You're in a job interview and asked "What motivates you?

1 What is the STAR method?

The STAR method is a useful framework for structuring your answer to behavioral questions. The acronym stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It helps you tell a specific and relevant story that demonstrates your motivation and achievements. When using the STAR method, you should start by describing the context and background of the scenario. Then, explain the goal or objective you had to accomplish in that situation. Next, detail the steps you took to complete the task and achieve the result. Finally, highlight the outcome or impact of your actions. By using this method, you can effectively demonstrate your motivation and accomplishments in an interview setting.

2 Why use the STAR method?

The STAR method is a great way to answer "What motivates you?" because it helps you give specific, concise responses that are relevant and tailored to the role and organization you're applying for. You can also use it to share an authentic and credible story that showcases your personality and character, while backing up your claims with evidence that proves your achievements and potential. By following a clear and logical structure, you can ensure that your answers are both meaningful and impactful.

3 How to choose a situation?

When using the STAR method, the first step is to choose a situation that reflects your motivation and is relevant to the role and organization you're interviewing for. To do this, it's important to research the role and organization, looking at job descriptions, company websites, and social media profiles. Additionally, you should reflect on your experience and think of a time when you used your skills to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. Finally, pick a scenario that demonstrates your motivation and aligns with the role and organization, making sure it meets the CARL criteria of being challenging, action-oriented, result-focused, and learning-oriented.

4 How to describe the task?

The next step in using the STAR method is to explain the task or objective you had to accomplish in the situation you chose. To do this, make sure to be clear and concise by stating the task in one or two sentences, using simple and direct language. Additionally, be specific and measurable by defining the task in terms of the problem you had to solve, the deadline you had to meet, or the outcome you had to deliver. Quantify the task with numbers, percentages, or indicators to show its importance or difficulty. Lastly, be relevant and tailored by linking the task to the role and organization you're applying for. Show how it relates to their goals, challenges, or priorities. You can also mention how it motivated you or aligned with your values.

5 How to describe the action?

The third step in using the STAR method is to describe the action or steps you took to complete the task and achieve the result. To do this, you need to be detailed and descriptive, using verbs, adverbs, and adjectives to paint a vivid picture of your actions. Highlight the skills, strategies, or techniques you used, the obstacles you overcame, or the feedback you received. Additionally, emphasize the actions that show your initiative, creativity, or leadership. Show how you took charge, made decisions, or solved problems. It’s also important to link your actions to the role and organization you're applying for and demonstrate how your actions demonstrate your mentoring skills and values. Additionally, mention how your actions satisfied your motivation or fulfilled your purpose.

6 How to describe the result?

The final step in using the STAR method is to highlight the result or impact of your actions. To do this, you should be clear and concise when summarizing the result in one or two sentences. You should also be specific and measurable, defining the result in terms of metrics, benefits, or feedback that demonstrate your success. Additionally, it is important to be relevant and tailored when linking the result to the role and organization you are applying for. Show how the result supports their goals, challenges, or priorities, as well as how it motivated you or aligned with your values.

8 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?