What is the STAR Method of Interviewing?
There are many ways to interview people for employment. Often, each employer will have preferred interview techniques. Individually, some hiring managers may have developed their own styles. One of these interview techniques in the STAR method.
What is the STAR Method of Interviewing?
The STAR method is a structured approach to answering behavioural interview questions. It is widely used and recommended for its effectiveness in providing clear, concise, and relevant responses to interview questions.
What does “STAR” stand for?
- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result
Essentially, if your interviewer will use the STAR model during your interview, it means you need to structure your answers using the steps above in your answer.
- Situation: Begin your answer by describing the context or background of the experience you’re about to share. This sets the scene and gives the interviewer necessary context.
- Task: Explain your specific responsibility or challenge in that situation. What was expected of you?
- Action: Describe the steps you took to address the challenge or complete the task. Focus on your individual contributions and leadership. Don’t refer to your overall team or “we”.
- Result: Conclude by explaining the outcomes of your actions. Quantify the results if possible and highlight the positive impact of your individual action.
What are the Benefits of the STAR Method?
- Provides structure to your answers
- Helps you stay focused and avoid rambling
- Allows you to showcase specific, relevant examples of your skills
- Makes your responses more memorable and impactful
- Demonstrates your ability to think critically about your experiences
By mastering the STAR method, you can significantly improve your performance in behavioural interviews and increase your chances of securing your job offer.
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