STAR Method: Answering behavioral interview questions

Looking for guidance regarding your next interview?

Let’s talk STAR – an easy way to answer difficult behavioral interview questions. This is often the best framework to respond to answers requiring you to demonstrate your personal, or soft, skills.

STAR STANDS FOR:
Situation: Set the scene and give the necessary details of your example.
Task: Describe what your responsibility was in that situation.
Action: Explain exactly what steps you took to address it.
Result: Share what outcomes your actions achieved.

How is STAR different from PAR (Problem/Action/Result)?

PAR is concise – suitable for resumes or instances where quick answers are needed (time restraints, etc.) PAR is also excellent to apply to task-specific questions (more technical issues related to the position.)

STAR, however, is an excellent framework for more complex responses that require a bit more context. It is also the most common framework to use for BEHAVIORAL/SITUATIONAL questions.