Behavioral interview questions are commonly used by employers to assess a candidate’s past experiences and behaviors, and how they may relate to the job they are applying for. One effective way to answer these questions is to use the STAR method. Here’s how it works:
- Situation or Task
Start by describing the situation or task you were faced with. Be specific and provide enough context for the interviewer to understand the situation.
For example: “During my previous job, we were facing a tight deadline for a project.”
- Action
Next, explain the action you took in response to the situation or task. This should be the main focus of your answer.
For example: “To meet the deadline, I created a detailed project plan and delegated tasks to team members based on their strengths.”
- Result
Finally, describe the result or outcome of the action you took. Be sure to highlight your contribution to the positive result.
For example: “As a result of my planning and delegation, we were able to complete the project ahead of schedule and under budget.”
Using the STAR method can help you structure your answers in a way that is clear and concise, and that provides the interviewer with the information they need to assess your skills and abilities.
Here are some additional tips for using the STAR method effectively:
- Practice ahead of time
Before your interview, review common behavioral interview questions and practice using the STAR method to answer them. This will help you feel more confident and prepared during the actual interview.
- Focus on the positive
When describing the result or outcome of your action, be sure to focus on the positive. Even if the outcome was not completely successful, try to highlight any positive aspects or lessons learned.
- Be specific
Provide specific examples and details when describing the situation, task, action, and result. This will help the interviewer understand the context of your experiences and assess your skills and abilities more accurately.
- Stay on topic
When using the STAR method, it’s important to stay on topic and not get sidetracked. Make sure your answer directly relates to the question being asked.
In conclusion, using the STAR method can be an effective way to answer behavioral interview questions and demonstrate your skills and abilities to potential employers. By following these tips, you can ensure that your answers are clear, concise, and focused, and that you are presenting yourself in the best possible light. Remember to practice ahead of time, stay positive, be specific, and stay on topic, and you’ll be well on your way to acing your next interview.