Acing Your Interview: It's in the STARS

The STARS process for answering even the most difficult interview question will give you the confidence you need to build TRUST with the interviewer, so they see you as THE person for the job. To build your confidence, you need to be well prepared for every interview. Preparation comes from conducting good research of the market, company, and people you are interviewing with and it is developed through practice of your interview answers.

Most, if not all, of my clients hear the STARS process (Situation, Task, Action, Result, So why am I telling you this?), are impressed by the impact my role play answer about their work, and excited about how they will use it in interviews. Yet, when we work on the answers they’ll deliver, STARS is not a natural approach. The only way it becomes one is through practice... perfect practice.

The term perfect practice means that it’s not good enough to go through the motions and deliver average answers. You need to push yourself to develop great answers that are presented confidently, clearly, and concisely. Here is how to practice getting yourself ready to win the job:

1)    Write out examples of your work in the STARS format. You need to have as many as 5-8 for multiple interviews and interviewers... categorize them by skill or competency.

2)    Read your “script” for each answer and fine-tune it so that is clear and concise. This isn’t about being perfect... yet... it’s about getting your message clear and developing the right, impactful words that you are most comfortable with

3)    The next stage of practice is to do so without your script and to begin working on being conversational. Do this one STARS at a time and be aware of tone, body language, pace, etc.

4)    Find a way to see and hear yourself giving your answers. You might start in front of a mirror, but if you can find a way to record yourself that is best. Video is the ultimate because it allows you to watch, listen and critique yourself delivering your answer in all aspects of communication... and video is how most interviews are being conducted today

5)    Find a person you trust who will give you direct and honest feedback on your messages. You would be best served to practice with a mentor or a coach who is experienced in interviewing, and recruiting

6)    Practice, Practice, Practice

The goal of perfect practice is to prepare you so that you are ready and confident for any interview question. Landing an interview is tough, make sure you’re ready when you get the call.

Ken Sher is President of Sher Coaching and he is dedicated to improving individual and team performance by focusing on Executive Coaching and Career Management. If you would like to learn how the TRUST model can help you with your job search or improve your team’s performance, reach out to Ken to schedule a complimentary coaching session. please call him at (215) 262-0528 or email him at [email protected]