Interview Tip #4: Go beyond CAR and STAR
When it comes to sharing anecdotes in interviews, there is more to a standout response than CAR and STAR. Both frameworks can be useful in establishing how you took action to deliver a result your employer valued. But often, job seekers fail to deploy these methods well.
If you’re not already familiar with these frameworks, CAR = Challenge/Context, Action, Result. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Interviewers and coaches report that many candidates spend excessive time on the Challenge/Context and Situation. They may provide little or no detail on the Task they undertook. The Actions they took become laundry lists. All of that setup leaves the candidate insufficient time to drive home how their work mattered.
Time in an interview is limited. When using CAR or STAR, minimize the time spent describing the Challenge/Context and Situation. One sentence is often enough to set up the problem or issue you faced. Shift quickly to the action and describe in detail what you did. Emphasize any leadership or initiative you demonstrated. In particular, focus on how your actions contributed value to your employer
To show greater depth, ownership, and maturity in your interview responses, consider the STAR Plus method. This expanded version of the STAR method guides clients through these elements:
Situation (set the stage)
Barrier (describe the real challenge faced)
Solution (describe your decision, not your tasking)
Impact (be measurable and specific)
Lessons (what did you learn, or what offered a chance for growth and greater clarity?)
One difference that stands out with STAR Plus is the candidate shares how they grew as an employee and what they learned on the job. That demonstration of self-awareness and a growth mindset is attractive to all employers.
Another approach to consider is the Inverted STAR method. With this method, you begin with the Result to quickly hook the interviewer. By first sharing the most newsworthy piece of your work, you pique the interviewer’s interest. They will be intrigued to learn how you brought about such great results, and ask thoughtful follow-up questions. You can then explain in more detail what you did, and how those actions led to great impact.
Whether you deploy Inverted STAR, STAR Plus, or a different framework that rings true for you, practice how you will share different examples of your best work in an interview. Remember to make the Situation and Challenge/Context very concise. Focus on your Result, emphasizing value and learning. With these slight tweaks to the most common interview response frameworks, you’ll put yourself on stronger footing to stand out in job interviews.