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Star Method of Interviewing

The document discusses the STAR method for answering behavioral interview questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. It provides an example of using the STAR method to describe a situation where attendance at events dropped. The interviewee designed a new promotional packet and feedback system, which resulted in an 18% increase in attendance. The document also provides examples of common behavioral interview questions that ask about how the interviewee handled various situations.

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76 views

Star Method of Interviewing

The document discusses the STAR method for answering behavioral interview questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. It provides an example of using the STAR method to describe a situation where attendance at events dropped. The interviewee designed a new promotional packet and feedback system, which resulted in an 18% increase in attendance. The document also provides examples of common behavioral interview questions that ask about how the interviewee handled various situations.

Uploaded by

Jen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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WRIT 226 Moore

STAR METHOD OF INTERVIEWING


Adapted from an MIT Career Development Center handout

SITUATION: give an example of a situation you were involved in that


resulted in a positive outcome

TASK: describe the tasks involved in that situation

ACTION: talk about the various actions involved in the situation’s task

RESULTS: what results directly followed because of your actions

Before the interview process, identify two or three of your top selling
points and determine how you will convey these points (with
demonstrated STAR stories) during the interview.

It is helpful to frame your answer as a story that you can tell.


Typically, the interviewer will pick apart the story to try to get at the
specific behavior(s) he or she seeks. This process is called "digging a
well." The interviewer will sometimes ask you open-ended questions to
allow you to choose which examples you wish to use. When a part of
your story relates to a skill or experience the interviewer wishes to
explore further, he/she will then ask you very specific follow-up
questions regarding your behavior. These can include the following:

"What were you thinking at that point?"

"Tell me more about your meeting with that person."

"Lead me through your decision process."

Whenever you can, quantify your results. Numbers illustrate your


level of authority and responsibility. Here is an example: "As Shift
Supervisor, I trained and evaluated four employees."

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WRIT 226 Moore

Be prepared to provide examples of when results didn't turn


out as you planned. What did you do then? What did you learn? Your
resume will serve as a good guide when answering these questions.
Refresh your memory regarding your achievements in the past couple
of years. Demonstration of the desired behaviors may be proven in
many ways. Use examples from past internships, classes, activities,
team involvements, community service and work experience.

Example of a STAR Answer

Situation: During my internship last summer, I was responsible for


managing various events.

Task: I noticed that attendance at these events had dropped by 30%


over the past three years, and I wanted to do something to improve
these numbers.

Action: I designed a new promotional packet to go out to the local


community businesses. I also included a rating sheet to collect
feedback on our events and organized internal round table discussions
to raise awareness of the issue with our employees.

Result: We utilized some of the wonderful ideas we received from the


community, made our internal systems more efficient and visible and
raised attendance by 18% the first year.

Examples of Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions can be difficult if you are not prepared. Always


try to be conscious about what the recruiter is trying to find out about
you by asking you a particular question. Setting up a mock interview is
an excellent way to practice. Here are the behavioral questions you
will be asked in our mock panel interviews:

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WRIT 226 Moore

 1. Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion


to successfully convince someone to see things your way.

 2. Describe an instance when you had to think on your feet to
extricate yourself from a difficult situation.

 3. Give me a specific example of a time when you used good
judgment and logic in solving a problem.

 4. By providing examples, convince me that you can adapt to a
wide variety of people, situations and environments.

5. Describe a time on any job that you held in which you were
faced with problems or stresses that tested your coping skills.

 6. Give me an example of a time in which you had to be


relatively quick in coming to a decision.

 7. Tell me about a time in which you had to use your written
communications skills in order to get an important point
across.

8. Give me a specific occasion in which you conformed to a


policy with which you did not agree.

 9. Give me an example of an important goal that you had set in


the past and tell me about your success in reaching it.

10. Tell me about a time when you had to go above and


beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.

11. Give me an example of a time when you were able to


successfully communicate with another person even when
that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice
versa).

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