The Importance of STAR Stories

Potential job candidates often rely on their resumes to get them to the next step in an application process. By using a method called STAR, you can create a resume that shows your value as a job candidate. This method allows you to match your skills to job qualifications by pairing your work experience with relevant examples.

What is the STAR method?

STAR is an acronym for the four parts of an answer: Situation, Task, Action and Result. The STAR technique encourages job seekers to give more detail about their work experience.

Situation: First, explain the situation briefly that will serve as the basis for the rest of your example.

Task: Next, discuss the problem you had to solve or a goal you worked towards in this previous job situation. Explain any specific tasks you completed using your unique qualities and skills.

Action: Detail the steps you took to complete a task or achieve a goal. Give an explanation of your process in this part of your STAR response.

Results: Finally, explain how solving the problem or meeting your goal contributed to your workplace. List any important lessons learned or skills gained through the outcome.

Employability Skills

Top skills that today’s employers are looking for; Examples of employability skills:

  1. Communication. Communication is one of the most important employability skills because it is an essential part of almost any job
  2. Teamwork
  3. Reliability
  4. Problem-solving
  5. Organization and planning
  6. Initiative
  7. Self-management
  8. Leadership
  9. Continuous Learning
  10. Technology

Action

Chose the top 5 Employability Skills that are relevant for your industry, and write 5 unique STAR stories based on your previous work or volunteer experience. Upload your file and be prepared to share with your team.