The STAR Method: How To Ace Behavioral Interview Questions

Behavioral interview questions are a big part of most interviews in today’s job market. Focusing on your past work experiences, hiring managers ask these questions to determine if you have the right combination of skills and personality traits for the role.

Since these are open-ended questions, many job seekers get caught off guard when they come up in an interview. Instead of explaining how they can handle various workplace situations that come up, they rehash the skills and experience already listed on their resume.

To ensure you don’t make this mistake, the STAR Method can help you prepare for a variety of behavioral interview questions. Continue reading to learn more about behavioral-based interviews and how the STAR Method can help you leave a last impression:

What are behavioral interviews?

The logic behind this strategy is that your past performance can predict your future performance. Since the employer has already defined what skills are needed for success in the role, they will ask you questions about past experiences to determine if you meet that criteria. Generally, these questions can be more specific and thought-provoking than general interview questions. Here are some common behavioral interview questions:

Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks.
What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.
Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.
Share an example of a time you had to make a difficult decision. What did you do?

What is the STAR Method?

The STAR Method is a great way to approach behavioral interview questions since it can help keep your thoughts organized and to-the-point. Here are the four steps to utilizing this strategy:

(S) Situation: Describe the specific situation you were in, and be sure to give details
(T) Task: What goal were you working toward?
(A) Action: Describe the actions you took to address the situation
(R) Result: Describe the outcome of your actions, as well as what you learned in the process

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to behavioral interview questions. Just stick to the truth, follow the STAR Method, and end on a positive note. The goal should be to give the interviewer insight into your career and work ethic, showcase your confidence, and demonstrate your ability to be successful in the role.