People like hearing stories – they are a proven technique for making sure people remember the point you’re trying to make. The STAR technique is a powerful storytelling tool for answering difficult job interview questions. It enables you to frame your answers in a structured and compelling way that highlights your achievements and competencies.
The technique involves breaking down your answer into four components: Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
Situation: Describe the situation you were in or the problem you faced.
Task: Define the goal or objective you had to achieve.
Action: Describe the actions you took to achieve the goal.
Result: State the outcomes of your actions, including any quantifiable
measurements.
To make the most of the STAR technique, it is essential to build your answers into “STAR Stories.” These stories should be less than 3 minutes long, and presented with energy and enthusiasm about a real-life
experience you have had (not necessarily a work experience, as long as it demonstrates a relevant competency or behaviour).
Here are some tips to help you master the STAR technique:
Practice, Practice, Practice – The key to mastering the STAR technique is practice. Prepare your stories in advance and practice telling them out loud. This will help you to remember the details, keep your answers
concise, and maintain your energy and enthusiasm.
Be Specific – The STAR technique requires you to be specific and provide measurable outcomes. Make sure you have exact examples of your achievements, such as increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, or cost savings.
Be Concise – Remember to keep your answers concise and to the point. The interviewer doesn’t need to hear every detail of your story; they just need to understand the situation, task, action, and result.
Use Visual Aids – If you have any props, such as diagrams, charts, or letters of recommendation, use them to help illustrate your story. This can help to keep the interviewer engaged and make your answers more
memorable
The technique involves breaking down your answer into four components: Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
Situation: Describe the situation you were in or the problem you faced.
Task: Define the goal or objective you had to achieve.
Action: Describe the actions you took to achieve the goal.
Result: State the outcomes of your actions, including any quantifiable
measurements.
To make the most of the STAR technique, it is essential to build your answers into “STAR Stories.” These stories should be less than 3 minutes long, and presented with energy and enthusiasm about a real-life
experience you have had (not necessarily a work experience, as long as it demonstrates a relevant competency or behaviour).
Here are some tips to help you master the STAR technique:
Practice, Practice, Practice – The key to mastering the STAR technique is practice. Prepare your stories in advance and practice telling them out loud. This will help you to remember the details, keep your answers
concise, and maintain your energy and enthusiasm.
Be Specific – The STAR technique requires you to be specific and provide measurable outcomes. Make sure you have exact examples of your achievements, such as increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, or cost savings.
Be Concise – Remember to keep your answers concise and to the point. The interviewer doesn’t need to hear every detail of your story; they just need to understand the situation, task, action, and result.
Use Visual Aids – If you have any props, such as diagrams, charts, or letters of recommendation, use them to help illustrate your story. This can help to keep the interviewer engaged and make your answers more
memorable
Be Courteous – When using the STAR technique, remember to be courteous and build a friendly two-way conversation with the interviewer. Start by answering the question directly and then ask if you can give an
example. This will show that you are listening and engaging with the interviewer.
Mastering the STAR technique is a priceless skill to acquire for any job interview. It enables you to answer tough questions in a subtle, compelling, and powerful manner that leaves a lasting impression on the
interviewer. By building your answers into “STAR Stories,” you can wrap your key messages and personality into a real-life experience that your interviewer will remember. Practice, be specific, concise, use visual aids,
and be courteous, and you will be well on your way to acing any interview!
Mastering the STAR technique is a priceless skill to acquire for any job interview. It enables you to answer tough questions in a subtle, compelling, and powerful manner that leaves a lasting impression on the
interviewer. By building your answers into “STAR Stories,” you can wrap your key messages and personality into a real-life experience that your interviewer will remember. Practice, be specific, concise, use visual aids,
and be courteous, and you will be well on your way to acing any interview!
