This is just an example of the Problem-Solving module.

MODULE 5: PROBLEM SOLVING & CRITICAL THINKING

THE STAR INTERVIEW FORMULA

When you interview for a job, employers will often ask behavioral questions that start with: "Tell me about a time when you..." They ask these questions because how you solved problems in the past tells them exactly how you will handle problems on their clock.

To give a perfect answer without rambling, use the STAR method:

• S - Situation/Task: Set the scene. Give a brief, specific detail about the problem you faced at school, in sports, or in a past job.

• A - Action: Explain exactly what you did to solve it. Keep the focus entirely on your choices, not just on what the group did.

• R - Result: Share the punchline. How did it end, what did you accomplish, or what did you learn from the experience?

The Play in Action:

· Interviewer: "Tell me about a time you had to deal with a very upset customer or coworker."

· Your STAR Answer:

S (Situation/Task): "At my last volunteer job, a customer came up furious because their food order was completely wrong and cold."

A (Action): "Instead of getting defensive, I apologized immediately, took the cold food away, and personally went to the kitchen to make sure the cook replaced it perfectly."

R (Result): "The customer thanked me for fixing it so fast and left a great review. I learned that staying calm defuses anger every single time."

The Strategy Check:

1. Fill in the blank: When answering an interview question using the STAR method, the Action step means you must describe exactly what you did, rather than focusing on the efforts of the whole team (or group).

2. Fill in the blank: The most important part of your answer is the Result, because employers want to see what you accomplished or what valuable lesson you learned.