
Every day, we have the privilege of interviewing candidates. Regardless of their level of experience, one consistent observation stands out: candidates often face difficulties when it comes to answering behavioural-based questions.
Interviewers love to ask behavioural questions because it links back to the old saying: “Past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour.” The key here is to showcase how you responded in a variety of situations and how this can translate to overcoming future challenges.
Behavioral questions are easily recognizable as they often begin with phrases such as “Tell me about a time when…” or “Describe…” or “Give me a specific example of…”.
The STAR method is a simple yet highly effective approach to addressing behavioral interview questions. While you may not always have advance knowledge of the specific interview questions, you can prepare a list of notable career accomplishments that highlight your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, communication style, and capacity to perform under pressure to achieve results.
To present yourself in the best possible light, here are some valuable tips on employing the STAR technique:
Situation
Here’s your introduction, setting the stage. Just like starting a new project, consider the 5 Ws: who, what, when, where, and why.
As previously mentioned, preparing for your upcoming interview by having a variety of STAR responses in the form of notable project accomplishments will enable you to present your experience with confidence and persuasion.
Practising your responses in front of a mirror, video record yourself speaking, or asking someone for feedback are also helpful techniques to overcome anxiety and build confidence when preparing for your next interview.
During an interview, if you find it challenging to provide an example, it’s perfectly acceptable to take a brief moment to gather your thoughts. Simply inform the interviewer that you need a moment and utilize that time to choose the best example from your prepared list.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, employing a structured response technique like STAR will enable you to present yourself in the best possible light and hopefully secure that coveted role!
Frazer Tremble Executive is a comprehensive talent and customer consultancy that empowers businesses to transform and thrive. Whether it’s facilitating changes in customer relations, workforce management, operational processes, or technology integration, you can rely on our expertise to give you a competitive advantage in attracting top talent or finding your next career opportunity.
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Laura’s key areas of expertise sit within the roles: CX, Project Services, Process Improvement, Business Transformation & Executive Search