{"id":1586,"date":"2022-10-14T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-14T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/?p=1586"},"modified":"2024-03-15T18:12:48","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T22:12:48","slug":"star-method-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/interview-questions\/star-method-interview","title":{"rendered":"How to Use the STAR Method for Interview Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to interviews, you may have heard about the STAR method interview. While you want to stand out (like a star!) in your job interview, the STAR method isn’t so much an interview style, as much as a technique for answering behavioral-based interview questions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common interview questions like, “What are your strengths<\/a>?” and “Why did you apply for the position<\/a>?” are fairly easy to prepare for, especially since you’re anticipating them. But it’s more difficult to prepare for a behavioral interview question since there’s almost no way to create a single answer that works in every situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almost<\/em> is the critical word here. Using the STAR method for interviews can help you create a response that not only answers the question but also helps the hiring manager<\/a> see why they should hire you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is the STAR Method?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe STAR method is a technique that can be used to respond to interview questions that might be described as behavioral, situational, or competency-focused,\u201d says Amira Hernandez, assistant director of career services at Oxford College of Emory University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. The acronym helps you remember the critical elements you should include when answering a behavioral-based interview question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how it works. When you hear a behavioral-based interview question, remember STAR to include each of these elements as part of your response:<\/p>\n\n\n

S<\/strong>ituation: Describe the situation you faced<\/p>\n

T<\/strong>ask: Discuss your responsibilities or what you needed to accomplish<\/p>\n

A<\/strong>ction: Explain what you did to complete the task or meet the challenge<\/p>\n

R<\/strong>esult: Talk about the outcome, accomplishments, or what you learned<\/p>\n\n\n

As an example, if the interviewer asks you to talk about a time you had to deal with an angry customer, you would start with why the customer was angry (they didn\u2019t get their package). Then talk about the problem you needed to solve (you had to calm the customer down). Then talk about what you did (tracked the package, offered a refund, sent an expedited replacement) and what the result was (the customer was satisfied).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tConflict resolution, problem solving, critical thinking, root cause analysis, prioritization\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Using the STAR method of interviewing helps you tell the interviewer a story about a time you used your skills in a situation that\u2019s probably similar to those you\u2019ll encounter on the job. Your answer can help them better understand how your skills fit the role and what you\u2019ll contribute to the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Use the STAR Method for Interview Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While you know you\u2019ll probably encounter some behavioral-based interview questions, it\u2019s highly unlikely you\u2019ll know exactly which situations the interviewer will ask about. This makes it difficult to prepare and rehearse an answer before the interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But while you can\u2019t pre-plan your answers to behavioral-based interview questions, you can prepare for them using the STAR technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Review the Job Description<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Start by reviewing the job description and identifying the skills that are either called out in the posting or you think might be relevant for the role. For example, if the job description says you\u2019ll have a lot of customer interactions, it\u2019s safe to assume you\u2019ll need excellent verbal<\/a> and written communication<\/a> skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identify Your Unique Strengths<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After reviewing the job description, identify the strengths you possess that you\u2019ll likely need in the role. If you\u2019re stuck, think about which of your skills are versatile and used in all situations. A broad skill is a safe bet (like communication<\/a>), but you can also use your transferable skills<\/a> (like adaptability<\/a>). Behavioral-based interview questions often ask about overcoming challenges and difficulties, so try to identify the skills you might use in those situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And don\u2019t only focus on one skill. Often we use multiple skills to overcome barriers and face challenges, so it\u2019s OK to highlight several in your answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a Breath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unlike other questions, this isn\u2019t one you\u2019ll necessarily be able to answer immediately, so don\u2019t feel rushed into blurting out an answer. You\u2019ll probably need a few moments to think of a story that best answers the question. It\u2019s OK to buy yourself a bit of time to think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feel free to take a breath while you think. Or, repeat the question back to the interviewer and say, \u201cThat\u2019s a good question,\u201d while you consider your answer. It\u2019s also OK to be silent for a moment or two as you contemplate an example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>MORE:<\/strong> 15 Entry-Level Interview Questions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The situation may feel uncomfortable, but it shouldn\u2019t be. The interviewer will (hopefully) appreciate that you\u2019re taking a minute to come up with a good answer that illustrates how you use your skills on the job instead of saying \u201csomething\u201d just to answer the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay Focused<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because you\u2019re answering in the moment and you\u2019re in an interview, your nerves may get the better of you, meaning you might lose focus as you answer. The STAR interview method can help you stay on topic. Keep each point in mind as you speak to ensure you tell the entire story without rambling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don\u2019t feel you need to limit the story, either. Answering this kind of interview question may take longer than other types of questions, and that\u2019s OK. You\u2019re telling a story that highlights your abilities, and some stories are longer than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also critical to remember that your story doesn\u2019t need a lot of drama and conflict. Great fiction has a lot of action and excitement, but your answer probably doesn\u2019t need it! Sometimes a simple answer is your best bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if You\u2019ve Never Experienced the Situation?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Depending on your experiences, it\u2019s entirely possible you\u2019ve never encountered the specific situation the hiring manager is asking about. In that case, it\u2019s fine to say, \u201cWell, I\u2019ve never encountered X, but here\u2019s how I would handle it,\u201d then talk about the skills you would use in a similar situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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Likewise, it\u2019s possible you encountered part of the situation but not all of it. For example, if the employer asks how you handle angry coworkers, you may have never had to deal with that situation because you recognized what was happening and used your de-escalation skills. In that case, you\u2019d start with, \u201cWell, when I see things are getting heated, I\u2026\u201d and explain what you do to keep the situation from getting worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonus: Use the STAR Interview Method on Your Resume<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a bonus STAR method tip from Hernandez: \u201cThe STAR method can also be employed when developing strong citations for your resume<\/a>. Just as in an interview, when used as a writing technique, it will help you develop concise, measurable, and impactful descriptions of your experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of listing your job tasks, describe them using the STAR technique. For example, when describing your job at summer camp, instead of saying:<\/p>\n\n\n