VIDEO: Interview Advice - The STAR Technique

What is the STAR technique & how can it make me become a better interviewee?

Ever been asked during an interview: "Tell me about a time when…” or "Give me an example of how you handled…”

If your brain goes blank, don’t panic — this is where the STAR interview technique swoops in to save the day. Think of it as your secret weapon for first and second stage interviews.

Meet STAR: Your Interview Sidekick

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Each letter is a step in telling your story so the hiring manager gets the full picture - and loves what they see.

S – Situation: the scene. What was going on? Outline the context, the challenge, or the problem. Don’t make them guess - give them the full picture.

T – TaskWhat needed to be done? Describe your role in solving the problem. This is your chance to show that you weren’t just along for the ride.

A – Action: What did you actually do? Be clear and detailed - this is where your skills shine. Highlight the steps you took to handle the situation and get the job done.

R – Result: What happened in the end? Did you make an impact? Did you drive success for your team or company? Quantify it if you can - numbers make the magic happen.

Prep Like a STAR

The secret to nailing competency-based questions isn’t luck. It’s preparation.

• Have a stack of examples ready before you walk into that interview room.

• Know your STAR stories inside out.

• Practice reeling them off confidently, without hesitation.

Remember: interviews are your stage - STAR is your script. Nail it, and you’ll leave a lasting impression.

Summary

Next time you hear “Tell me about a time when…”, don’t panic. Just remember STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Boom. Done. Ready to shine.