How can you use the STAR method to answer interview questions?

1 What is the STAR method?

The STAR method stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It is a way of organizing your answer to a behavioral question in four steps. The first step is to describe the situation that you were in or the problem that you had to solve. The second step is to explain the task that you had to accomplish or the goal that you had to achieve. The third step is to describe the action that you took or the skills that you used to complete the task or solve the problem. The fourth step is to highlight the result that you achieved or the outcome that you delivered. By using the STAR method, you can show the interviewer how you applied your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a real work scenario.

2 Why use the STAR method?

The STAR method is a useful tool to answer behavioral questions because it helps you to provide specific and relevant examples of your work performance. Behavioral questions are based on the assumption that your past behavior is a good indicator of your future behavior. Therefore, the interviewer wants to hear how you handled similar situations in the past and what results you achieved. The STAR method helps you to avoid vague or general answers that do not showcase your skills and achievements. It also helps you to avoid rambling or going off-topic by keeping your answer focused and concise. The STAR method shows the interviewer that you can think logically, communicate clearly, and act effectively in different work situations.

4 Examples of using the STAR method

To give you a better idea of how to use the STAR method, here are some examples of behavioral questions and possible answers that incorporate the technique. For instance, when asked about a time when you had to work under pressure and meet a tight deadline, you could mention that you were a project manager for a marketing agency and had to deliver a campaign proposal for a new client in two days. You could then explain how you assigned roles and responsibilities, monitored progress and quality, provided feedback and support, and communicated regularly with the client. The result was that the proposal was completed on time and within the budget, impressing the client enough to award you the contract.

When asked about dealing with a difficult customer or client, you could state that you were a customer service representative for an online retailer who received a call from an unhappy customer. You could then explain how you apologized for the mistake, empathized with their frustration, explained the return policy and steps to send back the shoes, and offered them a discount coupon as goodwill. The customer calmed down and agreed to return the shoes while also giving positive feedback on the customer satisfaction survey.

Lastly, if asked about a time when you had to collaborate with others on a project or task, you might mention that you were working as a graphic designer for a magazine who had to create a cover page for the next issue. You could then explain how you worked closely with other team members to brainstorm ideas and concepts for the cover page, discussing layout, colors, fonts, images, giving feedback and suggestions to improve your work. As a result, you created an eye-catching cover page that was informative and aligned with the theme of the issue – one that received positive reviews from readers and advertisers alike.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?