How to Ace the STAR Method

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but what if you had a foolproof framework to transform your responses from forgettable to fantastic? Enter the STAR method—a powerful storytelling technique that can dramatically improve your interview performance. 

In a recent Coach Connect Live session, host Eloïse Eonnet, leadership coach and director of Coach Connect, discussed the STAR method with The Muse and Fairygodboss career coach Tina Wascovich. As Wascovich shared her wisdom about interview preparation, one thing became crystal clear: There's an art to telling your professional story. Wascovich also shared a stat that’s impossible to ignore: People who prepare for interviews are 40-50% more likely to move forward in the hiring process. 

So, let's break down the STAR method exactly how Wascovich and Eonnet explain it—and watch the recording to hear more on this topic and get to know Tina Wascovich!

What is the STAR Method?

STAR is an acronym that stands for:

• Situation: Set the context 

• Task: Explain your specific responsibility

• Action: Describe the steps you took

• Result: Share the impact of your actions

Breaking down each component

1. Situation: Set the stage

When describing your situation, be concise and strategic. Imagine you're giving your interviewer just enough context to picture you in your professional environment. This isn't about telling your entire life story—it's about providing only the essential details needed to set the stage. 

Pro tip: Changing industries? You should provide more background to help the interviewer understand your previous work environment.

2. Task: Define the challenge

By viewing this section as the core problem you needed to tackle, the story gets much more interesting and focused. So, break it down into two steps: 

• “The challenge was…” and share the main problem you were faced with.

• “... and so I…” and share your approach to overcoming it.

Check out the video for more in-depth coaching from Wascovich and Eonnet on this foundational section of this storytelling method.

3. Action: Showcase your skills

This is your moment to shine. To avoid rambling, stick to the following: 

• Limit to three or four key actions you took to solve the challenge.

• Align actions with job description skills.

• Use action verbs to drive the story. 

Pro tip: Use phrases like “First, I...”, “then I...”, “after that...” to make your story feel natural and engaging.

4. Result: Demonstrate impact

Don't just stop at what happened—explain why it matters. Eonnet shared a helpful three-dimensional approach to sharing results:

• Personal growth: What did you learn?

• Team/interpersonal impact: How did your actions affect others?

• Organizational impact: What were the tangible outcomes?

Words of wisdom from the coaches

“Remember, they brought you in because of your resume—but they don't have your resume memorized,” Wascovich said. “It's up to you to bring that resume to life.” 

Keep in mind that: 

• It's OK to take a breath if you go blank.

• You can ask for clarification.

• Focus on the underlying question, not just its literal wording.

• Practice your stories out loud (not word-for-word, but in bullet point form).

Final takeaway

The STAR method isn't about creating a perfect, rehearsed performance. It's about clear, authentic communication that helps interviewers truly understand your professional capabilities.

Eonnet  and Wascovich agree: Practice is the secret ingredient. The more you speak your stories out loud, the more naturally they'll flow in an interview setting.

By following these steps, you’ll have clear, focused stories to share in the interview. Don’t forget to watch the recording to hear more on this topic and get to know Tina Wascovich!