What is the STAR Method in an EdTech Interview?
Behavioral interview questions have become increasingly popular in job interviews. They are designed to assess a candidate's past behavior and performance in order to predict their future success in a particular role. It involves asking questions that require specific examples of past experiences, rather than hypothetical situations.
“Tell me about a time you worked well under pressure.”
That’s a behavioral interview question and as a former teacher, you have that one nailed.
You can practice behavioral interview questions by researching common questions and preparing thoughtful responses using the STAR method.
What is the STAR method?
STAR stand for Situation, Task, Action Result. This method allows you to organize your story succinctly and keeps you from straying from the main idea while highlighting your contributions and results.
Situation means telling the interviewer when and where the event took place. Set the scene. Where were you working? Who was involved? What was happening in the big picture? But keep it short - only include the necessities to understand the depth of the situation.
Task means explaining what your role in the situation was. What was expected of you?
Action means addressing what your specific, personal contributions were. How did you problem solve? How did you adapt to the situation and perform your task?
Result means sharing what your produced? Did you meet a tight deadline? Improve test scores? Enhance your curriculum? Meet a goal?
Highlighting results is not bragging, especially in an interview. Let yourself shine. However, if you do feel like you’re bragging or flaunting accomplishments, try backing up the result with data and numbers from your story. Endorsements and numbers don’t lie or exaggerate.
Using the STAR method to prepare for your next interview
One way to practice and be prepared for these types of interview questions is to follow the following steps of the STAR method.
1) Keep a story bank
2) Prepare answers for commonly asked questions using the STAR method to answer these questions.
Once you get into the habit of answering behavioral interview questions and have a good bank of stories, you can usually make one example or story fit multiple questions (but don't lie or stretch through truth - honesty is essential).
Use a notebook or digital document to keep track of typical behavioral interview questions so you can practice and anticipate them.
20 Example Behavioral Interview Questions
Can you give an example of when you had to handle a difficult situation with a coworker or team member?
How do you handle a situation where you don't agree with a coworker's idea or approach?
Can you describe a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks or projects with competing deadlines?
How do you handle a situation where you have to work with someone who has a different work style or personality than you?
Can you give an example of a time when you had to adapt to a change in a project or task?
How do you handle stressful or high-pressure situations in the workplace?
Can you describe a time when you had to take the lead on a project or task?
How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback from a supervisor or coworker?
Can you give an example of a time when you had to work with someone who was difficult to communicate with?
How do you handle a situation where you have to work with someone who is not pulling their weight or meeting expectations?
Can you describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision at work?
Tell me about a time when you used data to make an informed decision about your work.
Can you give an example of a time when you had to learn a new skill or technology to complete a task or project?
How do you handle a situation where you have to work with someone who has a different perspective or opinion than you?
Can you describe a time when you had to work under tight deadlines or time constraints?
How do you handle a situation where you have to work with someone who is micromanaging or controlling?
Can you give an example of a time when you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a goal or outcome?
Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work. How did you handle it?
Can you describe a time when you had to work with a difficult client or customer?
How do you handle a situation where you have to work with someone who is not open to new ideas or feedback?
