|
STAR Interview Technique: Questions & Tips
Out the door is the
traditional interview and in comes the behavior-based interview, an
interview process that is known to focus on situational interview
questions. So what's a behavioral interview? You're about to find
out! But first, I'd like to discuss the reason employers use
behavioral interviewing - it's a means to weed out job seekers who
are under performers. Though many candidates may say that
situational interviews are full of crazy interview questions that no
one can possibly answer with ease, the fact is the best job
interview you can go on is one where the employer asks relevant
questions.
Imagine going on an employment interview where the interview asks,
"Why is a man cover hole round?" Now that's a difficult
interview question to answer if I ever heard one. Out of all types
of interviews the behavioral interview is the one that fairly
measures your level of experience.
Use of the
STAR Technique
A common mistake when answering STAR interview questions is when job seekers over think their responses. The best job interview advice I can give you, before I provide a step-by-step on how to answer behavioral interview questions, is simple: trust that your years of experience is all you need to frame the responses interviewers want to hear. Answering interview questions is easy when you answer each question from a place of honesty. There is no interview technique out there that will replace the truth. Remember that and you will perform well on any interview you go on.
The main question job seekers have is how to answer behavioral questions. The approach is simple. It's called STAR. When you use the STAR method to answer frequently asked interview questions, you'll never be at a loss for great examples.
Situation - Describe where you were working, the position you held, the aspects of job, and the challenge. (As an office manager for Microware Electronics, I took pride in running a smooth operation…)
Task - Tell them about the tasks you implemented. (I was challenged to reorganize our digital filing system…)
Action - This is when you state the action(s) you took to resolve your work related situation. (I called several vendors and asked about computer programs that fit our departmental needs.)
Result - Offer the interviewer positive results from your action. (I negotiated a fair price for a software program and the files were organized ahead of the deadline.)
Do's and Don'ts Tips for Job Seekers
When answering interview questions you should keep the following points in mind when you attend your next job interview. Find a way to implement each
Use examples that describe the positive aspect of your job. That means you should never choose an example where the outcome doesn't put you in a positive light. That said, you should choose an example where it was a challenging situation.
What you did is just as important as how you did it. For example, if you achieved a 50% increase in sales that number is more impressive if you cultivated clients from the ground up as opposed to inheriting a territory. So be sure to tout your accomplishment and the steps you took to achieve it.
It's impossible to know the exact questions you'll be asked on any given interview. However, you can prepare for a behavioral interview when you know what type of questions to look for. Here are several, sample situational interview questions starters you should familiarize yourself with:
|
|
 |
Describe a time… |
|
|
|
Provide an example of a time… |
|
|
|
Tell me about a time when… |
|
|
|
Recall a time when you had… |
Remember: difficult interview questions are designed to keep you on your toes so don't get frustrated with the process. That is one of the key mistakes people make when answering the questions, letting frustration seep its way in. This is a good tip to keep in mind for any traditional job interview you attend as well.
Interview Questions and Tips
|
|
|
|
Provide an example of a time when you worked as part of a team. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recall
a time when you had to motivate your team to accomplish
goals. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Describe
a time when you failed to meet a goal or a deadline. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tell
me about a time when you increased revenue. What steps
did you take? |
Even if you are an experienced interviewee and have been succeeding in job interviews, you should prepare for a behavioral interview because more and more companies are jumping on the
STAR interview technique bandwagon.
| 