Succeed in your interview with the STAR method
How can you predict, from the job interview, the behavior of a future candidate? How do you succeed in standing out and valuing yourself as a candidate? The STAR method, designed by Tom Janz, psychologist and human resources teacher, will answer your questions. According to him, "the best way to predict future behavior is to know past behavior in the same situation." So, what is the STAR method ? Meet My Job tells you everything!
The STAR method: definition
The STAR method is a recruitment technique that allows you to structure your job interviews. Used by recruiters and candidates alike, the STAR method goes beyond the standard quality/defect questions usually asked during an interview. It allows candidates to express themselves freely and to stand out by valuing their skills and past experiences. For recruiters, it is a good method to better understand the candidate in real employment contexts.
1. S for Situations
It is a question of describing a professional situation in which the candidate has already found himself. It can be a position held, a mission, but also a project in the context of school or volunteering.
2. T for Tasks
It is a question of describing the missions that were assigned to you in this situation. What were your responsibilities? At this stage, the objectives and the tasks carried out to achieve them are highlighted.
3. A for Actions
The actions correspond to the means undertaken by the candidate in order to carry out the given tasks. It's about highlighting your angle of approach to solving the problem.
4. R for Results
Finally, the candidate must accurately describe the results he or she has obtained. For example, he or she can present figures to bring more credibility.
The STAR method can be used either at your initiative or that of the employer. As a candidate, it is important to be prepared to deal with these types of questions. Indeed, there is nothing more frustrating than having nothing to say during an interview! If you don't have any concrete examples in mind during the interview, it will show.
The STAR method can include different questions, which usually start with:
Tell me about a time when...
Have you ever ...
How do you react when...
Give me an example of...
Describe to me a situation where...
If you hear these formulations, the recruiter expects a development from you!
See also: How to succeed in your job interview by videoconference?
Putting the STAR method into practice
Now that you have the theory, it's time to practice! Here is an example to help you better understand the STAR method in the field.
During the interview, the recruiter asks you: " Tell me about one of your proudest moments in the company." An example of an answer with the STAR method could be the following:
Situation : In my previous position as a marketing communications manager, my company wanted to gain notoriety by launching on LinkedIn.
Task : My goal was to gain about 100 subscribers in the first month.
Action : I then worked with the rest of the marketing team to create varied content on a regular basis. I published 4 times a week photos, videos and blog articles. I also sent messages to prospects to introduce them to the company by trying to personalize the message.
Result : Thanks to these different actions, I was able to gain 200 subscribers in the first month, which is double the initial goal!
Our tips for a successful interview with the STAR method
Don't let yourself be destabilized
Even if you have prepared for the interview beforehand, you may be surprised by the recruiter's question. Keep your cool! You have time to think about it. A recruiter will prefer a candidate who takes the time to think rather than someone who rushes and scatters. If you need to, ask the recruiter for a few more minutes to think about the answer. If what you had prepared as an example does not suit the situation, it is necessary to adapt it.
Be specific and concise
There is no point in spreading yourself too thin and losing your interlocutor with useless details. Get to the point and stay methodical: each of the 4 points must fit in 2/3 sentences maximum. However, you can spend more time on the " Actions " part because that's when you highlight your skills.
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