Using the STAR format to answer competency based questions

Most job interviews have a segment dedicated to answering competency or behavioural questions.

Interviewers use these types of questions to understand your experience and qualities in your role, gaining a better idea of how you'll fit into the company and its culture. The best way to prepare for these types of questions is to use the STAR format a technique that will help you prepare for answering situational questions.

In this article we will guide you on the STAR format, giving an overview of what it is, how it is beneficial, and different questions that may come up in your next interview.

 

What is the STAR format?

The STAR format is a structured approach to respond effectively to competency-based questions by utilising specific real-life instances. When faced with a question like, "Describe a time you performed under pressure," the STAR technique enables you to showcase your ability to excel under pressure through experience.

By presenting Situation, Task, Action, and Result, you can concisely demonstrate your competence and suitability for the position.

 

The format

Situation: Describe the situation and when it took place. Ensure that the situation you select distinctly showcases the skill or capability in question and possesses sufficient complexity relevant to the role you are interviewing for.

 

Task: Explain the task and what the goal was. Just like the situation portion of your response, this part should also be concise and straightforward.

 

Action: Give information on the action you took to attain your goal. Elaborate on the actions you undertook to overcome the challenge or achieve your goal. Offer precise and detailed descriptions of each step, avoiding vague statements like "I worked hard." Be as specific as possible in your explanation.

 

Result: What was the result of your action? Ensure that the outcome of your story always reflects positively, even when discussing a mistake you made. For instance, if asked to describe a time when you made a mistake, emphasise the lessons you learned from that experience.

 

Examples of competency-based questions

1. Share a challenging moment you encountered at work and how you addressed the problem.

2. Describe a situation where you faced immense pressure in the workplace and how you effectively managed it.

3. Discuss a mistake you made at work and the actions you took to rectify it.

4. Explain a scenario where you utilized data or logic to make a recommendation.

5. Share a difficult decision you had to make at work and how you navigated through it.

6. Describe a time when you disagreed with your boss and the steps you took to resolve the disagreement.

7. Tell me about a situation where you had to make a split-second decision and how you handled it.

8. Explain a time when you had to deliver bad news and the approach you used.

9. Share a collaboration experience with another department on a joint project and your contributions.

10. Describe a specific goal you set and achieved, detailing the process.

11. Share a time when you faced failure and the valuable lessons you learned from it.

 

How to prepare ahead of a job interview

To prepare yourself for the interview phase of the hiring process, follow these steps:

• Reflect on recent situations that showcase positive behaviours, decisive actions, and relevant experiences, such as teamwork, leadership, initiative, and service delivery.

• Create concise descriptions for each situation, and be ready to share further details if prompted during the interview.

• Structure your stories with a clear beginning, middle, and conclusion. Outline the situation, the task at hand, the action you took, and the results achieved.

• Be honest and forthright in your responses. Avoid exaggerating or omitting crucial parts of the story, as interviewers are skilled at detecting honesty during behavioural interviews.

• Highlight the positive aspects of the outcome, even if the result wasn't entirely favourable. Emphasise what you learned or how you grew from the experience.

• Provide specific and detailed accounts of the events, avoiding generalisations or vague responses.

• Present different examples for each question, refraining from using the same situation to answer multiple inquiries. This showcases your versatility and diverse experiences.

 

Benefits of using the STAR method

Using the STAR format for answering competency-based questions in an interview serves as a crucial tool for offering context to the significant achievements in your career, whether they are major or minor. It helps you stand out and effectively demonstrates to the interviewer that you possess the necessary skills for the job and can support it with tangible results.

 

Using the STAR can significantly enhance your ability to respond effectively to situational questions and provide relevant, specific examples. By structuring your answers around Situation, Task, Action, and Result, you can confidently demonstrate your competence and suitability for the position. By following the suggested preparation steps and utilising STAR, you'll be well-equipped to excel in your next job interview and increase your chances of securing your desired role