Using the STAR method to apply for a job
Use the STAR method to show how you meet each requirement listed in the 'Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills’ part of the job advert.
The STAR method is a way of organising your examples to help you explain what you’ve done and what you’ve learned:
- Situation - Explain the context. What was happening at the time?
- Task - Describe the goal or responsibility you had in that situation.
- Action - Focus on what you did. Be specific about your role and your decisions.
- Result - Show what happened as a result of your actions. Share any outcomes, achievements or what you learned.
How to use STAR
Following STAR too literally can lead to generic or overly scripted answers. Instead, use STAR as a flexible guide to help shape your response. Here’s how to use it effectively:
- Choose examples that directly relate to the skills and experience needed in the role
- Focus on what you personally contributed, not just what the team did
- Tell the story in a natural way rather than labelling each section as ‘situation’ or ‘task’
- Keep your examples clear and focused. Aim for a few short paragraphs, not a full page
- You can use examples from paid work, voluntary roles, education or personal experiences - as long as they’re relevant and clearly show what you can do
Example: Tell us about a time when you demonstrated leadership skills
In my previous digital marketing role, our newsletter sign-ups were very low and weren’t getting much attention from the audience. I was asked to find a way to increase engagement and grow our subscriber base. I brought the marketing team together to explore fresh ideas. I led the planning and launch of a new social media campaign focused on exclusive content for subscribers. As a result, newsletter sign-ups rose by 25% over three months. The success of the approach led to the campaign model being adopted by other departments.