What Is The Star Method?
The Star Method is a practical way to rock your next job interview.
- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result
In short, the STAR Method helps to succinctly convey your responses to any interview question.
To begin, you want to start with the situation at hand. Give a specific description of whatever event took place. This gives the interviewer context into whichever story or example you share.
Next, say what the task aka the goal was. Were you putting on an event for 200 people? Were you in charge of delivering the quarterly presentation to the top client? Be sure to note the specific task.
Third, share what the action was that you did. Not your team. Not your boss. But What YOU did.
Of course your team helped. That’s great. But this is the time to focus on and highlight you. Share the specific actions you took to get the task done.
Last, you must share the result. Did the event turn out great? Was it a complete disaster? Either outcome is fine, especially if you can relay back what it is specifically that you learned.
Seeing a trend here? I am. You have to be specific when answering any question from the interviewer. This is how you win them over.
The STAR Method allows you to easily compile your thoughts and highlight your wins.
How To Use The Star Method
Below is a example of how you can use the STAR Method in action. Use this as the model when preparing for your next job interview.
(S) Situation: The week before a quarterly report was due my co-worker had to step away from the project due to an illness with a family member.
(T) Task: I was told to take over as the lead on the project by my supervisor. This meant creating and editing the final report and presentation.
(A) Action: I read all the client notes my co-worker had left and did my own research on the project at hand. I found out from several email changes specifically what topics to highlight.
(R) Result: A week later I delivered an awesome presentation on Zoom to our client. The client was impressed with the work I did and how there weren’t any delays with the report.
Top Tips For Your Next Interview
I worked on the hiring team for every single job I have had since college. You can say, I know what managers are looking for. Below are some of my top tips for landing the job.
Tip 1: Research The Company
I think it can be expected that (nearly) all hiring managers will ask you some version this question.
Why Do You Want To Work Here?
Be prepared with information about the company that shows how you are a good fit.
True Story: I once had an applicant totally bomb this question because they had no idea what we did at our company. It was clear that they were using the “spray and pray method”. The one where people apply to as many jobs as possible and hopes something sticks.
Clearly this individual had the skills to work at our company. However, their lack of knowledge on what we did specifically was a huge turn off.
tip 2: Be Prepared With Questions
This goes along with researching the company. The more engaged you are with the work that the company does, the better you look.
A job interview is a two way street. Not only are the hiring managers seeing if you are a good fit, but you are also interviewing them.
Be prepared and impress them by asking practical question such as.
- What is the culture here?
- How long do employees typically stay with the company?
- What would you say are the biggest factors needed for success in this role?
- What opportunities are there for growth?
You want to make sure that you are stepping into a role with room for growth. Asking these questions will also give you a feel for company culture. Nothing is worse than taking a brand new job and THEN finding out it is not a fit.
Tip 3: Practice
Honestly. You have to practice. This is especially true if you have not been in the workforce for sometime or are prone to stress. Yes, I am talking about spending time saying your “selling points”.
You can do this in front of a mirror or with a friend.
The key is to get comfortable sharing your story and highlighting why you are the right person for the job.
Always, always, always…rehearse BEFORE your interview.
@OnTheGoe
Share Your Tips
If you know of any practical interviewing tips, please share in the comments section.
