Interviews

Depending on the question you may want to use the STAR method. You can use the STAR method in interviews, on CVs or cover letters, or when writing application forms.

You can use the STAR method to structure the examples you give to questions, especially in interviews. It can be used for examples in previous employment, while volunteering, from personal experiences or from hobbies.

The STAR method helps you to give clear, concise and short answers, using examples to highlight particular skills and qualities you have. It can help keep your interview answers more conversational, too.

However, do be prepared to answer follow-up questions for any answers that you give.

STAR stands for:

• Situation - the situation you had to deal with
• Task - the task you were given to do
• Action - the action you took
• Result - what happened as a result of your action and what you learned from the experience

For example if the questions was 'Tell me about a time when you have shown leadership skills.'

An answer using the STAR method would be:

Situation: In Scouts, we wanted to recruit more volunteers and young people to keep a section open.

Task: My job was to find a way of getting more people to sign up.

Action: I organised a bring a friend meeting for young people and led a social media campaign to generate interest for both volunteers and young people. I helped to flyer and put posters up in the local area, giving volunteers posters for their workplaces, too. I asked to advertise in school newsletters and ran a community project, so we were seen in the local area. I then also held an open evening for parents and carers and potential volunteers and get them interested, where I promoted the benefits of flexible volunteering to make sure it was inclusive to everyone.

Result: Over a period of 3 months, we got two new volunteers and a 50% increase in the number of young people. I relayed the successful methods to my group and district, who then used my methods to help support their own recruitment.

Our top tips are:

• Practise using common interview questions, such as the ones we've added below.
• Research the job, as well as the organisation, before your interview.
• Check the address, interviewer name and interview time, and organise how you'll get there. You may want to do a practice run
• Get a good night's sleep on the night before the interview
• Plan to get to the site 30 minutes early and arrive/check in for the interview around 15 minutes before you're needed.
• Take a bottle of water with you
• Decide what you want to wear before the interview. You should try it on before the day, too.
• See if you can ask questions before the interview, or check to see if there'll be any tasks on the day or if you need to prepare anything.
• Let them know of any reasonable adjustments you may need.
• If your interview is online or involves a presentation (or similar) using a laptop or device, check that all the equipment is working before the day. 
• Don't forget to have questions to ask the interviewer at the end of your interview.

Here are some common questions you might get asked at interview:

University interview

• Why do you want to study this subject?
• Why did you choose this university?
• What did you enjoy about your A-levels?
• How would you describe yourself?
• What are your main interests?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What achievement are you most proud of?
• What are your career plans?
• Why should we offer you a place?

You'll also have to think about the types of questions that relate to your specific subject and have acquired some background knowledge of what the field involves.

Job or apprenticeship role

• Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
• Why do you want to work for us?
• What motivated or what attracted you to apply for this role?
• What is your greatest strength (or weakness)?
• How do you prioritise your work?
• When have you had to on a leadership role?
• Give an example of a time when you had to cope under pressure.
• Have you ever worked as part of a team?
• Have you ever worked independently to reach a goal?
 
• Give an example of a time you’ve motivated others in a challenging situation.
• Tell me about a time you've had to work with a person you found difficult.
• What is your greatest achievement so far?  
• Can you tell me an example of when you’ve managed a budget?
  
• Give me an example of a situation where you’ve used your initiative.
• Have you ever organised or planned an event? 
 

You could ask them:

• What do they enjoy about working there?
• What are their expectations of you in the first six months?
• What would a normal day or week may look like for you?
• What opportunities for training will you get?
• What will the main challenges of the role be?
• What will you be doing in the first 30 days in the job?