How to ace your next interview with this simple method

03.12.2019

We all know the struggle of looking for a new job. We’re spending our time refreshing our LinkedIn profile, tightening up our resumes and networking over coffee. And when we finally get the call for an interview, we’re overjoyed. Until it comes to actually sitting down and interviewing.

Nerves and butterflies can easily take over and cause us to second-guess our confidence and goals. At Ambrion, we know this struggle is real. We also know how to help. That’s why we’re sharing our best advice so you can ace your next interview by concisely showcasing your skills and talent.

We’ve found that using the STAR method (situation, task, action and result) eliminates rambling and keeps your answers concise and focused, even when nerves start firing.

Situation

When asked a question during an interview, give some context around the situation. Explain the goal of the project.

Task

Explain how your role fit into solving the problem or making the project successful.

Action

Take this opportunity to share some details about how your contribution helped overcome a unique challenge or how you inspired the rest of your team.

Result

What happened? Did you exceed expectations? What did you learn?

Here are a few sample questions and answers using the STAR method.

Question: Why should we hire you?

Meaning: What do you bring to the table?

Situation: Give some context around why you’re looking for a job. Why now? What will you bring to the organization?

Task: Share how your personal values and goals align with those of the organization. This is a great place to highlight your work ethic, unique skillset and industry knowledge.

Action: Share a specific example from previous work or volunteer experience when your knowledge and skills helped solve a problem or challenge.

Result: What did you learn from that experience? How have you carried this with you? And, what lessons will you bring to this new position?

Bringing up specific examples of previous successes showcases your confidence and experience. It’s okay to humbly brag about yourself. Paint yourself in the best light and share why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Question: What is your greatest professional achievement?

Meaning: What success have you seen in your professional life and how did you get there?

Situation: Answer this question with a detailed account of the achievement and how you got to that point.

Task: As a candidate, showing that you can produce measurable results is extremely valuable. Explain how you worked on a team or as an individual to achieve your goal.

Action: What were your steps to success? Is that how you approach other situations, problems and tasks?

Result: How did your organization benefit from your hard work and achievements? How could your future organization benefit too?

Question: When was a time that you exercised leadership?

Meaning: Can you step up when necessary?

Situation: Explain how a previous job or volunteer experience helped you develop into the capable and strong leader you are today.

Task: Be reflective. Explain what you learned from this experience.

Action: How did you lead and collaborate with others? Are you comfortable doing that again?

Result: How could you lead in this new role? How could this new organization benefit from your leadership skills?

Question: How do you deal with stressful situations?

Meaning: Can you handle unexpected turbulence in life?

Situation: Interviewers want to get a grasp of your self-awareness. Explain a time when you felt stressed at work or in life and how you handled the situation with ease and grace.

Task: Describe how you deal with stressful situations. Do you seek outside help? Do you take a minute to catch your breath? Do you pause and reflect?

Action: Talk through a specific example of how you handled a stressful situation well.

Result: Clarify that you earned another tool in your stress management toolbox that you carry with you.

Question: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Meaning: Do you have goals and aspirations?

Situation: Interviewers want someone on their team with dreams. It’s okay to be vague in your answer, but explain some of your long-term career goals.

Task: Explain how the job you’re applying for could help you reach those long-term goals.

Action: Describe how you’d like to expand and grow the role beyond the job description.

Result: You don’t need exact plans for the next five years, but express that you have a vision and plan and that this job could help you get there.

In every interview, come prepared to ask your own questions. The answers to questions like, ‘Tell me about an employee who became successful as a result of your leadership?’give you a sense of the organization’s culture, management style and how other employees have experienced career growth.