As part of the hiring process, many hiring managers will utilize a behavioral interview technique when conducting job interviews. In response, the interviewers expect answers framed with what’s known as the STAR format. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Learn how to answer these questions and you’ll stand out as an obvious top candidate.

STAR Method Components

• Situation:

  Describe the situation that you were in or the problem that your employer was facing. Choose a specific instance. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand the context. This situation can be from a previous job, from a volunteer experience, or any relevant event.

• Task:

  Describe what you were asked to do. What part did you play in...

Each company has their own preferences for resume formatting, but the information you should include is pretty standard. Bottom line, you need to show that you have a solid basis of skills that will enable you to contribute as soon as possible without excessive training.

Your recruiter will take care of the formatting as long as you compile the following:

• Your legal first and last name
• Contact information
• Phone number
• Email address
• Physical address
• Job history, starting with your current or most recent position
• Start and end dates of each position
• Names of employers
• Job titles
• Job responsibilities
• Your achievements in each position
• Highest level of...

The Perfect Candidate

Ever wonder why some of the most qualified people don’t get job offers? The answer is that it doesn’t matter if you’re the perfect candidate if you don’t show the interviewer want they want. The purpose of an interview is for the interviewer to identify a candidate that has the key desired qualifications and attributes. It sounds intuitive, but too frequently do candidates waste time talking about themselves using attributes they think are important. Make it easy for an interviewer to see that you have what they want.

The Interview Tragedy

The most obvious way to know what the interviewer wants is to… wait for it… read the job description! Please, don’t fall into the trap of reading the title, skimming the...

Body Language

Subconsciously, we use our bodies to show how we feel. Likewise, we analyze the body language of others to make intuitive assumptions. Would you want a doctor to perform your surgery if he or she can’t even look you in the eyes beforehand? Even though it has nothing to do with their abilities to operate, you might start to worry that he or she doesn’t see things going too well for you. In contrast, use your mannerisms to show your interviewer that he or she can trust you. Your body language should be respectful, friendly, and confident during an interview.

1. Respectful

Common courtesy begins with respecting personal space. As a rule, don’t touch anyone you meet except when shaking hands. Most people also feel...

Talk the Talk

Nailing the interview isn’t just about what you say; it’s equally important to say it in the right way. Don’t let communication issues stand in the way of the interviewer seeing your abilities by practicing these favorable speaking habits.

1. Say My Name

Use the interviewer’s name every now and again over the course of the interview. People like hearing their name and it shows that you care enough to remember who they are.

2. Speak no Evil

Vulgar language and swear words are not appropriate in a professional setting. No matter how comfortable the interviewer makes you feel, never say something that would make him or her question your professionalism.

...

It’s uncomfortable for us to have breaks in the flow of conversation even though the right words aren’t always readily available. When our mouths work faster than our brains, we use crutch words to fill the gaps. Some default to the same filler words such as ‘like”, “um”, “so”, or “and”. Other times we use generic phrases, such as “the thing is” or “each and every”. While all of these words and phrases have appropriate places in our speech, they are often unknowingly abused as mere time killers. They become crutches with over-repetition or when they don’t contribute to the essential meaning of the sentence.

Why Crutches Matter in a Job Interview

Unfortunately, many job interviews don’t give you the opportunity to actually show off your skills. Instead,...

For whatever reason, money is a universally uncomfortable topic. If you’ve ever read a birthday card while pretending to ignore the check inside, then you know what we’re talking about. And that’s just a gift from your grandma! Higher stakes come with added pressures and few situations have heavier monetary implications than the recruiting process. After all, who wants to put a dollar amount on their own worth?

There are some pretty compelling reasons not to give a recruiter your price too early as well as not to...

No matter how desperate you are for a job, you should always know what your getting yourself into. Interviewers typically leave time for and expect you to ask him or her questions about the job opportunity. Not only does the cross-examination provide you with vital information, but it’s also an opportunity for you to demonstrate genuine interest in the job and show competency by asking well-informed questions.

Keep In Mind

There are three precautions to keep in mind when asking questions in an interview. Number one is to never ask a question that you should already know the answer to. Basic company information and industry current events should’ve been researched in your preparation. Secondly, don’t focus too much on salary, benefits, and other demands....