Using the STAR+R method to effectively answer interview questions

When I was studying in the Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program at Toronto Metropolitan University, one of the many great lessons I learned from one of the courses was how to approach behavioural interview questions. These are the types of questions where interviewers ask you to reflect on past experiences to assess how you handle situations, such as, “Tell me about a time you worked in a team to solve a problem.” Your answer gives them insight into your skills, decision-making, and potential fit for the role.

To ace these questions, I learned about the STAR method (A popular interview response technique), with an added twist that I learned—Reflection. This extra step not only demonstrates your abilities but also highlights your self-awareness and growth mindset, which are invaluable qualities in any workplace.

What is the STAR+R Method?

The STAR+R method organizes your response into five parts:

• Situation: Briefly explain the context or challenge.
• Task: Define your role and responsibility in that situation.
• Action: Detail the steps you took to address the situation.
• Result: Share the outcome, emphasizing the positive impact.
• Reflection: Go beyond the result and explain what you learned or how you grew from the experience. This is where you connect your skills to the job you’re interviewing for and demonstrate emotional intelligence.

How STAR+R Helps With Other Interview Questions

Although STAR+R is designed for behavioural questions, it can also help with other interview formats, such as:

• Situational Questions: Instead of reflecting on past experiences, you can use STAR+R to outline how you would handle a hypothetical scenario.
• Skill-Based Questions: If asked to highlight a skill, such as communication or problem-solving, you can use STAR+R to provide a concrete example and emphasize how it’s relevant to the role.

No matter the question, STAR+R ensures your answers are structured, concise, and showcase both technical and interpersonal strengths.

An Example Using STAR+R

Here’s an example based on entry-level project work:

Situation: During a summer internship, I was part of a team tasked with organizing a local community event to promote public health resources. Midway through the planning, our main venue unexpectedly canceled, and we were left scrambling to find an alternative within a tight deadline.

Task: My role was to identify a new venue and ensure the event could proceed as planned.

Action: I quickly researched community centers in the area, contacted potential venues, and secured a new location. I worked with my supervisor to adjust the marketing materials and personally followed up with community partners to ensure they were aware of the change.

Result: The event went smoothly, with over 150 attendees and several people accessing health resources for the first time. My supervisor commended me for staying calm under pressure and ensuring the project’s success.

Reflection: This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and clear communication in project management. Since then, I’ve become more confident in handling unexpected challenges and finding creative solutions to meet deadlines.

Why STAR+R Works

The STAR+R method isn’t just about answering questions—it’s about presenting yourself as a well-rounded candidate. For young professionals, especially those from equity-deserving communities, STAR+R is a great way to highlight your resilience, resourcefulness, and ability to learn from experience.

However, it’s important to note that this information was shared with you for educational purposes. For more personalized career advice and insights, I encourage you to speak with a career coach or advisor.

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This blog post was supported by the use of ChatGPT. Explore my blogs to see ways that you can learn to use tools like ChatGPT to support your work.