Mastering the interview: Elevating the Action element of STAR 

When it comes to interview preparation, there’s a critical factor that can make or break your success – the ‘Action’ component of the STAR technique. If the mere thought of an interview triggers a flurry of butterflies in your stomach, don’t worry. This blog will arm you with the essential tools that will transform you into that standout candidate. 

The STAR technique 

Chances are, you’re familiar with the STAR technique – Situation, Task, Action, Result. However, let’s unveil a hidden gem within this methodology: the true magic resides in the “how” and “why” – the Action and Result elements of STAR. We will cover the R section in the next blog but for now, let’s focus on A for action. This is where your success story takes centre stage, where your skills and experiences shine brightly, positioning you as an exceptional candidate. 

Shedding light on the Action

Imagine this scenario: you’re in the interview room, and the spotlight is squarely on you. The interviewer prompts you to recount a challenging situation you’ve encountered. While it’s tempting to share lots of detail about the scenario and task/challenge you were up against, the real differentiator lies in the journey you took, how you did it and why. What were the carefully crafted steps you took? Why did take these steps? Who else played a part? How did you collaborate, influence, and engage with your colleagues? These nuances illustrate how you approached the challenging situation and elevate your accomplishments from ordinary to extraordinary. 

Beyond technical proficiency

Let’s debunk a misconception – your technical skills are essential, but they’re only part of the equation. Within your answer you need to showcase some of how you achieved something – this means seeing your effective people skills as equally important. In many roles, your technical prowess, subject matter knowledge and your exceptional people skills such as your ability to work harmoniously with others or your ability to manage difficult stakeholders complement each other, creating a powerful synergy. 

Leveraging your professional credibility

Showcase your technical expertise and subject matter knowledge, whether it’s Prince2, ISO, quality standards, safety protocols, legal frameworks or best practice knowledge, these factors significantly contribute to your narrative. Highlighting them showcases your unwavering commitment to excellence and your alignment with industry benchmarks. 

Use action verbs

Here’s the game-changing shift – Employ potent action verbs in the past tense such as “delivered,” “implemented, “changed” “optimised,” “improved,” “produced,” or “created” to your examples.” Enhance these with impactful adverbs like “successfully”, “effectively” “efficiently” “quickly”, “expertly”, “skilfully”, “strongly”, “competently” or “helpfully.” Adding these impactful verbs help you focus on what you actually did and how you did them. 

Moving from ‘We’ to ‘I’

Frequently, there’s a temptation to use ‘we’ when explaining solutions, possibly implying a collaborative effort. However, remember that during an interview, the spotlight is on you. You won’t be bringing your former team to your new employer, so your responses should centre around your individual contributions. While it’s acceptable to acknowledge collaboration with others in achieving the goal, the emphasis should remain on your personal involvement. This approach shows the skills you can offer to both the position and the team you’re aiming to join. 

Aligning with your target role

The key is to synchronise your experiences with the role you’re targeting. A study by the American Staffing Association (ASA) by the Harris Poll found that 60% of participants review the job description before an interview. Tailor your stories to resonate with the future job description and role profile. If they’re seeking a quick learner, a collaborative team player, or an attention-to-detail individual, sculpt your narratives to include the traits and skills you know they are looking for. Demonstrating that you embody these qualities transforms you from a mere candidate to the ‘ideal’ candidate.

Remember, success isn’t just about reaching the destination. It’s about the journey – the analytical processes, the strategic methodologies, and the interpersonal dynamics that pave the way. As you prepare for interviews, keep the Action and Result elements of STAR at the forefront of your mind. Let them guide you in crafting your stories of success that convey your brilliance and value. 

Ready to elevate your interview game? 

If you’re eager to master your interviews, drop me an email. Let’s schedule a complimentary session to discuss your future development plans.  

Featured image courtesy of unsplash