One of the most common questions I get when it comes to applying for roles in the federal public service is how to structure responses, be it for screening questions or an interview.

The STAR method is a highly effective approach to share your experiences in a structured and compelling manner. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result, and it helps you present a clear, concise, and engaging response. You may also get a question where the START method is better used, and this is adding Takeaway – e.g reflections on what you learned.

Here’s how to utilize the STAR/T method effectively:

✨Situation (S):
– Describe the context or situation you were in.
– Set the stage by explaining where and when the event occurred.

✨Task (T):
– Clearly outline the task or challenge you were facing.
– Detail what was expected of you or what needed to be accomplished.

✨Action (A):
– Describe the specific actions you took to address the situation or task.
– Focus on your role and contributions, highlighting relevant skills and expertise.

✨Result (R):
– Share the outcome of your actions.
– Discuss the impact of your actions on the situation or organization.
– Quantify results if possible, emphasizing achievements or improvements

✨ Takeaway (T):
– Reflect on the experience and extract valuable lessons learned or insights gained.
– Discuss how this experience has influenced your approach or decisions in subsequent situations.

Using the STAR method can improve your responses in the following ways:

It helps organize your thoughts and information in a clear and structured format, making it easier for the interviewer to follow your story.

It ensures you cover the essential aspects of your experience, providing a comprehensive view of your abilities and accomplishments.

It allows you to showcase specific skills like problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and communication through real-life examples.

By discussing the results, you demonstrate the impact of your actions and highlight your ability to drive positive outcomes. This is the part a lot of candidates miss. You want to go beyond just stating that you have experience briefing, for example, but what result did your briefing accomplish.

When I first started my career over a decade ago, one of my mentors at the time gave me this very advice that I’m sharing with you now – specifically the image below. I hope in sharing it forward with you, you’ll feel more confident in your own competitions to start or grow your career in the federal public service.