✅ Ace Your Next Interview with this Simple Technique
How you perform in an interview will depend on how you structure your thinking. A good structure will enable you to include a range of examples and show off your experience.
Hello readers,
This is a post I’ve been working on for a few weeks, adding little insights slowly over time but now it’s ready.
You should find it useful regardless of whether you are apply for jobs or conducting interviews.
We’ve been doing a lot of recruitment recently and in that time I’ve see the full spectrum of approaches to interviews as well as the full range of good and bad performances.
The thread that ties all the successful candidates together was the structure of their thinking.
So, this post focuses on how you can get more structure into your thinking.
I set out where the pitfalls could be and offer a solution to how you can structure your thinking more effectively in your next interview.
In fact, as I explain, this technique can be used in many other work situations too.
This one is for everyone. 👍
In this post I cover:
👉 The Dreaded Interview
👉 The Challenge Ahead
👉 Introducing the STAR Technique
👉 Real-life Application of the STAR Technique
👉 Common Mistakes
👉 Beyond Interviews: The Versatility of the STAR Technique
Let’s dive in.
The Dreaded Interview
Mastering the Art of the Interview
"Opportunities don't often come along. So, when they do, you have to grab them." – Audrey Hepburn
The job interview can be the gateway to new career horizons, yet for many, it remains a daunting challenge. A recent survey by CareerBuilder discovered that 49% of hiring managers know within the first five minutes of an interview if a candidate is a good fit for a position. That's just five minutes to make a lasting impression, to convey your worth, and to set the stage for potential career advancement.
With over 15 years of experience interviewing candidates across a plethora of roles, I've been privy to both interview disasters and rip-roaring successes. I've been in the thick of it — watching potential stars crumble under pressure and underprepared candidates stumble.
But I've also witnessed transformations, where individuals, equipped with the right techniques, turned their interviews into powerful narratives that left an indelible mark.
In today's edition, we're diving deep into one such transformative technique. Prepare to unlock the secrets of the STAR technique and discover how to put your best foot forward in any interview scenario, based on lessons from real situations.
The Challenge Ahead
It's not just about landing an interview, it's about seizing the moment when you're in it.
Every candidate steps into the room with hopes, qualifications, and a history of accomplishments. Yet, too often, these strengths get lost in translation. Here are some of the common pitfalls candidates encounter:
Lost in Translation: Many candidates possess rich experiences but struggle to convey them effectively. They know the depth of their achievements, but when posed with a question, the essence of their story gets buried in details, tangents, or irrelevant information.
The Nervous Spiral: Interview anxiety can be crippling. A survey by Harris Interactive for Everest College found that 92% of adults in the U.S. have fears about job interviews. This anxiety can lead to rushed answers, forgetfulness, or a tendency to freeze when faced with unexpected questions.
The Over-Preparation Paradox: Believe it or not, there's such a thing as being too prepared. Some candidates rehearse their answers to the point of sounding robotic or insincere, making it challenging to gauge their genuine capabilities.
Highlighting the Wrong Hero: While teamwork is invaluable, an interview is your time to shine. Yet, many candidates default to highlighting team achievements, leaving interviewers guessing about their personal contributions and roles.
Recognising these challenges is the first step. But what if there was a structured, authentic way to not just address these problems but to transform the way you approach interviews altogether?
That's where the STAR technique comes into play.
Introducing the STAR Technique
Navigating the maze of interview questions can often feel like a tightrope walk. You're striving to remain genuine while ensuring your answer is structured, comprehensive, and highlights your best qualities. This is where the STAR technique proves invaluable.
What is the STAR Technique?
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It's a systematic method designed to help you answer interview questions in a concise and compelling manner. Instead of offering rambling or disjointed responses, the STAR technique helps you structure your answers in a way that showcases not just what you've done, but how you've done it and the results you've achieved.
Situation: Set the context. Describe a situation you faced in your professional life.
Task: Detail the challenges or tasks that arose as a result of the situation.
Action: Outline the specific actions you took to address the task or challenge.
Result: Conclude with the outcomes of your actions. What did you achieve? How did it benefit your team or company?
The beauty of the STAR technique is its adaptability. It can be applied to answer a vast array of interview questions, from detailing project management experiences to resolving team conflicts. And the best part? It allows you to narrate your professional journey in a story format, making your responses memorable and impactful.
In the following sections, we'll delve deeper into each component of the STAR technique, offering insights and tips to master this approach.
A Deeper Dive into the Technique
Understanding the STAR technique's components in depth can make all the difference in your interview responses. Let's break down each segment:
1. Situation
Your answer's foundation is the 'Situation'. Here, you set the stage by giving the interviewer a backdrop to the story you're about to tell.
Tips:
Keep it brief, yet descriptive.
Offer enough context so the interviewer understands the circumstances but avoid unnecessary details that might derail the narrative's focus.
2. Task
This part captures the challenge or responsibility you were faced with due to the situation.
Tips:
Clearly define the problem. Was it a conflict? A sudden change in requirements? A tight deadline?
Highlight your role. Were you the team leader? The project manager? Or were you called upon to lend your expertise?
3. Action
The 'Action' segment is where you detail the steps you took to address the task at hand. It's your opportunity to shine and display your problem-solving skills.
Tips:
Be specific about your actions. Instead of saying "I handled the situation," explain how you handled it.
Showcase your thought process. Why did you choose a particular approach? Did you consider alternatives?
4. Result
Wrap up your story with the 'Result'. Share the outcome of your actions, focusing on positive results and lessons learned.
Tips:
Quantify your results if possible. Did you boost sales by 15%? Did you reduce project delivery time by two weeks?
Highlight any positive feedback you received, whether from superiors, peers, or clients.
Remember, the STAR technique is not just about answering the question—it's about demonstrating your problem-solving skills, your ability to navigate challenges, and the tangible outcomes of your efforts.
Real-Life Application of the STAR Technique
To truly grasp the effectiveness of the STAR technique, let's walk through a tangible example. Consider a common interview question: "Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult client or stakeholder."
Situation: "At my previous role in XYZ Company, we had a key client who was notoriously challenging to please. They had been with the company for several years and were known for their abrupt changes in requirements and tight deadlines."
Task: "The client brought us a project which had a much shorter timeline than usual. Not only did we have to deliver high-quality work, but we also had to accommodate their evolving demands, ensuring we didn’t compromise the final product."
Action: "I initiated regular check-in meetings with the client to understand their changing needs better. I also assembled a dedicated team to focus solely on this project. By implementing agile methodologies, we could quickly adapt to the client's feedback. Additionally, I collaborated closely with my team, providing them with the resources and support they needed, and set clear expectations with the client regarding realistic changes and timelines."
Result: "Despite the challenges, we delivered the project on time. The client was not only satisfied with the end product but also expressed appreciation for our flexibility and communication throughout the process. This experience reinforced the importance of proactive communication and agility in our workflow. Furthermore, this project turned out to be one of the most profitable for that fiscal year."
This structured approach using the STAR technique ensures the answer is not only thorough but also captivating. It gives the interviewer a clear snapshot of the scenario, the challenges faced, the actions taken, and the results achieved.
Common Mistakes
The STAR technique, while immensely helpful, can be a double-edged sword if not employed correctly. Let's explore some of the common pitfalls and how you can navigate them:
1. Over-Elaborating the Situation
Mistake: Spending too much time detailing the situation, causing the actual story to get lost.
Solution: Offer just enough context for the interviewer to understand the challenge. Remember, the primary focus should be on your actions and results.
2. Vague Descriptions
Mistake: Giving broad or generic descriptions of tasks and actions, leaving the interviewer with more questions than answers.
Solution: Be specific. Highlight concrete steps you took, decisions you made, or tools and methods you employed.
3. Neglecting the Result
Mistake: Focusing heavily on the situation and action but glossing over the result.
Solution: Always conclude with a clear outcome. This is your opportunity to showcase the impact of your actions, so make it count.
4. Using the Same Example Repeatedly
Mistake: Leveraging the same scenario to answer multiple questions, which can make you appear one-dimensional.
Solution: Prepare a variety of case studies, as discussed earlier, to ensure you have a rich arsenal of experiences to draw from.
5. Failing to Highlight Personal Contribution
Mistake: Focusing too much on "we" (the team) and not enough on "I" (your individual contribution).
Solution: While teamwork is valuable, the interviewer is keen on understanding your role in the situation. Ensure you highlight your personal actions and contributions.
Remember, like any skill, mastering the STAR technique requires practice. By being aware of these common missteps and actively working to avoid them, you'll be well on your way to delivering compelling and impactful interview responses.
Beyond Interviews: The Versatility of the STAR Technique
The magic of the STAR technique isn't limited to the confines of an interview room. Think about it: in our professional lives, how often do we find ourselves explaining our strategies, defending our decisions, or pitching our ideas? At the heart of all these scenarios is storytelling.
Presenting a Strategy or Proposal: Whether you're rolling out a new marketing plan or introducing a revamped product design, the STAR method can help. By outlining the Situation (the problem you're addressing), Task (your objective), Action (steps taken), and Result (projected outcomes or past successes), you can present your strategy in a manner that's both compelling and easy to understand.
Work Meetings & Brainstorming Sessions: Have you ever had a brilliant idea but struggled to convey its merits? Utilise the STAR technique. Describe a similar past Situation, elaborate on the Task, explain the Actions you'd recommend, and project the Results. It can make your idea resonate more with your team.
Self-evaluation & Performance Reviews: Reflecting on your achievements? Use STAR to structure your successes and lessons learned. It offers a clear format for supervisors to understand your contributions and the impacts they've had.
Practice Makes Perfect: The next time you have a presentation or a strategy meeting, try incorporating the STAR technique. Not only will it make your narrative more engaging, but it'll also serve as valuable practice for your next interview.
Remember, the STAR technique isn't just a formula; it's a mindset. It encourages structured thinking, clarity, and effective communication, attributes that are invaluable in every professional endeavour.
Conclusion
The job interview is more than just a test of your qualifications; it's a testament to your ability to communicate, to tell stories, and to exhibit how you've navigated challenges in the past. The STAR technique offers a structured approach to ensuring you not only answer interview questions effectively but also leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.
With over 15 years of experience interviewing candidates, I've seen the difference structured storytelling can make. It bridges the gap between what's on paper and who you truly are, painting a comprehensive picture for your prospective employer.
But remember, like all tools, the effectiveness of the STAR technique lies in its application. Take the insights and advice from this post, practice rigorously, and walk into your next interview with confidence and clarity. Your stories are powerful, and they deserve to be told in the best possible light.
Your next success story awaits. Go make it happen.