What STAR stands for
- Situation — set the scene briefly. Where were you and what was happening?
- Task — what was your responsibility or the challenge you faced?
- Action — what did you actually do? This is the most important part, so use "I" not "we".
- Result — what happened? Use a number or clear outcome where possible.
A worked example
"Tell me about a time you dealt with an unhappy customer."
Situation: While working at a busy retail store, a customer returned a faulty appliance and was very angry. Task: I had to resolve it while keeping the queue moving. Action: I listened, apologised, checked the warranty and arranged an immediate replacement. Result: The customer left satisfied and later wrote a positive review mentioning me by name.
Tips
- Prepare three or four STAR stories that show different skills.
- Keep each answer to about two minutes.
- Practise out loud so it sounds natural, not memorised.