START METHOD
The START method is especially useful with behavioral based questions which call for specific experiences by asking, “Tell me about a time,” or “Give me an example of.”
Prepare and share evidence that you can do the job and will be a good fit for the organization.
- Describe specific experiences with details showing how skills were developed.
- Include transferable skills all employers look for Transferable skills section.
- Build examples using the START method.
START stands for:
Situation: Outline the situation. What was happening? What was the setting? Who was involved?
Task: Identify your task or assignment. What was the challenge? What was the problem needing to be solved?
Action: Describe what you did to accomplish the task. What did you do? How did you decide what to do? What skills did it require?
Result: Share the results. What was the outcome? Was the challenge met or problem resolved?
Takeaway: Finish with your takeaway and how it relates to the position. What did you learn from it? How does it relate to the position?
Example questions
Question: Tell me about a team project you were a part of.
Typical Answer:
As a member of University Program Council, I collaborated with a team of students to bring events to campus. We coordinated educational and entertainment events and had to promote them across campus, which required research and a lot of organization. Our events were all well-received and had high attendance.
Standout Answer:
As a member of University Program Council, I worked with a diverse team to select, coordinate, and promote events which appealed to the widest student audience possible (Situation). One of my roles was researching speakers and acts to determine their fit for our student body (Task). I looked for online reviews and video of over 50 possibilities and identified their expenses (Action). Analyzing the data, I made recommendations to the team. We discussed the options and determined which performers to bring to campus. Collaborating on design and strategy, we developed and executed unique promotions for each (Result). Our programming was very successful. Four of the six events exceeded attendance projections by 20%. I enjoyed being a part of the team, getting to know and understand their perspectives, coordinating events together, and watching so many students enjoy our work (Takeaway). I look forward to using my communication and collaboration skills as a team member of XXX Organization, learning from others and contributing to our success.
Question: Describe a project you were assigned and how you completed it.
Typical Answer:
In my internship at City Center Mart, I had the task to move ten aisles of merchandise to a new part of the store in an overnight shift. I developed the order in which we would move the merchandise and assigned different sections to members of my team. We worked from 10 pm to 2 am to get the job done
Standout Answer:
As an Executive Store Intern at City Center Mart (Situation), I was given the lead role in moving ten aisles of merchandise to a new area of the store as a part of a new marketing strategy (Task). I had a team of six associates to accomplish the move in a single overnight shift. I started with an analysis of the merchandise to be moved, including quantity, size, weight, and risk of damage (Action). Additionally, I evaluated the size and configuration of the new space and determined where the merchandise should be positioned. I assigned teams of two to different sections, describing the order to move and where to reposition the merchandise. We started at 10 pm. I spent time between teams, helping with the move while resolving problems along the way and keeping their energy and momentum up. We finished in four hours, an hour earlier than anticipated (Result). Working with XXX Organization will require these analytical, organizational, and communication skills, and the ability to motivate others (Takeaway). I look forward to leading and being a part of a team.
Question: Tell me about a time you had a different opinion than a coworker you were collaborating with on a project and how you approached resolving it.
Typical Answer:
In one of my psychology classes, we were put in teams to develop a research paper and presentation on the application of psychological theories. One of my team members wanted to look at motivation and weight loss, but I thought positive psychology and its impact on employee motivation would be more interesting. I explained why I thought it would be better as a topic and we decided to go with it as our topic.
Standout Answer:
In one of my psychology classes, Motivation and Emotion (Situation), we were put in teams to develop a research paper and presentation on the application of psychological theories (Task). After reviewing the theories we had studied and talking to the team about their interests, which included business management, I suggested the impact of positive psychology on employee motivation as a topic since it would be relevant to all of us. One of my team members wanted to look at motivation and weight loss. To resolve the difference and choose a topic, I asked them to describe why they suggested that topic (Action). They explained their personal interest in it and how widespread it could be applied. Then I explained the reasons I was making my suggestion, including the current prevalence of positive psychology and how it fit for the team. It was important to understand their perspective and discuss it as a team. We decided positive psychology would best lend itself to our interests and resources (Result). As an Account Manager with XXX Organization, I will use these communication and collaboration skills with clients and our team (Takeaway). I enjoy working with others to find win-win solutions, which I will always strive for at XXX.