Mastering the S.T.A.R.R. Technique Using the S.T.A.R.R. acronym when answering a competency-based interview question is vital to help structure the answer that you are giving, and to deliver exactly what top-level graduate employers are looking for. S.T.A.R.R. stands for the following:
Ÿ Situation – Briefly describe the context and your role. What was the situation? Where were you? Who was there with you? What had happened?
Ÿ Task – What was the specific challenge, task or job that you faced?
The five key competency types that are generally tested by graduate employers are:
Ÿ Teamwork
Describe a situation in which you worked as part of a team. How did you contribute? Ÿ Leadership
Describe a situation when you assumed the role of a leader. Were there any challenges and how did you address them? Ÿ Communication
Think of a time you had to adjust your communication style to suit a particular audience. How did you decide the best approach?
Ÿ Decision-making When did you last have to make a difficult decision at work? How did you decide the best approach?
Ÿ Results orientation
Give an example of a time when you were particularly successful. How did you decide the best approach?
Ÿ Action – What did you do, how did you do it and why? The interviewer will ask for detail here, specifically looking for ‘I’ answers. They may ask for examples of teamwork too, but this is designed to find out what action you took.
Ÿ Result – What results did your actions produce? Was it a successful outcome?
Ÿ Reflection – If the result was not entirely successful describe what you learned from this and what you would do differently next time.
It is helpful to work out as many examples as possible before your interview. Practice these with friends and family, or even in the mirror or by recording on your phone. Seeing your reactions and how you deliver your answers is vital in the delivery of successful interview technique.
Graduate Scheme Success are the UK’s leading provider of guidance, workshops and support for graduate applications delivered by industry professionals.
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