What is STAR interview method?

The STAR interview method is a technique that helps you prepare for behavioral interview questions that determine whether you will be able to handle specific situations associated with a job based on your past behaviour/track record.

STAR stands for: Situation, Task, Action, Result. This method will help you prepare clear and concise responses using real-life examples.

By using this strategy, you can make sure you are fully addressing the interviewer’s question while also demonstrating how you were able to overcome previous challenges and be successful

What is behavior interview questions?

The behavioral interview is used to learn how you have behaved in previous work situations. In your answers, employers are looking for examples of your past actions that may be predictors of how you will act when you face these situations again.

Sample of behavioral questions.

• Share an example of a time when you faced a difficult problem at work. How did you solve this problem? What did you do? What was the outcome?
• Describe a time when you were under a lot of pressure at work. How did you react?
• Tell me about a mistake you have made. How did you handle it?
• Share an example of a time you had to make a difficult decision. What did you do?
• Explain a situation where you used information to make a recommendation.
• Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss. How did you resolve it?
• Describe a time when you had to deliver bad news. How did you do it?
• Tell me about a time you worked with other departments to complete a project. What was the challenge ? What did you do ? What was the outcome?
• Share an example of a time when you failed. What did you learn from the experience?

In STAR method, you just have to follow the story with concise structure. 

Situation

Set the story by sharing context around the situation or challenge you faced. Share any relevant details.

For example, “In my last role as Finance Manager, my team was short-staffed and facing a significant workload due to changes of ERP system to do payment to vendors. The staffs were dealing with tough deadlines including timelines from sales departments, which was causing stress for my team and affecting morale.”

Task

Describe your responsibility or role in the situation or challenge.

For example, “As a the Manager at that time, it was my role not only to ensure my team met our deadlines but also to communicate bandwidth to sales department and keep my team motivated.”

Action

Explain how you handled the situation or overcame the challenge. If the action was carried out by a team, focus on your efforts.

For example, “So to handle the situation, I set up a formal request process including payment cycle timeline estimates to set better expectations. I scheduled weekly meetings with sales department to discuss my team’s bandwidth and share progress updates.”

Result

What was the outcome you reached through your actions? If possible, quantify your success or provide concrete examples of the effects of your efforts.

For example, “By providing more transparency into my team’s processes and setting better expectations with the sales department, we were able to re-prioritise the deliverables on time. By the next month, everything is more manageable and delivered as expected”