STAR Interviewing Technique One strategy for preparing for behavioral interviews is to use the STAR Technique, as outlined below. (This technique is often referred to as the SAR and PAR techniques as well.) Situation or Task Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation can be from a previous job, from a volunteer experience, or any relevant event. Action you took Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you. Even if you are discussing a group project or effort, describe what you did -- not the efforts of the team. Don't tell what you might do, tell what you did. Results you achieved What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn? Here is one list of sample behavioral-based interview questions: •Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way. •Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills. •Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem. •Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it. •Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion. •Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree. •Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete. •Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done. •Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks. •Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision. •What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example. •Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa). •Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year. •Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed. •Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead. •Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker. •Give me an example of a time when you motivated others. •Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively. •Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem. •Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem. •Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures. •Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision. •Please tell me about a time you had to fire a friend. •Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low). SAMPLE QUESTION AND RESPONSE: Tell me about a time when you worked on a project with someone who was not doing his or her share of the work needed for the project to be successful. Situation: What was the nature of your relationship with the person (ex. manager, coworker, etc.)? What was the task at hand? What made you believe that this person was not carrying his/her weight? When did this become apparent? What problems did the situation create for you? Action: Talk about what you did – what were the steps within the action? What did you do to address the situation? Who, if anyone, did you talk to about it? What was their response and how did you react to it? Results: Was the situation resolved? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn from the experience? Interview tips: Reflect on your past successes and challenges and the specific steps you took to address them. Consider how you respond to different challenges such as opportunities to grow a business, personal conflicts and competing deadlines. Be honest in your responses. We’re looking for specific answers that help us understand the behaviors you exhibited.