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Ace Your Job Interview: Common Questions, the STAR Method, and How to Stand Out

Writer's picture: Sarah BryerSarah Bryer

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking. Of course they would be, most people never do more than a few at a time before they accept a job, then it could be years or decades before they are called on to interview again.



But with the right preparation, you can approach them with confidence and leave a great impression. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, understanding common interview questions and mastering techniques like the STAR method can make all the difference.



Common Job Interview Questions You’ll Likely Encounter


Interviews often include a mix of standard and role-specific questions. Here are some broad categories of questions you should be ready for:


1. The Classic “Tell Me About Yourself”

This is often the opening question, designed to ease you into the conversation. Avoid reciting your CV word-for-word. Instead, provide a concise, engaging summary of your professional journey, key achievements, and what excites you about the role. Talk about you as a person, what do you do for fun. What are your key strengths? What do people know you for?


2. Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Strengths: Focus on qualities that align with the job requirements, such as problem-solving or leadership skills. Provide a specific example to back it up.


  • Weaknesses: Choose a genuine area for improvement, but also explain how you're working to address it. For example: “I sometimes struggle with delegating tasks, but I’ve been actively improving this by using tools to assign and monitor team responsibilities.”


3. Behavioural Questions

Employers want to know how you’ve handled situations in the past to predict how you’ll perform in the future. Common behavioural questions include:

  • “Tell me about a time you faced a challenging situation at work.”

  • “Give an example of a time you led a team or project.”


4. Role-Specific Questions

These are tailored to assess your technical skills and expertise. For example:

  • For marketing roles: “How would you measure the success of a campaign?”

    For IT roles: “Can you explain a time you solved a complex technical problem?”




Mastering the STAR Method

The STAR method is a powerful framework for answering behavioural questions. It ensures your responses are structured, engaging, and memorable. Here’s what STAR stands for:


  • S – Situation: Describe the context or background of the story.

  • T – Task: Explain the specific problem or goal you were addressing.

  • A – Action: Detail the steps you took to resolve the issue.

  • R – Result: Share the positive outcome and what you learned.


The Secret to a Great S and T

The Situation and Task set the stage, so make them detailed, vivid, and even a little “hairy and scary.” Paint a picture that hooks the interviewer and highlights the stakes.


For example:

  • Instead of saying: “I was managing a difficult client.

  • Say: “At my previous role, I inherited a project where the client was unhappy due to missed deadlines and unclear communication. They were on the verge of terminating the contract, which would have cost us a significant account.”


This approach makes your story compelling and sets the stage for the actions you took to turn things around.



How NOT to Answer Interview Questions


1. Being Too Vague

Avoid generalisations. For instance, don’t say: “I’m a good problem solver.”

Instead, use STAR to provide a concrete example:

“In my last role, I solved a logistics issue that saved the company £10,000 annually.”


2. Overloading the Answer

Keep your responses focused. Long-winded answers can lose the interviewer’s attention. Stick to the point, but ensure your example is thorough and well-structured.


3. Speaking Negatively About Others

When discussing challenges, never criticise former employers, colleagues, or clients. It reflects poorly on you. Frame conflicts as opportunities for growth and learning.


4. Dodging the Question

If you’re asked about weaknesses or failures, don’t give a non-answer like:

“I work too hard.” Instead, choose an honest example and show how you’ve grown from it.



Additional Tips for Success


1. Be a Storyteller

Interviewers love engaging narratives. Make your examples dynamic and relatable by using sensory details and highlighting emotions. This approach helps the interviewer connect with your experience on a human level.


2. Practice, But Don’t Memorise

Rehearse answering common questions, but avoid memorisation. Aim for a conversational tone that feels natural and genuine.


3. Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Show your interest by asking insightful questions about the company or role, such as:

  • “What does success look like in this position over the first six months?”

  • “Can you tell me more about the team I’d be working with?”


4. Use Positive Body Language

Maintain eye contact, smile, and sit up straight. These nonverbal cues demonstrate confidence and enthusiasm.





Final Thoughts

Job interviews are your opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and personality. By preparing for common questions, mastering the STAR method, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can stand out as a top candidate. Remember to craft engaging stories, focus on measurable outcomes, and present yourself with

confidence.


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