want to leave a lasting impression in your next job interview?
You’re not alone. Standing out from the crowd can feel like a challenge, especially when most candidates come in equally passionate and prepared. But the key to setting yourself apart goes beyond enthusiasm — it’s about demonstrating your value with precision, clarity and strategy.
Here’s how to make sure you shine in any interview setting, with two proven tools: a compelling elevator pitch and the structured STAR technique.
start strong with a sharp elevator pitch
Your elevator pitch is often your first opportunity to make an impression — and it usually comes in response to that classic opener: “Tell me about yourself.”
A well-crafted pitch should be concise but powerful. According to career coach Nancy Collamer, it should answer three essential questions:
- Who are you?
- What do you do?
- What are you looking for?
Once you’ve set the foundation, go deeper. Use your unique selling proposition (USP) to show how your skills and experience can help the organisation achieve its goals. Make it tailored, specific and future-focused.
Example: Instead of saying “I’m looking for a new challenge,” you could say:
“After five years of managing complex infrastructure projects, I’m now looking to apply that experience in a renewable energy firm that values innovation and impact. I see a real opportunity to contribute to your team’s ambitious goals around sustainability and efficiency.”
Also consider why you’re looking for a new role — whether you want more responsibility, purpose, or a better cultural fit — and clearly link that to what the company offers.
tell stories that stick using the star technique
Great interview answers aren’t just informative — they’re memorable. That’s where the STAR technique comes in. It helps you tell stories in a structured, engaging way while covering all the key points an interviewer is looking for.
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S – situation:
Start with the context. What was happening? Who was involved?
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T – task:
Explain the specific challenge or goal. What needed to be achieved?
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A – action:
Outline the steps you took, decisions made, and how you contributed.
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R – result (and reflection):
Share the outcome and what you learned — even if things didn’t go perfectly.
This approach helps you deliver comprehensive, targeted answers that show both competence and self-awareness.
full example of star in action
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question:
Can you describe a time when you were under significant pressure at work and how you handled it?
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situation:
I was project managing a $1 million offshore wind farm installation — our first project with a new client. A key supplier failed to deliver a critical component for the project, risking a major delay and substantial cost overruns. The company’s reputation was at stake.
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task:
As Project Manager, I was responsible for keeping the project on schedule and within budget. I needed to find a fast, cost-effective solution to avoid contract breaches and prevent loss of future work.
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action:
I immediately informed the client and our leadership team, assuring them I’d work on a resolution. I contacted all my engineering and procurement networks and located an alternative supplier just 20 km’s from the manufacturing yard. Their recent cancellation freed up exactly the components we needed. I spent the next 24 hours negotiating a deal that kept us on budget.
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result:
The project stayed on track and on budget. The client was impressed by how transparently I handled the issue and the speed of resolution. They later confirmed we’d be their preferred provider of choice for upcoming renewable energy projects. The alternative supplier also expressed interest in future partnerships.
final thoughts
Interview success comes down to clarity, confidence and preparation. With a sharp elevator pitch, you set the tone. With the STAR technique, you back it up with substance. Together, they help you present yourself as the standout candidate — not just in what you say, but how you say it.
So next time you walk into an interview, remember: Your story, told well, is your superpower.
