Preparing for an interview using the STAR technique
Many of us have been in a situation where we need to talk about our accomplishments, be it at a job interview or with project managers of while working. It is good to be excited about talking about the various types of works and projects that you have completed, but many feel that talking in a complimentary manner about their own work can sound boastful and unattractive.
There are ways to talk about your work without the feeling of superiority, and using the STAR techniques is a great way to accomplish just that. You can talk about your achievement without it sounding overwhelming as though you are beating your own drum.
What is the STAR technique?
STAR is an abbreviation for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This is a complete technique to use when there are questions in regard to the competency and capability.
Situation
This entails explaining and describing the event or situation for a task that you were assigned. Why did they need the type of work that you have completed? What kind of situation or an event did you apply your skills to?
Task
Explain and describe the project or your task in the team for the completion of the task. What did the task require you to do to complete it well?
Action
Talk about the particular methods and techniques you used to complete the described task. How did you finish the project and what step was taken to complete it?
Results
Finish the talk stating the results of the task that you completed, and how it impacted your team performance as well as the management after project completion.
When do you use the STAR technique?
Many interviewers for a new project or a job, like to ask questions about the candidate’s past performance, as they can be good pointers for what kind of work to expect you. The behavioral questions such as “What have you done, above and beyond for task to achieve the best?” or “What steps do you take to remain calm and continue to be a team player during situations when you are under duress?’ Questions like these can help the employers gauge your style and method of working based on your answers.
How can you for an interview using the STAR technique?
It is mostly impossible to know what the interviewer is going to ask, but one factor is certain, that is will be related mostly to how well you deal with adversities at work, and how to overcome hurdles.
Make a list of the responsibilities and qualities that the employer is looking for. Go back to the past performance that delivered similar responsibilities using the STAR technique. Ensure that you select the examples of responsibilities that are similar to the type listed by the employer for the interview.
Using the STAR technique, you can be sure that you are delivering the right answers without making it sound like you are boasting. One should be proud of their accomplishments and be able to speak about his or her experiences without making it sound like they think no end of themselves and their capabilities.
Interviews for a project or a job that you have dreamed of are important, and answering the question gracefully using the STAR techniques will help in making you sound professional, as well as accomplished for the job; perfect for hiring for the completion for the task.