Best Job Interview Tip: You're The STAR

Recently, I consulted with a young professional who had completed a job interview, and was informed by the company that they were interested in meeting with her, once again, for a second interview. The good news: the company was now considering the interviewee for a management position rather than the initial technician position. The bad news: the young professional was unsure what to expect during the second interview. Obviously, she had appropriately prepared for the first interview. What she wasn't prepared for was an interview that focused on a different set of skills. However, if you learn the STAR method of interviewing, you'll realize that most job interviews are pretty much the same...and you can be successful each and every time.

What I will share with you are the five key steps to being a STAR in the interview. These five steps are appropriate for behavioral interviews, group interviews, phone interviews, second interviews - - it doesn't matter the interview format. If you're familiar with the way most interviewers attempt to learn about applicants during an interview, then you're one step ahead of the rest. n
Most interviewers need to be able to walk away from each interview with measureable details regarding the applicants they've met. It's not enough to merely say "this is a good candidate for the position because he works well with people." An interviewer has to be able to explain the exact reasons why this candidate matches the position qualifications. If it's difficult for you to explain your work-related results and tie them to the reasons why you're the right person for the job during an interview, then the interviewer will mark your candidacy as "not a good fit." During job interviews, the interviewer is trying to "screen in" your candidacy and wants information that backs up, or confirms, your fit with the position.

If you're familiar with the STAR method of interviewing, then you're moving in the right path towards successful interviews. The STAR method is outlined briefly below: n
STAR = Situation -- Task -- Action -- Results n
Situation / Task: Describe a specific event or situation that you handled
Action: Detail the action or steps you took related to the situatio

Results: Based on your action steps, what results were achieved? n
The STAR method is a well-known interviewing technique. However, there is one step that's missing within this method and should be added. This additional step explains how the results you've achieved in one company will transfer easily to another company. You want the interviewer to think, "yes, I can see how her management skills will work in our company."

Here's the way to use the STAR technique in any type of interview:

1) Provide a brief description of the situation: "One of my customers was unhappy with our XYZ widgets."
2) Add some detail to describe the specific task or role you were assigned to deal with the situation: "I was responsible for dealing directly with our department's major clients and so, I was charged with turning the situation around for this unhappy customer."
3) Provide one or two key action steps you took to handle the situation: "I contacted the customer directly and requested feedback. I authorized a refund or future discounts to this particular customer."
4) As a result of your action steps, what happened? "As a result of the refund and discount, the customer increased their orders by 25%."
5) Then explain how you will be able to achieve similar results within the interviewer's company: "I understand that your company values customer satisfaction, and I believe that I have the necessary skills to succeed in your company. The situation that I just described provides a good picture of my customer service capabilities." n
The 5th step completely answers the question of how you will fit within a new company. An additional benefit lies in the fact that you're showing how well you know the demands of the position, or how well you know the company. Of course, the best way to use this technique is to make sure you have fully researched the company prior to the interview.

The five steps may be interchangeable - - you describe step 4 (the results) prior to step 1 (the situation), however, the key is to be able to list specific results that were gained. Most importantly, the results have to be tied directly to your action steps. Interviewers are looking for RESULTS, not just general statements ("I'm good with clients because I enjoy talking to others"). They need specific facts about your capabilities. If you're prepared and focused, you're more likely to be a STAR in the interview...and get the job.