The STAR interview response method can help make the process easier. Using this method of answering interview questions allows you to share concrete examples of how you successfully handled situations at work to show that you possess the experience and skills required for the job you’re interviewing for. Read below for a detailed description of the STAR interview response technique and examples of how to best use it.
STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Using this strategy is particularly helpful in response to competency-focused questions, which typically start with phrases such as, “Describe a time when…” or, “Share an example of a situation where….”
What Is the STAR Interview Response Method?
The STAR interview response method is a way of answering behavioral interview questions. Behavioral interview questions are questions about how you have behaved in the past. Specifically, they are about how you have handled certain work situations. Employers using this technique analyze jobs and define the skills and qualities that high-level performers have exhibited in that job. Since past performance can be a good predictor of the future, interviewers ask these questions to determine whether candidates have the skills and experiences required to excel in the job. For example, employers might be looking for proof of problem-solving skills, analytical ability, creativity, perseverance through failure, writing skills, presentation skills, teamwork orientation, persuasive skills, quantitative skills, or accuracy. Examples of behavioral interview questions include the following:
Tell me about an occasion when you had to complete a task under a tight deadline.Have you ever gone above and beyond the call of duty?What do you do when a team member refuses to complete his or her quota of the work?
Some interviewers structure their questions using the STAR technique. However, job seekers can also use the STAR interview method to prepare for behavioral interview questions.
STAR Key Concepts
STAR is an acronym for four key concepts. Each concept is a step the job candidate can take when answering a behavioral interview question. By following all four steps, the job candidate will provide a comprehensive answer. The four steps referenced in the acronym are the following: Situation: Describe the context within which you performed a job or faced a challenge at work. For example, perhaps you were working on a group project, or you had a conflict with a co-worker. This situation can be drawn from a work experience, a volunteer position, or any other relevant event. Be as specific as possible. Task: Next, describe your responsibility in that situation. Perhaps you had to help your group complete a project within a tight deadline, resolve a conflict with a co-worker, or hit a sales target. Action: You then describe how you completed the task or endeavored to meet the challenge. Focus on what you did rather than what your team, boss, or co-worker did. Result: Finally, explain the outcomes or results generated by the action taken. It may be helpful to emphasize what you accomplished or what you learned.
How To Prepare for an Interview Using STAR
Since you won’t know in advance what interviewing techniques your interviewer will be using, you’ll benefit from preparing several scenarios from the jobs you’ve held. Make a list of the job qualifications. First, make a list of the skills and/or experiences that are required for the job you’re applying for. It may help to look at the job listing and similar job listings for indications of the required or preferred skills/qualities. You can then match your qualifications to those listed in the posting. Create a list of examples. Then, consider specific examples of occasions when you displayed those skills. For each example, name the situation, task, action, and result. Match your skills to the job. Whatever examples you select, make sure they are as closely related to the job you’re interviewing for as possible. Prepare a response. For each example, prepare a brief response:
Describe the situation (2-3 sentences).Explain your task (1-2 sentences).Describe the action you took (2-3 sentences).Share your result (2-3 sentences).
Examples of Interview Questions and Answers Using STAR
Tell me about a time you had to complete a task within a tight deadline. Describe the situation and explain how you handled it.
What do you do when a team member doesn’t complete their share of the work?
Tell me about a time you showed initiative on the job.
I volunteered to fill in and orchestrate the presentation by coordinating the input of the creative and media teams. I called an emergency meeting and facilitated a discussion about ad scenarios, media plans, and the roles of various team members in relation to the presentation. I was able to achieve a consensus on two priority ad concepts that we had to pitch and on related media strategies. I drew up a minute-by-minute plan of how we would present the pitch. Based on our discussions, the plan was warmly received by the team. The client loved our plan and adopted the campaign. I was promoted to account executive six months later.
