Hot Tip Tuesday #16

“Reach for the S.T.A.R(s)”

Are you the sort of person who struggles both writing applications and responding to interviews? Do you feel that you either don’t write enough or end up rambling? Sometimes find it hard to stay ‘on track’?

You might need a crash course in the S.T.A.R method!

What is the STAR method?

The STAR method is a technique that gives you a straightforward format you can use to tell a story by laying out the situation, task, action, and result. This can be used for both application writing as well as in a job interview to ensure you keep on track and on topic.

• Situation:    Set the scene and give the necessary details of your example.

• Task:  Describe what your responsibility was in that situation.

• Action:   Explain exactly what steps you took to address it.

• Result:   Share what outcomes your actions achieved.

Additionally, you can use simple phrases to incorporate the STAR format into your answers to keep track of your story, for example:

• Situation:      “The situation was…” “The issue we were facing…” “The problem we tackled…”

• Task:      “In my role as a…” “I was responsible for…” ...

• Action:      “I led…” “We decided…” "The team collaborated by..."

• Result:      “As a result…” “The outcome was…” “We achieved…”

By utilising the STAR method, the idea is to assist you in keeping your responses to the selection criteria or interview questions clear, concise and on-point. An added benefit is that you can have some examples ready-to-go, because a lot of the time application and interview questions are very similar so you can really develop your responses in advance and nail your next interview!

The GJH team are here to assist you with nailing your next application and interview. If you would like to get in touch with the team, contact us at the GJH on 1300 084 307 or email jobshub@gcc.tas.gov.au

For further reading, please visit

https://www.themuse.com/advice/star-interview-method

https://www.robertwalters.com.au/insights/career-advice/blog/master-the-star-interview-technique.html

https://au.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-use-the-star-interview-response-technique