As you move forward in the admissions process with City Teaching Alliance, you may be preparing for your final interview. The STAR method is one of the most effective ways to showcase your skills and experiences during your teacher interview. But what exactly is it?

The STAR method is a simple yet powerful way to structure your responses to behavioral interview questions and help you tell a clear and compelling story. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

Let’s dive into each part:

• SITUATION: Start by setting the scene. Describe a specific situation or challenge you faced. This helps the interviewer understand the context.
• TASK: Next, explain the task or goal you were working toward. What was expected of you? What were you aiming to achieve?
• ACTION: This is where you shine. Detail the specific steps you took to address the situation. Focus on your own contributions and decision-making process.
• RESULT: Finally, share the outcome of your actions. What happened? What did you achieve? If possible, quantify your success or describe the positive impact you had.

Now let’s use this method to answer a common interview question: “Describe a time when you set a personal goal. What steps did you take to ensure you successfully achieved it?” 

• SITUATION: Earlier this year, I set a goal to [insert your own goal], aiming to [insert the desired result]. My team was responsible for [insert personalization] but because of [variable one and variable two], we were behind schedule.
• TASK: In order to achieve my goal, I needed to [insert task one],  [insert task two], and [insert task three], which would [insert desired outcome].
• ACTION: Once I had a clear plan of action, I [insert action one, including important context] and [insert action two, including important context]. Then my teammate and I [insert action three, including important context], which we completed over three days. 
• RESULT: As a result, we [insert result one] and [insert result two], which led to me not only meeting my goal of [insert goal], but exceeding it. Throughout this process, I learned that it is important to [insert what you took away from this experience]. Moving forward I will apply that to future situations, setting myself up for success later on. 

Putting it all together, a response to a teaching interview question around a time you had a goal could sound something like: 

• SITUATION: During my senior year, I set a goal to complete my capstone project on time while balancing a part-time job and my role as president of a student organization. 
• TASK: I needed to create a plan that would allow me to stay on top of my coursework, meet the project deadlines, and fulfill my leadership duties without compromising on any of them.
• ACTION: To achieve this, I created a detailed weekly schedule, breaking the project into smaller tasks with specific deadlines, while setting aside dedicated time each day for research and writing. I also delegated tasks within the organization and implemented a more structured communication process. 
• RESULT: By staying organized and managing my time effectively, I completed my capstone project two weeks ahead of the deadline. I also maintained my leadership responsibilities and received positive feedback from both my professors and my peers on how well I balanced everything.

Using the STAR method allows you to communicate your experiences clearly and confidently, making it easier for interviewers to see how your past successes can translate to future roles.

Still prepping for your interview? Access the applicant portal here!