What is the 80 20 rule for interview?

The 80/20 Rule: Rethinking Your Interview Prep

The Pareto Principle, better known as the 80/20 rule, suggests that 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. While often applied to business and productivity, this principle can be a game-changer for job interviews. However, the common interpretation – spending 80% of your time practicing common interview questions and 20% on other aspects – misses a crucial opportunity. A more effective application flips the script: dedicate 80% of your preparation to developing a compelling case study presentation and 20% to the remaining elements.

This unconventional approach recognizes that showcasing your expertise and problem-solving abilities is the most impactful way to impress interviewers. Instead of simply reciting rehearsed answers, a well-crafted case study allows you to demonstrate your skills in action. It provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and paints a vivid picture of how you approach challenges and deliver results.

So, how does this 80/20 approach work in practice?

The 80%: Crafting Your Case Study Arsenal

• Identify Relevant Experiences: Select 2-3 projects or situations from your previous roles that directly align with the target position’s requirements. These should showcase your skills, accomplishments, and problem-solving prowess.
• Develop a Narrative: Structure each case study as a concise and engaging story. Outline the challenge, your approach, the actions you took, the results you achieved, and the lessons learned. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Practice Your Delivery: Rehearse your case studies thoroughly. Focus on clear articulation, concise explanations, and maintaining a confident and enthusiastic demeanor. Anticipate potential follow-up questions and prepare thoughtful responses. Consider different formats, from verbal presentations to using visual aids if appropriate.
• Tailor to the Role: Research the company and the specific role you’re interviewing for. Adjust your case studies to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to their needs.

The 20%: Covering the Essentials

While the case study is your primary focus, don’t neglect these crucial elements:

• Company Research: Understand the company’s mission, values, culture, and recent news. This knowledge will demonstrate your genuine interest and allow you to connect your experiences to their goals.
• Common Interview Questions: Prepare for standard questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why are you interested in this role?” While these shouldn’t be your primary focus, concise and compelling answers are still important.
• Asking Thoughtful Questions: Prepare insightful questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your curiosity and engagement, further solidifying your interest and allowing you to gather valuable information.

By focusing 80% of your preparation on developing compelling case studies, you shift the interview dynamic from a passive Q&A session to an active demonstration of your capabilities. This approach allows you to showcase your value proposition directly, leaving a lasting impression and significantly increasing your chances of landing the job. It’s a strategic investment of your preparation time that pays dividends in the interview room.