Missouri State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 29
THE STAR METHOD
This is a strategy for answering behavior-based questions.
Practice this method, and you'll be prepared for most interviews
SITUAT ION State the situation or context.
• Briefly describe the setting in which your
example takes place. Who were you working
with? What was the task at hand?
• "Duringmy internshipat CompanyX, I was
responsiblefor managingall the detailsfor events, and
I superviseda group offive people on the event team."
TASK Identify the task or issue at hand.
• Explain what you needed to address. What was the
goal you were working toward or the problem you
were trying to solve?
• "After reviewingpast reports, I found that event
attendancehad dropped by 20% over the past few
years. I wanted to make sure that we brought
attendanceback up."
INTERVIEW CHECKLIST
Get Ready for Your Interview
0 Complete a mock interview at the Career Center.
Be Ready for Questions and
Ask Your Own
D Research the organization.
Practice answering some common interview
D 9uestions.
Prepare examples to answer situational and
D behavior-based
9uestions.
Make a list of at least three 9uestions to ask at the
D end
of your interview
Prepare for the Day of the
Interview
0 Arrive early enough to allow yourself time to settle in:
ACT ION Explain the action you took.
• Talk through the specific steps you took to
address the situation. Mention the skills you used.
What did you do to resolve the problem or reach
your goal?
• "First, I collectedfeedbackfrom past attendeesand
vendors by sendingout a survey. I used the data I
received to design a new approach to publicizingthe
event."
•
•
In-Person: Research the time it takes to
commute to your interview to arrive at least 10
minutes early.
Virtual: Test your audio and video before your
interview, and log in at least 5 minutes early.
0 Try on your interview clothes to be sure they fit
well and look the way you want them to.
0 Review the 9ualifications and work skills you listed
in your resume so you'll be more relaxed, confident,
and ready to answer 9uestions.
0 Bring extra copies of your resume and reference
list to in-person interviews.
®
RES ULT Explain the action you took .
• How did the story end? Explain how your actions
contributed to the overall result. Include concrete
data, provide specific details and mention what
you learned.
• "The companyused my new plan to promote their
next event. By using the tactics I recommended,we
raised attendanceby 30% in the first year. I learned
that it is important to continuallyadaptyour
strategiesto increaseparticipation."
During the Interview
0 Remain positive throughout the entire interview
process.
After the Interview
0 Send a thank-you message to your interviewers
within 24 to 48 hours.
CAREER GUIDE 2025
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