You've aced the technical rounds and now you're up for the behavioural interview. It's the part where you're quizzed not just on what you know, but also on who you are. Remember the "S.T.A.R." technique we discussed in a previous blog? Well, today, we'll delve into another effective method known as the "TAILS" technique. If you're looking to make your next move in the conversational AI industry, mastering this technique could give you that extra edge.
What is the TAILS Technique?
The TAILS technique is an acronym that stands for:
- Task: What was the situation or task you were dealing with?
- Action: What action did you take to address the situation?
- Impact: What was the impact of your action?
- Learn: What did you learn from the experience?
- Skills: What skills did you deploy or acquire?
You'll notice it incorporates elements of the STAR technique but adds a layer of complexity with the "Learn" and "Skills" sections. Curious about how it works in real time? Let's break it down.
The Task: Setting the Scene
Begin by outlining the task or problem you were faced with. The goal here is to set the scene for your prospective employer to understand the scale or importance of the task. Would you consider identifying a failing chatbot's weak spots as a minor or significant task in your career? Think about the weightage this adds to your narrative.
The Action: What Did You Do?
Describe the steps you took to resolve the problem. Importantly, these actions should be yours, not those of a team unless you led the team that took those actions. Have you ever innovated a solution that became a staple in your company? Feel free to elaborate, because the devil is in the details.
The Impact: How Did It Make a Difference?
Share the results and how your actions led to resolving the task at hand. Did it lead to reduced customer complaints or perhaps increase user engagement with the conversational AI? Ensure to include any metrics or KPIs that were impacted positively. After all, numbers speak louder than words, don't they?
The Learning Curve: What Did You Learn?
This section is crucial as it shows your ability to reflect on your experiences. Even if the task was not resolved successfully, explaining what you learned could turn a seemingly negative experience into a positive talking point. How did this experience help you grow?
Skills: Show, Don't Just Tell
The last part is about the skills you employed or gained during the experience. Was it a technical skill like mastering a new conversational AI framework or perhaps a soft skill like effective team communication? Highlighting these skills shows your adaptability and eagerness to learn.
Practical Tips for Using TAILS
- Preparation: Jot down examples from your past experience that fit the TAILS framework.
- Be Concise: While it’s good to be thorough, ensure your answers are to the point.
- Reflect: After each interview, jot down what went well and what didn't. Use these reflections to improve for the next time.
Conclusion
If you've made it this far, you're already ahead of the curve in tackling behavioural interviews. Remember, the TAILS technique isn't just a gimmick; it's a structured way of thinking that can help you better understand your own career experiences. So the next time you're preparing for that crucial interview, give TAILS a go. You might find it's the missing piece in your interview toolkit.
So, are you ready to try the TAILS technique in your next interview?