Interviewing: The Star Technique

Using this method of answering interview questions allows you to provide concrete examples or proof that you possess the experience and skills for the job.

Examples of STAR questions:

• Tell me about an occasion when you had to complete a task under a tight deadline.
• Have you ever gone above and beyond the call of duty?
• What do you do when a team member refuses to complete his or her quota of the work?
• Describe a situation at work which didn't go your way, and what you did to resolve this situation.

 Team Player?  SHOW ME questions 

What if you're asked:  Have you ever gone above and beyond the call of duty? 

Describe the situation.   

"When I was at work one day, without our immediate supervisor present, the forklift broke down.  We had to process eight pallets that day.   There was no other option.  We had a deadline from a customer. Technically, it's not in my job description to find a solution to a broken piece of equipment.  That's a boss-to-boss type of request."

Discuss the specifics of the task. 

"I've been certified for forklifts for three years now, so I looked at the pallet weight and knew that it met the weight limit for the other forklift in the other building.  If we borrowed their forklift, I could move the pallets within deadline."

Identify specific actions you took to complete the task.

"My boss was out sick with the flu, but I knew that I couldn't just go over and pick up the keys.   So I contacted central dispatch and asked to speak with the building foreman for the other building.    After about fifteen minutes, he got out of his meeting and I was able to ask him if it was alright if we borrowed their equipment. He said of course. When I went over there, I made sure I asked where they'd like it parked after we finished.  When I picked it up, I swerved around the speedbumps in parking to avoid damaging their forklift's tires.   Moving our eight pallets took maybe an hour to completely move from shipping to receiving, and our processing team was able to unpack the first one that day."

Finally, conclude with the results of your actions. 

 "My boss was happy because I was able to help out when he wasn't around and we didn't lose a day of work.   Our other building foreman was very satisfied that I took care of the forklift we borrowed from the other building.   In the end, we were able to satisfy our customers, keep receiving on track, and also work around some broken equipment."