What is the STAR method and how do I use it?

STAR stands for Situation-Task-Action-Result — a response structure for behavioural questions. Developed based on structured interview research (OPM Q018, ISO 10667 Q019): Structured interviews show significantly higher predictive validity for job performance than unstructured conversations in meta-analyses. Approach: Situation (context in 1-2 sentences), Task (your specific responsibility), Action (what you did — the main part, 50-60% of the answer), Result (measurable outcome). Typical STAR questions: 'Tell me about a situation where you resolved a conflict', 'Describe a project that you brought to failure'. Recommendation: Prepare 5-7 STAR stories from different competency areas — they fit 80% of all behavioural questions.