STAR Method
A Google Doc of this STAR Method webpage is available for printing or preferred study method.
What is the STAR Method?
The STAR Method is a communication framework used to succinctly describe your experiences that highlights action and impact. STAR stands for situation, task, action, and result: these four components provide a structure for your story so you can highlight your strengths and approaches.
When will I use the STAR Method?
You will use the STAR Method in nearly every component of your career exploration, application, and networking process. Most commonly, you’ll engage the STAR Method while writing cover letters and when answering behavioral questions during interviews. An abridged version of the STAR method is also useful when developing descriptions of your positions for a resume. Lastly, you also can use this framework as you connect with someone in a networking setting. The STAR Method can be used in different ways to fit your needs depending on the context.
Why utilize the STAR Method?
The STAR Method helps you organize your thoughts by providing a framework without a script. It allows you to be specific and demonstrate that you are a qualified candidate without trying to explain too much in a short amount of time or space. While it is important to write out your examples and practice, remember that your examples are not meant to be memorized for an interview. Lastly, this framework facilitates an understanding of your experience and invites further questions from whoever you are in conversation with.
Breaking It Down
S | Situation: Provide context and background information of the scenario: think who, what, when and where
T | Task: Describe the task you had to do or the challenge you had to overcome
A | Action: Detail the specific actions you took in order to accomplish the task or overcome the challenge
R | Result: Explain the impact you had on the situation or what you have learned. When applicable, quantify or qualify your impact.
Putting Into Practice:
Cover Letter Example:
[S] This past summer I was a Teaching and Residential Faculty Intern at Philip Exeter’s Summer Academy. [T] I had the assignment of co-teaching a Neuropsychology course – a subject I knew absolutely nothing about. Taking the challenge head on, [A] I worked with my co-teacher to develop a method of teaching where she taught basic concepts while I researched and shared the ways the concepts applied in the real world. For example, I found an engaging article about scientists who successfully implanted false memories in mice. I divided the students into two groups and had them debate the pros, cons, and future implications. [R] By having the students focus on the ethical side of the subject, I was able to keep all of them actively participating and excited about the complex subject of Neuropsychology. I fully plan to bring this innovative way of thinking to any collaborative work with my fellow peers as we strive to improve the products produced by Curriculum Associates, Inc.
Resume Example:
Philip Exeter Summer Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire June-August 2019
Teaching and Residential Faculty Intern
- Co-taught Neuropsychology course to 12 rising juniors and seniors
- Conducted research on ethically-focused neuropsychology studies to create relevant, accessible curriculum
- Engaged students in dialogical and collaborative in-class activities, resulting in enthusiastic participation and an acquisition of course learning outcomes
Tips & Resources
- Review your resume and critically evaluate if your position descriptions are action-oriented and impact-focused. How can you use the STAR Method to make them more effective?
- Use the STAR Method to develop your customized, supporting paragraphs for future cover letters, being responsive to each position’s description and requirements.
- Archive example STAR paragraphs in an ongoing document to refer to in future applications.
- To prepare for an interview, try writing out an example paragraph from a meaningful experience using the STAR Method. Next, try talking about this same example out loud.
- Read Big Interview’s STAR Method description and samples in the Written Curriculum, Module 5, Developing Your Interview Stories.
- Utilize Big Interview’s STAR Method answer builder, under the Practice tab, Answer Builder, to write and save responses to certain questions or that highlight certain competencies.