Behavioral Based Questions (STAR Method Guide)
Be a STAR at Behavioral Based Interviewing:
DHHS utilizes Behavioral Based Interviewing questions as part of our interviewing process. This allows us to learn about your past behavior in particular situations. Past behavior is the best indicator to predict your future behavior.
Everyone who applies for a position within DHHS will receive a STAR Method Tips Sheet which includes a break-down
of how to be successful in your interview.
How to answer a behavioral based question?
The STAR method is a structured way of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the specific
situation,
task,
action and
result of the situation you are describing.
The
STAR (Situation, Task, Action and Result) is a technique to provide all relevant information about a specific situation in a succinct and clear format.
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Situation: Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation can be from a previous job, from a volunteer experience, or any relevant event.
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Task: What goal were you working toward?
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Action: Describe the actions you took to address the situation with an appropriate amount of detail and keep the focus on YOU. What specific steps did you take and what was your particular contribution? Be careful that you don't describe what the team or group did when talking about a project, but what you actually did. Use the word "I," not "we" when describing actions.
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Result: Describe the outcome of your actions and don't be shy about taking credit for your behavior. What happened? How did the evet end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn? Make sure your answer contains multiple positive results.
How to prepare for your interview?
Practice! Recall recent situations that show favorable behaviors or actions, especially involving work experience, leadership, teamwork, initiative, planning, and customer service. Prepare short descriptions of each situation; be ready to give details if asked. Practice the STAR method. The best way to "kill" the nerves is preparation!
Dress for success! Business casual attire is recommended for the day of the interview.
Virtual Interviewing Tips
Since COVID-19, our recruiting and interviewing teams have made changes in our interviewing process to help ensure safety and social distancing guidelines.
We offer both in-person and virtual interviewing experiences for our positions. Here are some helpful virtual interviewing tips.
- Sign in a few minutes before your scheduled interview time to ensure no technology or accessibility issues. If there are any issues, reach out to your talent acquisition partner who set up the meeting.
- Eliminate distractions. Plan accordingly for your interview so you can easily focus your attention to the interview.
- Dress professionally. Although interviewing over a computer for a job may be slightly strange, consider this still your first impression to the hiring team and dressing for the job is still important.
- Pick a spot with good lighting. Typically avoid placing window behind you, as they tend to cast a dark shadow. Pick a spot however, where the team can see you—jump on early and turn on your camera so you can ensure the lighting will work.
In-Person Interviewing Tips
- Arrive Early – Plan accordingly and allow yourself plenty of time to make sure you know where you are going. It also shows the hiring managers that you are thoughtful and can plan ahead.
- Don't bring in unnecessary things-leave your coffee or your backpack at home or in your car
- Dress for Success – Dressing up for your interviews shows that you are serious about the job and is a sign of respect for those that are interviewing. Clean and neat is key, keep it simple so nothing becomes a distraction.
- It is natural to want to reach out and shake the hiring team's hands, however due to COVID, this may not be the best idea. A simple, “Nice to Meet you" and “Thank You" goes a long way.