So you have landed an interview for your dream job, you have done your preparation, researched the company, you look the part, new suit and shoes polished. It’s all going so well until you are asked the first question; your mind goes blank after couple of seconds of silence that feel like days, you blurt out a the first thing that comes to mind and the interviewer stares back at you with a puzzled look.
Does this sound familiar?
Don’t worry- it doesn’t have to be like that. Here is a simple strategy for answering interview questions like a STAR;
The STAR approach to answering interview questions is a well tested technique for answering interview question effectively; it is particularly effective when answering competency based questions. STAR stands for:
Situation
Task
Action
Result
Using this approach you are able to answer interview questions in a structured manner that means the interviewer will be more receptive to your response.
Example question: Tell me about a time you were involved in a project?
Step 1 – Situation or Task
Describe the situation or task that needs to be completed. Set the scene describe what the project was about, how you got involved and what you were trying to achieve. Ensure you are clear and concise.
Step 2 – Action
This is the really important bit – demonstrate what action you took, what you did, how you did it and why you did it. Go in to detail, talk about you, don’t use the terms “we” or the “team” make it clear what you did.
Step 3 – Result
Explain what happened, what was achieved and what you learnt. You need to demonstrate how you took specific actions utilising a variety of skills to achieve the outcome rather than that it just occurring by chance.
Following this simple process can substantially increase your changes of performing well in an interview and securing your dream role.
For further advice on securing your dream accountancy role please feel free to contact me or one of the expert team at BTG Recruitment on 0115 960 7000 for Nottingham or 0161 214 3840 for Manchester or email me m.finch@btgrecruitment.com .
Don’t forget to ask for a free copy of our ultimate accountancy interview guide.
Written by Matt Finch, Managing Director of BTG Nottingham