Ace Interview Skills with I-S-T-A-R Flashcards: An Innovative Tool to Enhance Graduate Employability

Graduate unemployment in Malaysia continues to be a significant challenge, often attributed to limited communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, particularly during behavioural interviews. To address this issue, the I-S-T-A-R Flashcard System was developed as an enhancement of the traditional STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Incorporating gamification and cultural contextualization, the system offers an engaging and structured approach to interview preparation. Designed through a design-thinking process with contributions from industry professionals, career counsellors, and graduates, the flashcards provide targeted practice in key domains such as teamwork, leadership, conflict management, and ethical decision-making. Key features include adaptive learning, real-time feedback, and dual accessibility through physical and digital formats. A survey was conducted and the findings indicate improvements in graduates’ clarity, organization, confidence, and adaptability when responding to high-pressure interview scenarios. Affordable and scalable, the system aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Future developments, including AI-powered analytics and multilingual support, aim to expand its applicability and global relevance.’

interview skills, STAR method, flashcards, graduate employability

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