Practice using STAR to answer application and interview questions by Strath Career Consultants

How to use STAR

anna_selwood — 2024-07-05 11:29:17 UTC

Using the STAR (situation, task, action and result) method to structure your answers is a useful way to communicate important points clearly and concisely.

For every answer you give identify the:

Situation/task - describe the task that needed to be completed or the situation you were confronted with. For example, 'I led a group of colleagues in a team presentation to potential clients'.
Action - Explain what you did and how and why you did it. For example, 'We presented to around 20 big industry players in the hope of winning their business. I delegated sections of the presentation to each team member and we discussed our ideas in a series of meetings. After extensive research and practise sessions our group presentation went off without a hitch'.
Result - Describe the outcome of your actions. For example, 'As a result of this hard work and team effort we won the business of 15 clients'.

This advice is taken from Prospects: Competency-based interviews

TIPS:

anna_selwood — 2024-07-05 11:32:00 UTC

Focus on ‘how’ - for example “I worked collaboratively across teams, establishing relationships and encouraging cross team working”
Use ‘I’ not ‘we’. This is about your role in the task and how you affected the outcome
Use your own words. Consider using active verbs to create greater impact
Ensure you provide enough detail about what you did and describe the situation or context. Also ensure that there is a clear outcome stated.
Don’t waffle! Just give enough detail to show: how you went about the task, why you did it the way you did and describe any obstacles you encountered.

Adapted from application guidance provided by the Civil Service

ACTIVITY: Practice, using examples from your experience

anna_selwood — 2024-07-05 11:32:57 UTC

Instructions:

Select questions that relate to the skills in the Person Specification of a Job Description (if you have one)
Using STAR to structure your answer draft examples from your experience to answer each question

Example questions:

Think about an example of how you worked effectively with people to accomplish an important result. What did you do? What was the result?
How do you maintain good working relationships with your colleagues?

Think of a situation when you had to use your verbal communication skills in order to gain information that was important to you. How did you approach this? What was the outcome?

Think about a recent successful experience in making a speech or presentation. How did you prepare? What obstacles did you face? How did you handle them?

How do you keep track of work schedules and deadlines?

Describe how you are able to contribute to an organisation’s / a job’s goals. What are the goals/mission?

What do you do to gain feedback on your performance?

Describe a situation where you were asked to do something that you'd never attempted previously.
Give me an example of a challenge you faced in the workplace and tell me how you overcame it.
Tell me about a time when you showed integrity and professionalism.

NEXT STEPS

anna_selwood — 2024-07-05 11:51:11 UTC

Get some feedback on your answers

anna_selwood — 2024-07-05 11:56:52 UTC

If you would like to discuss your experience and how to use it when answering application or interview questions you are welcome to book a guidance appointment with a Careers Consultant.
If you would like feedback on the answers you have written you may wish to book an employability appointment

Access further resources

anna_selwood — 2024-07-05 11:58:39 UTC

The careers & Employability Service has lots of resources to support you with every stage of the recruitment process.

Check out the Making Applications section of the website.

Access further support if you have a disability or long term health issue

anna_selwood — 2024-07-05 12:00:19 UTC

Find out more about Careers & Employability Service resources & support for disabled students and graduates.