Whether you’re preparing for a job interview, a university placement, or a mock interview in school, there’s a straightforward structure that can completely change the way you answer questions and make sure you stand out for all the right reasons.
It’s called the STAR Technique, and once you know how to use it, you’ll never go back to waffling through answers again.
What is the STAR technique?
STAR is an acronym that helps you structure your answer to any question where you’re asked to give a real-life example.
It stands for:
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S – Situation
Set the scene. Where were you? What was happening? -
T – Task
What was your role or responsibility in that moment? -
A – Action
What exactly did you do? What steps did you take? -
R – Result
What happened in the end? What changed because of your actions?
Why use STAR?
Employers, tutors, and interviewers are not just looking for confident speakers; they’re looking for evidence. Anyone can say, “I’m good at teamwork” or “I work well under pressure”, but STAR forces you to prove it with a story from your own experience.
Using STAR makes your answers:
- Clear and focused
- Memorable
- Evidence-based
- Easier for the listener to follow
When should I use STAR?
STAR is ideal for any question that starts with:
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“Tell me about a time when…”
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“Can you give an example of…”
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“Describe a situation where…”
For example:
- “Tell me about a time you had to meet a deadline.”
- “Describe a situation where you solved a problem.”
- “Give an example of when you worked in a team.”
These are called behavioural or situational questions, and STAR is the perfect fit.
A Simple example (School-based)
Q: “Tell me about a time you helped someone.”
S – One of my classmates was off school ill and had missed a whole week of lessons.
T – I wanted to help them catch up, especially as we had a big science test coming up.
A – I shared my notes, explained the topics during lunch, and we revised together after school.
R – They passed the test and said they felt much more confident. It also helped me understand the topic better too.
Short. Clear. Real. That’s the STAR difference.
Practice makes perfect
The best way to get good at using STAR is to practise:
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Think of real examples from school, part-time jobs, clubs, sports or even home life.
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Break them down into S, T, A, and R.
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Practice saying them out loud with a friend or teacher.
Need support?
If you’re preparing for an interview, whether it’s for university, an apprenticeship, or your first job, our workshops and resources can help. We work with students across the UK to develop confidence, structure, and clarity in their presentations.
Final thought
- You don’t need to have climbed Everest to impress an interviewer.
- You need a story that shows how you think, act, and learn.
- That’s what STAR is all about.
