Behavioral Interview Questions: The SAR Method
Behavioral interview questions give you an opportunity to share real examples from your experience. The SAR method can help you organize your thoughts and clearly explain the situation, the actions you took, and the results you achieved.
Answering With Confidence
The SAR Method: What It Is and When to Use It
What is the SAR method?
The SAR method is a simple way to structure your answers to behavioral interview questions. By walking through the Situation, Action, and Result, you can share specific examples that show how you’ve handled challenges, worked with others, solved problems, and applied your skills in real situations.
For what types of questions should you use the SAR method?
Use the SAR method when an interviewer asks you to share an example from your past experience. These questions often begin with phrases like:
- “Tell me about a time when you helped a coworker succeed.”
- “Give me an example of how you handled a challenging situation.”
- “Describe a time when you had to solve a problem.”
Breaking It Down
What Does SAR Stand For?
S - Situation
Start by briefly describing the situation and providing the context your interviewer needs to understand your example.
- Use a specific, real-life example.
- Explain the important details: who was involved, what happened, and why it mattered.
- Clearly identify the challenge, goal, or problem you faced.
A - Action
Explain the specific actions you took in response to the situation.
- Describe the steps you took and why.
- Focus on your individual contributions, even if you were working as part of a team.
- Be specific about the decisions you made or actions you were responsible for.
R - Result
Finish by explaining what happened as a result of your actions.
- Share the outcome and the impact your actions had.
- Include specific or measurable results when possible.
- If the outcome wasn’t what you hoped for, explain what you learned and what you would do differently next time.