What is the PREP Method? How to use it in an interview and how to succeed in a new job

How to express yourself clearly and effectively in a job interview is a challenge that all job seekers face; the PREP method is a concise and powerful framework for communication that helps you organize your words and articulate your thoughts and values in an interview. Organize it in advance of your interview.

What is the PREP method?

PREP (Principle of Preceding Conclusion) is a structured way of expressing an opinion by (1) first stating the conclusion, (2) then explaining reasons based on data, (3)reinforcing the impression with appropriate examples, and (4) finally repeating the main points in a complete manner.

The PREP method involves the following four steps

• Point (Conclusion first) First, clearly state your views and position.
• Reason （Reason) Provide a reason or argument in support of your view.
• Example （Example) Examples: Reinforce your reasons with specific examples to make them more persuasive.
• Point (Conclusion again) Conclusion: Emphasize the main points of view one last time to ensure that the information is conveyed.

Advantages of Using the PREP Method in Interviews

When considering the effectiveness of the PREP method in interviews, the “attention curve” can be used to illustrate this.

attentional curve

It is likely that the listener’s memory of the conversation will continue to decline from the beginning to the middle of the conversation, and then increase again as the conversation reaches its end.

The PREP method helps maximize the impression of important points to the listener by clarifying the subject at the beginning and reemphasizing important information in the conclusion.

During an interview, answering each question clearly and effectively will leave a positive impression throughout the interview. No matter how impressive your background and accomplishments are, if your story is long, your final message is unclear, or your answers to the questions are off, you will not make a good impression throughout the interview.

Since the interview is a communication within a limited time frame, it is very important to be aware of the PREP method.

Examples of the use of the PREP method

The Prep method is effective in a variety of business scenarios, not just interviews.

We routinely make reports, give confirmations, and ask questions, but by being aware of the PREP method, we can communicate in a straightforward and effective manner. Let’s incorporate the PREP method into our daily communication and practice more effective business communication.

Here is an example of communication in which the PREP method is applied in everyday work.

Communication without the PREP method

You: Thanks for your time. It’s urgent, but we received a request from a customer to change the specifications, and we may not be able to meet it in time unless we request SE support from an outside vendor to handle it.

Boss: Oh, I see. So what do you need?

You: The developer on our team is away on vacation for the next two days, so I’ll see how many man-hours it might take to complete the project.

Boss: (What did he want to tell you? )

Communication using the PREP method

You: I have received a request from a customer for a specification change and would like to request additional SE support from a vendor for two people, is there still room in the budget?

You: Due to the specification change, the developer on our team will be away on vacation for two days next week, which may affect the progress of the project during that time. If an outside SE can provide support, we can minimize delays in the process.

You: A similar situation occurred on our last project, but having outside support at that time added smoothness to the progress of the project, which was ultimately well received by the client.

You: Therefore, we believe that if we can achieve the additional support of two SEs within our budget, it would contribute greatly to the success of the project. Would you be willing to consider this?

Examples of the use of the PREP method in interviews

Utilizing the PREP method during an interview is a means of clearly expressing yourself and effectively communicating your skills and experience to the interviewer.

self-publicity

Human resource management theory states that ‘ past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. The reason why we ask you to submit your resume and CV during the selection process is because we value past experience as a factor in our decision-making process.

When using the PREP method in self-promotion questions, Example (examples). and use them as the basis for the Point (Conclusion), and Point, Reason Reason (Reason presentation). By presenting your points and reasons, you will be able to present a persuasive and not self-serving self-promotional message.

For example, questions such as “Why do you think you are a good fit for this job?” are frequent in interviews. In this case, using the PREP method, the flow of explanation is to connect the objective experience described in the documents to your potential.

Conclusion: “I think I am very well suited for the job of product manager.”

Reason: “As a science graduate, I am very sensitive to logic, experience, and data and have five years of experience in data analysis and market research. These skills allow me to plan and strategize for product success.”

EXAMPLE: “In a previous position, I accurately analyzed market demand and identified the strengths and weaknesses of competing products in the introduction of new products. As a result, I developed a campaign that maximized the product’s features and increased sales by 30% year over year. …… (citing specific experience here).”

Conclusion: “Therefore, I believe that my logical thinking, sensitivity to experience, and insight into data will serve me well in my job as a product manager at your company. I am confident that I can contribute to the growth of your product through my experience in developing and successfully leading strategies across the entire product lifecycle.”

This awareness of the PREP method allows you to not only demonstrate your expertise in a tangible way, but also to use real-world experience to strengthen the persuasiveness of your views.

Other Examples

The following are other examples that can be used specifically in the interview process.

‘ “How would you describe your own strengths?”
Conclusion : “My strength is my flexibility to adapt to change.”

Reason : “In particular, the recent digitalization of our society has made it more important for individuals to improve their skills within the organization. I am quick to adapt to these changes and eager to absorb new information and skills.”

Example : “In a recent DX project I was involved in, there was an urgent need to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. I have been actively using online materials and webinars to quickly gain extensive knowledge of DX. This effectively helped to improve project performance by sharing that knowledge with the entire team, as well as incorporating useful information from outside the company.”

Conclusion : “Through this flexibility and learning ability, I am confident that I will be able to adapt smoothly in a changing environment and lead the project to a successful conclusion.”

“How do you think we should handle disagreements or conflicts with team members or stakeholders when they arise?”
Conclusion : “I believe that when disagreements or conflicts arise with team members or stakeholders, it is important to calmly discuss them without getting emotional, respect both sides “opinions, and look for solutions that will achieve common goals.”

Reason : “Because disagreements and conflicts can have a variety of negative effects, such as impeding teamwork, reducing productivity, and worsening relationships. Therefore, it is important to avoid emotional outbursts, discuss issues calmly, respect the opinions of both sides, and look for solutions that will help achieve common goals.”

Example : “For example, if the sales and development departments disagree about the development policy of a new product, it is important to respect the opinions of both parties and consider what kind of new product can be developed to meet the needs of customers and benefit the company.

Conclusion : “Thus, when disagreements or conflicts arise with team members or other concerned parties, we believe it is important to calmly discuss them without getting emotional and to find a solution that achieves a common goal while respecting both sides” opinions.”

This approach not only highlights your strengths and conflict resolution skills, but also impresses the interviewer with your communication and problem-solving skills.

The focus of the final interview is on the candidate’s cultural fit, career vision, communication skills, and potential for the position. It is important to emphasize these elements and be prepared to meet the interviewer’s expectations.

Characteristics and application scenarios of the PREP and STAR methods

In addition to the PREP method, there are other methods of interview preparation, such as the WHOLE PART method, which tells the entire story and then explains each part, and the STAR method. In this article, we will discuss the characteristics and application scenarios of each of the two methods: the PREP method and the STAR method.

面接質問対策ガイド｜面接官ごとの想定質問とその回答術

This is a guide to question preparation for a successful job interview. It covers anticipated questions for HR, hiring managers, and executive interviews, effective response techniques using the STAR method, and tips for asking the reverse questions. We will detail countermeasures and preparation tips for each type of interview, so please read on to increase your chances of receiving a job offer.

Interview questions suitable for the PREP method: answering personal opinions and arguments

The PREP method is good to be aware of when asking the following types of questions

• Opinion questions: if the interviewer asks for your opinion on a particular controversial topic, “What do you think about electric cars?” etc.
• Predictive questions: If you are asked about your predictions for the future during the interview, ask, “How do you see this industry developing over the next five years?” etc.
• Personal values questions: when asked about personal values, such as, “What do you consider to be the most important elements of leadership for you?” Such as.
• Career questions: If you are asked about your career vision, “What is your career vision for the next five years?” etc.

In answering such questions, it is effective to use the PREP method, as described above. The job seeker first states his/her view (Point), then provides logic or reason to support that view (Reason), then gives specific examples or experiences (Example), and finally reaffirms his/her view (Point).

Interview questions appropriate for the STAR Act: answers based on specific experience.

The STAR method, on the other hand, is good to be aware of when asking the following types of questions

• If asking about problem-solving experience: e.g., “Describe how you solved a difficult problem at work.
• If you are asking about teamwork experience: e.g., “Give an example of a team project where you encountered a challenge and how you overcame it.
• If asking about leadership experience: e.g., “Talk about your experience leading a team to achieve a goal.
• Responding to pressure: “How do you typically respond when faced with pressure at work?” Such as.

In answering these questions about past experiences, it may be helpful to use the STAR method, in which the job seeker first describes the Situation andTask, then details his or her Action, and finally the Result.

The examples given above are only recommendations and do not necessarily have to be applied to the PREP and STAR methods.

It is important to respond according to the nature of the question, and to be aware of the conclusion-first approach ifthe question isasking for an opinion, or to explain a specific situation in a way that is easy to imagine if the question is based on past experience.

In real-life situations, you can use a combination of both, expressing your views and reasons in the PREP method and then providing specific examples to support those views in the STAR method. Such a combination is more effective, especially when answering complex-type questions that require expressing a view and supporting it with real-world experience.

summary

In this issue, we explained the use of the PREP method in interviews.

The PREP method is a powerful tool in situations such as interviews where you are required to communicate precisely within a limited time frame. By using this method, you can not only express your thoughts clearly and logically, but also demonstrate your thinking and communication skills at the same time. By incorporating the PREP method into your interviews, you will be able to answer any question in a calm and precise manner and make a strong impression on the interviewer.

At Turnpoint Consulting, we offer job search assistance with a particular focus on the automotive and mobility industry, and can assist you in many ways, such as practicing for interviews and correcting your answers. If you have any questions or concerns about your job search or career change, please do not hesitate to let us know.