October 26, 2023
By Jessica Marcotte, Director Build ON pre-arrival services
What is the STAR Interview Technique?
The STAR technique is a structured approach to answering interview questions by sharing real-life situations, actions you took, and the positive results you achieved. It's a simple yet effective way to demonstrate your skills and experiences, even if English isn't your native language. Each letter in STAR stands for a different part of your story:
S: Situation
Imagine you're telling a story. You start by describing the situation you were in. Where were you? What was happening around you? Let's dive into an example:
Example: Demonstrating Problem-Solving Skills
S: situation
During a team project at my new job in the tech industry, we encountered a complex software issue that was affecting our project's progress.
T: Task
Next, you talk about the task or the challenge you had to face because of the situation. What was the problem you needed to solve? Let's continue with our example:
My task was to identify the issue, find a solution, and ensure the project stayed on track.
A: Action
Now, share the actions you took to solve the problem or handle the situation. What did you do? How did you approach it? Let's see how our story unfolds:
I collaborated with team members to brainstorm potential solutions. I researched online resources and consulted with more experienced colleagues to gather insights. We decided on a step-by-step plan to troubleshoot and resolve the software issue.
R: Result: Lastly, talk about what happened as a result of your actions. Highlight the positive outcome. Did you solve the problem? Did you learn something from it? Let's wrap up our example:
Thanks to our efforts, we successfully resolved the software issue within a reasonable time frame. The project was back on track, and our team's problem-solving skills were recognized by our superiors.
Examples that Highlight the STAR Technique
Now that you've got the hang of the STAR technique, let's explore three more examples to showcase its power:
Example 1: Overcoming Language Barriers
S: When I started my new job at a local bakery, I faced a language barrier. I didn't speak English fluently, and my co-workers mainly communicated in English.
T: My task was to effectively communicate with my co-workers and customers to provide excellent service.
A: To address this challenge, I dedicated time each day to learn English phrases related to baking and customer interactions. I also asked my co-workers for help and practiced conversations with them.
R: As a result, my English communication skills improved over time. I was able to take customer orders, answer questions, and even suggest popular bakery items. The positive feedback from both my co-workers and customers boosted my confidence.
Example 2: Dealing with a Difficult Customer
S: "While working at a store, a customer became upset because a product wasn't available."
T: "I needed to address the customer's concerns while maintaining a positive attitude."
A: "I calmly listened to the customer's complaints, apologized for the inconvenience, and offered alternative solutions. I also ensured they left the store with a smile."
R: "The customer left satisfied, and I gained valuable experience in handling challenging situations, which improved my customer service skills."
Example 3: Adapting to a New Work Environment
S: Upon arriving in a new country, I secured a job at a manufacturing company. The work environment was very different from what I was used to back home.
T: My task was to adapt to the new work culture, understand the company's processes, and collaborate effectively with my colleagues.
A: I took the initiative to observe my colleagues and how they interacted. I asked questions when I didn't understand something and actively participated in team discussions. I also attended company workshops to learn more about the processes.
R: As a result, I quickly became familiar with the work culture and processes. My colleagues appreciated my eagerness to learn, and I started contributing valuable ideas during team meetings. This positive transition helped me establish strong relationships within the team.
In conclusion, mastering the STAR interview technique empowers you to confidently tackle interview questions, regardless of your English proficiency. Remember, it's all about telling your stories effectively. By using real examples and structuring your answers around the STAR format, you can effectively showcase your skills, experiences, and adaptability. Practice this technique using relatable examples, like dealing with challenges, working with a team, or adapting to new situations. By mastering the STAR technique, you'll be well-prepared to tackle any interview question and make a lasting impression on potential employers.
Good luck on your job interview journey!