.

Result: Both employees reached a compromise that combined elements of their ideas, leading to a more creative and effective campaign. The conflict-resolution process restored harmony and fostered better communication within the team. The campaign succeeded, and post-conflict feedback showed improved team dynamics and collaboration.

STAR Method vs PAR Method

Both the PAR method and the STAR method are effective tools for answering interview questions. They provide an easy-to-follow structure for organizing your thoughts and creating an insightful answer. 

However, the Situation and Task portion of the STAR method can be redundant because both elements focus on describing the issue. On the contrary, the PAR method offers a more straightforward format that eliminates overlap. 

Key Takeaways