How to use the STAR method in your next interview

Preparing for your next Work Winning interview?

Interviews can be exciting but also nerve-wracking, especially when you’re aiming to land your next role in Bids & Proposals or Business Development. To help you feel more confident, we’ve put together a guide on using the STAR method—an effective way to structure your responses during interviews.

Our expert recruiters share their top advice on how to apply the STAR method in your next interview.

What is the STAR method?

The STAR method is a simple framework that helps you structure your answers when you're asked to provide examples in interviews. It’s ideal for responding to questions that start with “Tell me about a time when you…” or other behavioral-style questions.

Here’s how STAR breaks down:

• Situation – Set the scene for your story.

• Task – What was your role and responsibility in that situation?

• Action – Describe the specific steps you took.

• Result – Share the outcome and any measurable success.

By following these steps, you can deliver a clear, concise answer that highlights your experience and skills—exactly what interviewers are looking for!

How to use the STAR method in your next interview:

1. Identify key examples from your career.
   While you can’t predict every question, you can be prepared by selecting a few strong examples from your previous roles. Focus on your major achievements—especially those that align with the role or business you’re applying for.

   Tip: Think of wins that are relevant to the company’s needs or challenges.

2. Situation: Set the scene.
   Start by briefly outlining the context. Be careful not to provide too much detail—stick to what’s necessary to understand the scenario.

   Tip: Keep it brief. Provide just enough information to set the stage without losing focus.

3. Task: Explain your role.
   Next, describe your specific responsibility or objective in the situation. Make sure to focus on your role, not your team's, as the interviewer wants to understand your individual contribution.

   Tip: Keep the focus on your involvement, not others’.

4. Action: Detail what you did.
   This should be the most detailed part of your answer. Walk the interviewer through the steps you took to handle the situation, and be sure to highlight tools, strategies, or collaborations that were critical to success.

   Tip: Be specific! Include any systems, processes, or methods you used.

5. Result: Share the outcome.
   Finally, conclude your answer by explaining the result of your actions. Where possible, use concrete numbers, figures, or evidence to demonstrate your success.

   Tip: Quantify your results—whether it’s financial impact, percentage improvement, or another metric.

Got an interview coming up?

Good luck! We’d love to hear how the STAR method worked for you.

Still searching for your next Work Winning role?

Get in touch with CANDR today! As specialists in recruitment for Bids & Proposals and Business Development professionals, we’re here to help you find the perfect next step in your career. Browse our latest job openings or speak with one of our recruiters to get started.