Answer Tough Interview Questions With Ease Using STAR Method

An impressive resume can certainly get you initially noticed. But, the next step is making a great impression during the job interview. Knowing how to properly answer interview questions is a key factor in getting selected for a role. Remember the S.T.A.R. approach to answering questions:

S– Situation

T– Task

A– Action

R– Result

Check out these job interview question and answer samples, and observe how the S.T.A.R. approach is utilised in these responses.

1. How did you adapt to an unexpected change in the workplace?

Sample Answer:

“(S)In my previous role, my manager went on extended sick leave.(T)As I worked closely with the manager for the longest time, I was asked to fill in for her.(A)Despite not being trained for the role, I accepted it as a challenge. I gathered the team to explain the situation, asked for their cooperation in the coming months, and sought guidance from another manager when there were certain processes I was not familiar with.(R)Our team ran smoothly for the next six months until our manager returned. My work was recognized by the director, which led to a promotion.”

The employment landscape had to change because of a global pandemic that no one saw coming. Adaptability is not an innate ability, but rather a skill that can be developed.

2. Can you share an experience where you took a lead on accomplishing a task?

Sample Answer:

“(S)During my first year in a small company, a customer audit revealed issues that needed to be addressed.(T)Apart from my boss, no one in the team had the ability or authority to address these within their scope.(A)Since I had more flexible working conditions as a sales executive, I asked my boss if I could help him, considering some of my customers had the same concerns. I juggled my daily deliverables while fulfilling the required corrections in the audit.(R)By the next annual audit, our company received perfect marks from customers, which led to multiple contract renewals.”

Initiative is a much-desired trait that employers look for in a candidate. Self-motivated individuals are keen on taking charge of their own progress, and as a result, work more independently

3. Can you describe your work ethic?

Sample Answer:

“(S)I take pride in being a reliably consistent employee.(T)As an executive assistant, I am the main point of contact for executives, the team, and key clients.(A)I make it a point to arrive at work earlier than required, take days off only when absolutely necessary, and keep everything organised easily respond to queries.(R)I earned the respect of colleagues, and have been rewarded with generous salary increments through my years of service.”

Demonstrating how you have remained consistent with the quality of your work is a sign that you can be a reliable member of the team.

4. Do you work well individually or as part of a team?

Sample answer:

“(S)In my previous job, I was given the opportunity to work both ways.(T)Our team had sales targets, but also individual targets.(A) I enjoyed our department meetings, as they allowed me to see other perspectives. Even as we moved independently to complete our tasks, we kept communication lines open for advice and support.(R)We consistently reached or exceeded our monthly goals as a group and as individuals.”

While being a self-starter is a highly sought-after trait, employers do want to find someone who can also work with others as well as they work by themselves.

5. Can you tell me about a difficult decision you had to make on the job, and how you responded to it?

Sample answer: “(S) In my previous role, I noticed that we spent a significant amount of time boosting a particular keyword. However, upon researching, I learned that this keyword did not result in sales. (T) I took it upon myself to try and shift the budget to content marketing instead of focusing on keyword boosting. (A) I proposed the idea to my team. They were hesitant, insisting that competitors were using keyword marketing as well, but ultimately decided to try my idea. (R) Over the next three months, our sales increased. By the end of six months, our sales were up by 140%.”

Employers appreciate the ability not only to take risks and make difficult decisions, but also to know which risks are worth taking. Job interviews are vital to the recruitment process, but only a few prepare well for it. Knowing the right questions to ask can help highlight your best traits.

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