STAR method

THE STAR METHOD

Preparing a job interview with the STAR-method

• Purpose of the job interview : to get a good picture of the chosen candidates in order to choose the right person.

• STAR-method :
• meant to help you structure your answers to the questions of the interviewer
• one of the ways to explain your qualities
• arrive at concrete and concise examples of your qualities

• This way you can leave a good impression > important to get a job!

Step 2: Think of situations in which the characteristic is expressed.

Step 1: Look at the requested characteristics in the job ad

Step 3: Explain the task and associated action.

How do you proceed?

Step 4: Focus on the result.

Step 5: You start reflecting

Step 6: Practice, practice and practice.

Process

Step 1

Step 5

Step 3

Look in the job description of the vacancy for character traits that are required and check what soft skills you possess that fit the job.

It is also important to look back. After all, it may happen that a certain choice did not work out as well. Don't be afraid to name this.

Formulating the task and associated action is easy because you are looking back at a situation that has already taken place. What was your task or role within the situation? And what did you do? Usually the task stems from a problem, but not always.

Step 6

Step 2

Step 4

Find situations with this characteristic and think of concrete examples during your studies, internships, student jobs or when you were a member of (sports) associations. E.g. are you always the one who initiates and organises the annual outing in your friends' club? Great example of pro-activity and organisational talent!

You can repeat the first five steps for all kinds of different character traits. It is also recommended to practise your story in front of your fellow students, family or friends.

To make your story convincing, share the result of your efforts. This way, you show that you are able to use the requested trait in practice in a good way.

Work out three key qualities needed for the job. Look for situations within the last three to five years - the more current, the better.

There are multiple qualities hidden in many STAR examples. Look for them and use this story for another quality.

5 tips for a successful STAR

Important: keep it short, no more than five sentences per item. The interviewer decides whether he/she wants to hear more about it.

Practice your STAR with others. Tell them your story and ask for honest feedback. The story should serve you, so is your quality really coming out?

Give figures or percentages to the result.

Example of the STAR-method

Situation

Action

"You indicate being proactive. Can you give an example ?"

Task

Result