Using the STAR Method for Your Next Behavioral Interview

STAR Interview Techniques By MIT Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD)

This resource introduces the STAR method as an effective framework for answering behavioral interview questions and includes practical advice, examples, and a worksheet to help you craft compelling stories that showcase your skills.

Key takeaways:

Understand behavioral interviews: Learn how past experiences are used to predict future job performance and why clear, specific examples are crucial.
Use the STAR method: Structure your responses using Situation, Task, Action, and Result, with a focus on your personal contributions and outcomes.
Stay authentic and specific: Avoid generalizations or exaggerations—use “I” statements and truthful stories to demonstrate real skills and behaviors.
Prepare adaptable stories: Identify 3–5 examples that can address multiple common interview themes like leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving.
Practice and reflect: Use mock interviews, tools like LinkedIn Interview Prep, and follow up with tailored thank-you emails to strengthen your performance.