The STAR method: how to describe what you did

"Tell me about a time when…" questions come up in almost every interview, and the same skill makes CV bullet points stronger. The National Careers Service explains the STAR method in plain terms.

• Situation: where you were and what was going on.
• Task: what you needed to do.
• Action: what you did, in your own words.
• Result: what happened because of it.

It works in CVs, cover letters, application forms and interviews. Match your examples to the skills in the job description, draw them from work, home or volunteering, keep them short, and be ready for follow-up questions. The page includes sample answers on leadership, teamwork and problem solving.

Try it: take one line from your CV such as "Helped at events" and rewrite it with a result, for example "Organised a charity quiz for 80 people that raised £600".