The Problem with the STAR Method to Interviewing:

The problem with the STAR Method to Interviewing:

If you're a job seeker, chances are you've heard of the STAR Method to interviewing. It's a way to answer interview questions

S = Situation (the set up, the context)
T = Task (What you were solving, the problem, and/or the goal)
A = Actions (What you did)
R = Result (The result of your actions)

Now this is a great starting point structure to use - and I'm an advocate for it as a foundation to draw from.

But it's not enough.

Because while it lays out a clear beginning, middle, and end, it misses the good stuff. The juice. The excitement. What am I getting at?

It's missing the STORY.

So when answering an interview question, don't rely on STAR alone. Make sure you add in elements of storytelling, like these:

1 - Tension/Release: Create moments of little tension (the little problems or obstacles that emerge as you were solving the problem), and then release the tension by sharing how you overcame it.

Ex, "At that point, I wasn't sure if there was a solution [TENSION]. But I didn't give up, and as I kept going, I noticed the specific line of code that was off [RELEASE]

2 - Multiple Perspectives: Don't just say what you did, share why you did it. This let's them in on the observed actions as well as the thought process.

Ex, "Realizing there must be more to the situation [THOUGH LENS], I conducted several focus groups to uncover what was really going on. [ACTION LENS]"

3 - Hero: Every story has a hero, and in the case of an interview response, that hero is you. This sets you up to take your interviewers on your hero's journey, and gets them rooting for you.

Ex, "Sensing that change was needed, I set out to develop a plan. [HERO MOVE!]"

Weave these components into your interview responses, and notice how it draws in your interviewers and set's you up to showcase your skills as well as your value.