Inspire Team

STARstruck

by for .  
##career exploration
45 - 60
5

Goal

In this interview skills module, learners will explore the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method, a powerful tool for refining their interview techniques. The STAR method provides a structured approach to answering behavioral interview questions, helping learners in articulating their experiences effectively. By the activity's end, learners will have gained valuable insights into crafting compelling interview responses, contributing to increased confidence and readiness for job interviews.

Attachments

Materials

    Instructions

    1. Introduction to STAR

      1. Begin by explaining the STAR method—a technique that breaks down responses into Situation, Task, Action, and Result, offering a clear structure for answering interview questions.

      2. Explain to Learners: In behavioral interviews, employers seek to understand past experiences. The STAR method empowers learners to organize and communicate their responses coherently.

      3. Walk through an example of how to respond to an interview question using the STAR format, emphasizing each component's role in creating a comprehensive response.

      4. Example question: Describe a situation where you had to meet a tight deadline

        1. Situation: As a project manager, we had a critical client presentation scheduled.

        2. Task: My responsibility was to coordinate the team and ensure all elements were ready.

        3. Action: I created a detailed project plan, delegated tasks, and conducted regular check-ins to make sure everyone was on track, and to offer support as needed.

        4. Result: We not only met the deadline but also received positive feedback from the client.

    2. Part 1: Breakout Group Activity

      1. Divide participants into groups of 2-3.

      2. Provide each group with a sample interview question from Appendix A.

      3. Instruct groups to discuss and rewrite the interview response using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Learners can draw from their own experiences, or generate a response from fiction if needed.

      4. Encourage participants to focus on identifying the specific situation, the task they were assigned, the actions they took, and the results they achieved.

    3. Part 1: Sharing Examples

      1. Bring participants back together.

      2. Ask each group to share their rewritten examples and discuss how they applied the STAR method.

      3. Guide the discussion by pointing out key elements in each group's response. Reinforce the importance of clarity and structure in interview responses.

    4. Part 2: Individual STAR

      1. Provide learners with a copy of the hand out in Appendix B.

      2. Give learners time to work on the hand out, which includes brainstorming examples for 5 frequent interview topics, and then turning those examples into STAR responses.

      3. Support learners as they work on this. Allow them to work in small groups if that is helpful.

    5. Debrief

      1. Facilitate a debrief using the debrief questions provided. 

    Background

    Preparation

    • Familiarize yourself with the STAR methodology.

    • Review or create examples of interview responses.

    Technology Considerations

    • Prepare Miro board templates in advance.

    • Set up breakout rooms for groups of 2-3 participants.

    Additional Context

    The STAR method is widely used by employers, including the GNWT and Government of Nunavut. Familiarity with this format is essential for job interviews.

    Additional resources for learners: GNWT STAR Method - Applicant Handout.

    Tips for Localization

    • Adjust sample interview questions to reflect the unique employment context within your region/community or based on learner interests.

    • Be aware of cultural nuances around self-presentation in interviews, addressing factors such as humility in Inuit culture.

    Debrief Questions

    • How did you find the activity?

    • What do you think the primary takeaway from this activity was?

    • Did you face any challenges while applying the STAR method? How did you overcome them?

    • In what ways can the STAR method enhance your interview skills?

    • Do you have any concerns or worry about using the STAR method in an interview?

    • How does this activity align with the expectations of employers in our region/community?


    Appendix A: Sample Interview Questions

    • Can you provide an example of a challenging situation you faced and how you addressed it?

    • Describe a specific accomplishment that you're particularly proud of.

    • Share a time when you had to meet a tight deadline and how you managed the situation.

    • Discuss a time where you had to collaborate with a diverse team to achieve a common goal.

    • Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to unexpected changes in a project or task.

    • Describe a situation where you went above and beyond your regular duties to achieve success.

    • Share an experience where you successfully resolved a conflict within a team or with a colleague.

    • Discuss a challenge you overcame in a team project and the steps you took to address it.

    • Share a time where you had to make a difficult decision and the factors you considered.

    • Tell us about a time you made a mistake and what you learned from it.

    • Describe a situation where you had to lead a team through a complex project or task.

    • Discuss a time when you had to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively to meet goals.

    • Can you provide an example of how you handled stress in a high-pressure work environment?

    • Share a project where you identified an opportunity for improvement and implemented positive changes.

    • Describe a situation where you had to communicate a complex idea or concept to a non-technical audience.

    • Tell me about an experience where you had to work with limited resources and still achieved success.

    • Can you provide an example of a situation where you had to get a group of people to agree on something?

    • Share a time when you mentored or coached a colleague to help them achieve their goals.

    • Describe a project where you faced resistance from team members, and how you addressed and overcame it.


    Comments (0) 

    Please Log in or Sign up for a FREE SessionLab account to continue.