Ace your next job interview by mastering the STAR technique

If you've been invited to an interview, your CV has already caught the employer's attention – great! It's time to prove you're the best fit for the role. But can you speak confidently about your accomplishments? With the four-step STAR interview method, you can deliver clear, persuasive answers. Read on to learn how you can use this technique to provide evidence-backed responses that showcase your skills – and help you stand out.

What is the STAR interview method?

The STAR interview method is a systematic technique for answering interview questions. The STAR acronym stands for:

  • Situation

  • Task

  • Action

  • Result

Each component refers to a discussion point in your answer that will help you structure your response thoroughly. By following this approach, you'll provide clear, detailed answers that demonstrate your competencies. Let's take a deep dive and review what each step entails:

Situation

Begin your response by setting the scene. Describe the situation you were in and be as specific as possible. You want the interviewer to understand the context of the task you're about to explain.

Task

Next, tell the interviewer what you were tasked with, whether it was a goal you were working toward or your responsibility in that situation. Remember to explain what was required of you individually rather than focusing on your team.

Action

This is the most important part and should form the bulk of your answer. It's your chance to explain exactly what you did in response to the situation and task. Focus on your actions, referencing the skills you used along the way. Ideally, these skills should align with those the interviewer is seeking.

Result

The final step is where you wrap up and explain how the situation played out. Zoom in on the results you generated and what you accomplished. Even if the task wasn't a success, there are benefits to discussing what you learned and what you'd do differently next time.

When to use the STAR method during a job interview

While you can use the STAR interview method for many types of interview questions, it's particularly effective in competency-based interviews, where employers assess specific skills. These interviews are structured, meaning all candidates are asked the same questions to ensure fairness.

For example, if you've applied for a Sales Executive role, the interviewer may ask about your negotiation skills. Competency-based interview questions often start with prompts like "Tell me about a time when…" or "Describe a time you…" followed by a skill or responsibility listed in the job description.

These questions are designed to evaluate how you've demonstrated key skills listed in the job spec. This is where the STAR technique helps you shine by guiding you through a structured response.

Although building rapport in structured interviews might be challenging, they can work to your advantage. The STAR interview technique allows you to confidently provide clear, relevant answers that align with the competency framework you're being assessed against.

Examples of STAR interview questions

Here are some examples of STAR interview questions that align with behavioural and competency-based inquiries:

Teamwork: Describe a time when you worked with a team to achieve a common goal. What was your role, and how did you contribute?

Problem-solving: Tell me about a time when you faced a major challenge at work. How did you approach the problem, and what was the outcome?

Leadership: Can you share an example of when you had to lead a team or project? What strategies did you use to motivate the team?

Communication: Tell me about a time when you had to explain a complex issue to a colleague or client. How did you ensure they fully understood?

Conflict resolution: Describe a situation where you disagreed with a co-worker or supervisor. How did you handle the situation?

Time management: Tell me about a time when you had to manage multiple tasks or projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritise your work?

An example of using the STAR interview method

To help you better understand how the STAR interview method works, here's a strong example of a STAR interview-format question and answer:

Question:

Tell me about a time you successfully negotiated with a prospect.

Answer:

Situation: I was working with a warm lead who showed interest after downloading one of our white papers. They were keen on our platinum package but had the budget for the gold package.

Task: My goal was to negotiate a deal that ensured both the business and the prospect were satisfied. I needed to secure the sale without the lead turning to a competitor.

Action: I first assessed the prospect's goals and current strategy to determine what they truly needed from a package. Building rapport was vital, so I took a personalised, human approach to connect with the prospect. Through this, I found out what they were paying with a competitor. I then highlighted our pricing advantages and service superiority, using a comparison to demonstrate why we offered better value.

Result: We negotiated a one-month premium contract with a 25% discount, which was only 7% more than the gold package. After experiencing the results, the prospect increased their spending and became a loyal customer.

How to prepare for an interview using the STAR method

Interview preparation is to deliver clear and compelling answers. While you can't predict the exact questions, reviewing the job description will help you anticipate the competencies the interviewer will likely assess.

Identify key skills and competencies

Familiarise yourself with the critical skills and qualities the role requires. Then, choose a few strong examples from your experiences that align with these competencies. Make sure your examples demonstrate different skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, or leadership, and are relevant to the job.

Draft your STAR responses

Next, map out your responses using the STAR interview method. Practise telling each story aloud, ensuring your answers are structured and concise, lasting between 30 seconds to two minutes. Focus primarily on the "Action" step, where you explain what you did and how you applied the relevant skills.

Practise and fine-tune answers

To feel more confident, write down key details, such as specific outcomes or measurable results, and practice delivering your answers naturally. Taking the time to prepare this way ensures you'll be ready to adapt your STAR approach to different questions.

Master the STAR technique

You should now understand the STAR interview method and how to apply it to various interview questions. While it's most effective for competency-based interviews, the STAR technique can also help structure responses to behavioural questions. The key to success is thorough preparation – plan your examples carefully, practise your delivery, and you'll be set to give a stellar performance on the big day.

Before you can shine in the interview, your CV has to get you in the door. Will yours? Submit it for a free CV review to find out.

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