Situation: 'in my last job as a studio manager, two of my designers left just after we landed new business with a big client. Let's look at a STAR Method example, and answer a classic interview question: 'Describe a problem that you faced at work – and how you dealt with it.' You can also discuss what you learned and share insights that you can apply to future challenges. Mention specific results in your answer, and, if possible, talk about facts, figures and stats that quantify your success. Result: finally, summarize the effects of your actions.Even if it was a team effort, explain what you did and lead with 'I' instead of 'we' to detail your approach. Outline the steps you took to resolve the situation. Be specific and explain how you overcame the challenge. For example, were you the leader? What was your goal? What were you tasked to do? Task: this is where you explain your role in the situation.For example, you could name a project you worked on, where it took place, and the size of your team. Here, you outline a specific challenge you faced and give the interviewer some context. Situation: start by setting the scene for your example.Think of the STAR technique as the structure to tell a story that demonstrates your skills. The Four-Step STAR Interview MethodĬompetency-based interviews ask open-ended questions designed to reveal how you approach and overcome workplace challenges. When you use the STAR Method, you draw from real-life work experiences, and communicate them clearly to your interviewer. They're also used to assess whether you have the skills and knowledge needed for the role. It's a framework developed to prepare for and answer competency-based questions in interviews.Įmployers ask behavioral-based questions to understand how you've dealt with issues and challenges in the past – and to predict how you'll likely react to situations in their workplace. STAR stands for: Situation, Task, Action and Result. And, as we'll see, you can also use the framework beyond interviews to help you identify, reflect on, and demonstrate positive behaviors in other areas of your work life. Your mind goes blank, you get flustered and blurt out the first ill-thought-out example that comes to mind.įortunately, the STAR Method can prepare you to answer this type of tricky interview question effectively.

'Can you tell me about a time when you…' is a phrase that can strike fear into interviewees.

Shine in your interviews with the STAR approach

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