Business Studies

Using the STAR method

Question: Give an example of a time when you have had the

opportunity to demonstrate effective problem – solving skills (100

words)

Poor answer:

My job as sales co-ordinator involved making decisions about which of

the team was to work in which area, and charge of the department I had

constantly to solve problems as they arose. As an English Teacher in New

Zealand I had to decide on the progress of the pupils and how to

stimulate their learning.

Good answer using the STAR method:

I demonstrated problem-solving skills as an English Teacher in New

Zealand. My problem was controlling the students and stimulating them

to learn.

I improved matters by asking students, colleagues and parents for help,

researching teaching strategies and designing stimulating activities.

I found out that the last teacher had not followed typical New Zealand

protocol, for example have given the children unfamiliar freedoms

without the necessary discipline. With this knowledge, I set up a far

more rigid and firm environment and established a new, interesting

curriculum.

The rest of the year was a wonderful experience and the children’s

grades rose by 17%.

Needs more detail about what the problem was and how it was solved.

Only one example is required, not three!

Brief outline of the situation and task

Action: Explicit outline of how the skill was performed to a high level

Result: Short and positive.