Sitting across from an interviewer, telling stories using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result), only to feel like something isn’t clicking.
That’s exactly what happened to me while interviewing with Google, Facebook, Shopify, and DoorDash. Despite my best preparation, I couldn’t convert any of those interviews into offers.
Finally, I had my lightbulb moment while preparing for my Amazon interview.
I realized the problem wasn’t with me or my experience — it was with the STAR framework itself!
STAR was too mechanical, too focused on the situation and task, and didn’t leave room to showcase emotional maturity or the real challenges I overcame.
That’s when I developed SOARR, my proprietary, step-by-step storytelling framework that has helped dozens of my coaching clients land multi-six-figure offers at companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, Apple, Novartis, and HP.
Here’s how the SOARR Behavioral Interviewing framework works:
S – Situational Context
Kick-off with a quick 20-second summary of the story and the business impact. Think of it like a movie trailer that grabs the interviewer’s attention early.
O – Obstacle
Highlight the real challenge you overcame. Many high-achieving women gloss over obstacles, but this is where you show what made the situation truly complex. Ask yourself: what would have happened had I not done what I did?
A – 3 Actions
Use the power of 3 to describe the actions you took. This structure keeps you organized and ensures your answer flows smoothly.
R – Results
Focus on the business impact—quantify results wherever possible. Did you increase revenue, reduce costs, or improve market share? Make it clear how you made a difference.
R – Reflection
Close with what you learned from the experience. This shows emotional maturity and leadership growth, setting you apart as someone who not only solves problems but evolves with them.
Why SOARR Works:
This SOARR framework transforms interview responses into memorable, engaging stories — just like your favorite movie. It keeps interviewers hooked and helps them see you as the hero who can save the day.
I used the SOARR framework to land a multi-six-figure role at Amazon, and my clients have done the same—some even negotiating comp increase as high as $150k, with the confidence that comes from knowing their worth.
If you want to feel 100% confident in your interviews, join us inside
THE FEARLESS HIRE,
where I will help you craft your stories using the SOARR framework and practice them with mock interviews until you’re ready to convert your next interview into a multi-six-figure offer.
