What are the most common mistakes when using the STAR technique?

1 Mistake 1: Being too vague

One of the biggest mistakes when using the STAR technique is being too vague or general about the situation, task, action, or result. This can make your answer sound unconvincing, irrelevant, or boring. To avoid this, you need to provide enough details and context to make your story clear and engaging. For example, instead of saying "I worked on a project with a tight deadline", you can say "I was part of a team that had to deliver a new website for a client in two weeks".

3 Mistake 3: Skipping steps

A third mistake is skipping or omitting one or more of the steps in the STAR technique. This can make your answer incomplete, confusing, or weak. For example, if you only describe the situation and the result, but not the task and the action, you are missing the opportunity to show how you handled the challenge and what you learned from it. To avoid this, you need to follow the STAR format and cover each step in a logical and coherent way. You can also use transitions words, such as "then", "next", or "finally", to connect the steps and guide the interviewer.

4 Mistake 4: Being too negative

A fourth mistake is being too negative or critical about yourself, others, or the situation. This can create a bad impression and undermine your credibility. For example, if you blame others for the problem, complain about the difficulty, or express regret or dissatisfaction with the outcome, you are showing a lack of responsibility, teamwork, or positivity. To avoid this, you need to focus on the positive aspects of your story, such as how you overcame the obstacle, what you achieved, or what you improved.

6 Mistake 6: Forgetting to ask questions

A sixth mistake is forgetting to ask questions at the end of your answer. This can make you seem uninterested, passive, or unprepared. Asking questions is a great way to show your curiosity, enthusiasm, and initiative, and to learn more about the job and the company. For example, you can ask how the interviewer would handle a similar situation, what are the main challenges or goals for the role, or how they measure success. This can also help you create a rapport and a dialogue with the interviewer, and demonstrate your fit and value for the position.