The STAR method can be used during an interview when you are asked to describe a challenge you overcame or an accomplishment you are proud of. Using the STAR method will help ensure that you provide the interviewer with adequate details to fully explain the circumstances of your accomplishment. Often, interviewers will ask questions such as, “Tell me about a challenge that you overcame during your previous work experience” or “Tell me about a past accomplishment that you are proud of”. Here, they are asking you to describe a situation in detail, so it wouldn’t be wise to respond with a simple one liner.
S: Situation- Where were you working at the time? Or in which position? Set the scene.
T: Task- What did you have to accomplish?/ What was your goal?
A: Action- Which steps did you take to achieve the goal?
R: Result- What were the outcomes?
Here is an example of how I would use the STAR method to answer the following question:
“Tell me about a challenge that you overcame during your previous work experience.”
(I chose this one because I have been asked this question several times before during an interview.)
S (situation): After I had accepted and planned lessons for a particular French teaching position, the position was cut a few days before classes were to begin (due to the enrollment number for the Immersion Program). I was extremely fortunate that after many phone conversations, the principal was able to put together a new teaching position for me. The challenge was that my new teaching assignment consisted of a wide variety of courses; therefore, I was now on a tight timeline to plan for the upcoming school days.
T (task): My task was to prepare all new course outlines and lesson materials in the few days before school started. I also had to ensure that I was prepared in advance for each week thereafter.
A (action): I worked most of the weekend before school began to prepare brand new course outlines and my lessons for the first week. I had to prioritize and ensure that I took some breaks while working. I also reached out to one of my former teachers, whom I’ve kept in contact with, to ask if he would be willing to share any teaching resources. I am grateful that he did. My husband helped me out by making sure that I had a quiet workspace and by taking over some household tasks. *Side note: I think it is important to mention the roles my husband and my former teacher played in helping me overcome this challenge because it shows how we need the support of others to achieve our goals.*
R (result): I was prepared for the first week of school and felt good about the organization and flow of the days. My performance evaluations went very well. During this school year, I worked diligently each evening to ensure I was slightly ahead in my lesson planning for each week of school.
I hope you found this example helpful.
Happy Job Hunting!
-Josie