The STAR method explained — how to answer interview questions

The STAR method is a structured approach to answering behavioural interview questions — those beginning 'Tell me about a time when...'

The four components

• S — Situation: Set the scene. What was happening? What was the context? (1–2 sentences)
• T — Task: What was your specific role or responsibility? What were you asked to do?
• A — Action: What did you specifically do? Use 'I' not 'we' — the interviewer is assessing you.
• R — Result: What was the outcome? Quantify where possible. What did you learn?

Example

'Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult client.'
S: We had a client threatening to cancel a major contract. T: I was asked to lead the recovery. A: I arranged a meeting, listened to their concerns without interrupting, and proposed three specific changes. R: The contract was retained and the relationship became one of our strongest.

Prepare your STAR stories with our free interview preparation notes.