Utah State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 16
Interviewing With Confidence
(continued)
Utilizing the STAR Method: One effective way to structure your responses is by using the STAR
method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Begin by describing the situation and task you faced,
outline the actions you took, and conclude with the results of your efforts. This structured
approach ensures that your responses are clear, concise, and showcase your abilities effectively.
Here’s an example: Tell me about a time you were on a team and the role you played.
•
Situation: While I worked in a retail environment our team was responsible for providing
exceptional customer service. This often meant dealing with a high volume of customers,
especially during peak hours, which could be quite demanding and fast-paced.
•
Task: As part of the team, my role was to ensure that every customer interaction was positive
and efficient. This involved not only addressing customer inquiries and concerns, but also
supporting my team members to maintain a smooth operation despite the busy atmosphere.
Additionally, I took it upon myself to try to maintain high team morale, understanding the
importance of a positive work environment in delivering that exceptional customer service.
•
Action: To handle this, I developed strategies to remain calm and focused. I stayed organized
and prioritized my tasks based on importance. Additionally, when challenging situations came
up with other team members, I would step in to help handle dissatisfied customers since that
was one of my strengths. I was also skilled at being adaptable to fill in on a variety of tasks
when colleagues needed help, or someone was out sick.
•
Result: I was able to effectively contribute to a positive environment and deliver on the
exceptional customer service. The customer ratings of the store increased while I worked
there, and I really enjoyed that team environment. I do believe my strengths contributed to
that growth and success.
Time to Practice!
Situation
Task
Action
Result
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