PAR method: Gain a competitive edge in your job search.

The job market right now is tough. For job seekers, it's not enough to simply list your skills and experience on a resume. Employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to problem-solve and achieve tangible results. Yet, cover letters don't always give you the chance to highlight your successes in a concise, client-focused way. So, how can job seekers get noticed in a competitive job market? And how can they express their responsibilities and outcomes in a way that hiring managers will notice? Try the PAR method.

What is the PAR method?

Like the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), the PAR method offers a succinct narrative that showcases a candidate's skills. Recruiters use the PAR interview method to develop brief, three-section narratives—problem, action, result—highlighting specific success stories from candidates' past roles. 

Using the PAR interview method to write summaries of past work experiences helps job seekers differentiate themselves from other applicants. What's more, it helps them stand out as a top candidate for the skills and experiences a hiring manager is seeking. Better yet, it helps recruiters to quickly highlight those experiences for their clients. The result? Guiding a job seeker toward the best role for them while meeting the hiring manager's needs in a clear, engaging way.

How to write a PAR narrative

So, how can you use the PAR method? Resumes only go so far. The best PAR examples go beyond the resume to describe a situation and how the candidate's skills brought about a solution. 

As a recruiter, I help candidates come up with PARs during our initial screening calls. I always ask about a project the candidate is proud of or an assignment that has significant meaning to them. I help them describe the actions they took and the results they achieved. For instance, if someone improved a company's social media presence, I'd ask for the actions they implemented and the measurable outcomes. 

Many candidates find this process challenging. To help, recruiters can give them time to reflect and articulate their thoughts over email and even share examples of strong PARs to inspire them. 

PAR examples from jobseekers

Building a PAR involves thinking through a past project, challenge, or campaign and identifying your role in its outcome. As you interview for different roles, it will be helpful to create several different PARs to show different skills and experiences, as many of them may pertain to future roles you're looking for. As a job seeker, do your best to reflect on your past experiences and core skills and match those core skills to your dream job.

Ready to write a PAR? Below are two PAR examples.*

PAR example for Lauren, Influencer Marketing Manager:

Define the problem:

When Lauren joined a new Influencer Marketing Team, she identified a critical gap in communication strategies. The absence of a cohesive brand voice and inconsistent messaging created challenges in effective influencer engagement. Plus, the ever-evolving area of influencer marketing demanded a nimble and adaptable approach to keep pace with ongoing strategy changes.

PAR example for Sarah, Copywriter:

Define the problem:

When Sarah joined the team, she was tasked with adapting to AP style as well as the brand's tone and voice guide. This was a significant shift from her usual style. 

Describe the action: 

Sarah studied the company's brand guidelines and published content to grasp the conversational tone. Sarah consistently sought feedback and guidance while collaborating closely with the Marketing and Design Teams. 

Highlight the result:

Through research and collaboration, Sarah refined her skills to ensure her work aligned seamlessly with the company's brand identity. Through this experience, Sarah not only learned to adopt a new tone but also enhanced her ability to adapt and thrive in various writing environments.

*These examples are based on real job seekers' work experiences, but the names have been changed for privacy.

Build your PAR library over time

Shape your professional journey

Crafting strong narratives using the PAR method is crucial for job seekers aiming to showcase their experiences and skills. PARs are mini-narratives that help candidates articulate their accomplishments with clarity and purpose. Additionally, PARs provide a structured way to show how past challenges have shaped their professional growth. By regularly updating and maintaining PAR examples from past roles, job seekers can reference compelling stories that resonate with potential employers. Ultimately, a well-prepared PAR can significantly influence hiring decisions. And in today's competitive job market, every little bit helps.