How to approach
behavioural & competency based questions
using the STAR Interview Technique
Tackling challenging interview questions can be daunting, but the STAR interview technique offers a clear and structured way to present your answers effectively, ensuring you deliver relevant details in a concise and engaging manner.
What is STAR?
STAR stands for:
- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result
How to Use STAR Effectively
The key to using the STAR technique is to frame your answers as engaging, structured stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This approach is particularly helpful when answering behavioural or competency-based questions.
For example, if asked to describe a time you overcame an engineering design challenge, your response could look like this:
- Situation: Start by briefly outlining the context or problem. For instance:
“I was part of a team developing a next-generation wearable glucose monitor. Late in the development cycle, we encountered a critical issue where the sensor material was causing inaccurate readings under certain environmental conditions, which posed a safety risk to users.” - Task: Explain your specific responsibilities and what needed to be achieved. For example:
“Our team needed to identify and implement a solution quickly to ensure the device met regulatory standards and remained on track for FDA submission. As the lead design engineer, I was responsible for investigating the issue, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and delivering a revised design.” - Action: Dive into the steps you took, the skills you applied, and how you addressed the challenge. For example:
“I conducted root cause analysis and identified that the issue stemmed from material degradation at high humidity levels. Collaborating with materials scientists, I evaluated biocompatible alternatives and ran accelerated aging tests to validate their performance. Simultaneously, I modified the sensor enclosure design to improve environmental sealing. To ensure compliance, I worked closely with the regulatory team to document the changes and update our risk analysis. By integrating these efforts, we were able to fast-track validation testing without compromising quality.” - Result: Conclude with the outcome, emphasizing the impact on the project and your contributions. For instance:
“The updated design passed all performance and safety tests, meeting FDA standards ahead of schedule. This allowed us to maintain our timeline for regulatory submission and launch. The project was praised by leadership for the innovative approach, and I was given the opportunity to present our findings at a company-wide engineering summit, further enhancing my professional growth.”
Why STAR Works
Using the STAR Interview Technique ensures your answers are clear, structured, and engaging. By focusing on the Situation, Task, Action, and Result, you demonstrate not just your technical expertise but also your ability to navigate challenges and deliver impactful outcomes.