Congratulations! Being shortlisted and invited to interview for a local government role is a fantastic achievement. It means your application stood out, and now you have the opportunity to show the interview panel why you’re the right fit for the job. The next step is crucial: preparation.
One of the most effective ways to prepare for behavioural interview questions is by using the STAR method. Behavioural questions are designed to understand how you’ve handled situations in the past, as these can be strong indicators of how you’ll perform in similar circumstances in the future. The STAR method allows you to present clear, structured, and impactful answers that demonstrate your skills, experience, and problem-solving abilities.
What is the STAR method?
The STAR method is a powerful framework to answer interview questions. It helps you structure your responses by breaking them into four key components: Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
This approach ensures you cover all aspects of your example while remaining concise and focused.
How to use the STAR method
Let’s explore each component of the STAR method, step-by-step:
- Situation
Set the scene by describing the specific situation or challenge you faced. Be clear and concise.
- What to include: The who, what, when, where, and why of your example.
- Tip: Avoid generalities. Focus on a specific instance that showcases your skills or experience.
Example: “A significant storm caused widespread damage to local infrastructure, including roads and parks.”
- Task
Explain your specific role and responsibilities in the situation.
- What to include: Clearly outline what you needed to do to address the challenge.
- Tip: Use “I” statements to highlight your personal contribution. Avoid vague answers like “we handled it” or “I would have done this.”
Example: “As the local council’s emergency response coordinator, my task was to coordinate the cleanup and repair efforts, prioritising critical infrastructure and ensuring community safety.”
- Action
Detail the steps you took to address the situation. This is your chance to highlight your skills, abilities, and problem-solving approach.
- What to include: Be specific about the actions you took. Avoid hypothetical language like “I would have” or “My approach would be.”
- Tip: Focus on what you did, not what others did.
Example: “I mobilised emergency crews, assessed the damage, and developed a recovery plan. I also established communication channels with affected residents and businesses, providing regular updates on the situation.”
- Result
Describe the positive outcome of your actions. Be specific and, if possible, quantify your results.
- What to include: Share how your actions made a difference, using data or examples to back up your success.
- Tip: Even if the result wasn’t perfect, highlight what you learned or how you improved the situation.
Example: “Through effective coordination and resource allocation, we were able to restore critical infrastructure within a week. We also successfully evacuated all residents from flood-prone areas, preventing injuries.”
Why the STAR method works
The STAR method helps you provide real-world examples of your abilities. It allows interviewers to see how you’ve applied your skills in the past and how you can bring those experiences to the role you’re applying for. The STAR method helps you come across as confident, prepared, and capable.
Practice makes perfect
Before your interview, spend time preparing examples using the STAR method framework. Reflect on your past experiences, whether they’re from previous jobs, volunteer work, or community projects, and think about how they align with the key skills and competencies required for the role.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare:
- Review the job description and identify key skills and responsibilities.
- Think of at least three examples that demonstrate your abilities.
- Use the STAR method to structure your answers.
- Practice saying your answers out loud to ensure they flow naturally.
Set yourself up for success
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with preparation you can confidently tackle any behavioural question that comes your way. Your experiences are unique, and this is your chance to showcase how they make you the ideal candidate for the role.
Good luck with your interview! And congratulations again for being a step closer to making a meaningful impact in your community through a career in local government.
