The S.T.A.R Method is a way of answering behavioral questions in an interview. Behavioral interview questions are based on the idea that the best predictor of future performance is past behavior.
You can recognize a behavioral question as one that requires you to explain a past experience, such as “Tell me about a time when you were creative in solving a problem.” or “Describe a time you helped coworkers who dislike each other work together.” The S.T.A.R. method is the most constructive way to formulate a response to a behavioral question.
STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, and Results.
- When asked a behavioral question, the first step is to describe the SITUATION you were involved in. Let the interviewer know when and where the story begins, as well as who was involved.
- Next, describe the TASK that needed to be performed. Explain what needed to be done and what was your goal.
- Then, describe the ACTION you took. How did you accomplish your task? What actions did you take? Focus on what YOU did to achieve the goal that was set. What tools did you use, and how did you use them?
- Lastly, describe the RESULTS of your actions. What were the results of your actions, and why did the outcomes occur? What did you learn? Try to quantify your results in a measurable and objective way. Not all results are always positive, so if the event did not produce desirable outcomes, talk about what you learned, how you turned the experience into a positive, and how you will apply your experience to future situations. Even if the outcome wasn’t favorable, make sure it was favorable to you.
By using this framework for a story, create an overview of the situation, including your role, others involved, key events, and the outcome. Make everything you talk about reflect positively on you, however, be honest and concise when answering. Do not be afraid to take credit for your action or take pride in the result.
When talking about your past experiences, try to include relevant technical details such as software skills in your descriptions. Only use language that the recruiter will understand, so avoid technical jargon when talking to a non-technical person.
The S.T.A.R. Method is useful because it helps recruiters see the whole picture of the situation and lets them follow your thought process. It demonstrates your abilities in problem-solving, communication, reasoning, and other soft skills that are otherwise difficult to demonstrate on your resume.