How to Use the STAR Method in Your CV + Examples

The STAR method is a structured approach used to describe professional experience clearly and compellingly. STAR stands for:

• Situation: the context or background of your experience
• Task: the responsibility or challenge you faced
• Action: the steps you took to handle the task
• Result: the outcome of your efforts, preferably with quantifiable impact

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a school-leaver, applying the STAR method to your CV can significantly enhance your job applications. This article will explain how to write a STAR CV, offer STAR method CV examples, and provide practical tips to help you impress employers.

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Why use the STAR Method on a CV?

Developed in the 1970s by Development Dimensions International for behavioural interviews, the STAR framework is now widely used in CV writing to highlight results-driven experience.

Using the STAR method in your CV helps employers see not just what you did, but how and why it mattered. Rather than vague or generic statements, STAR provides a concise story that shows off your problem-solving abilities, initiative, and tangible results.

Incorporating STAR in CVs also helps you:

• Align your experience with the job description.
• Provide concrete examples of your skills in action.
• Make your CV more engaging and memorable.
• Demonstrate your impact with numbers and outcomes.

This is especially important, given that recruiters spend just 7.4 seconds initially scanning a CV. The STAR formula is an effective way to capture their attention and make them want to read every word of your CV.

How to use the STAR method in a CV: step-by-step

1. Identify key skills from the job description

Before writing, review the job description closely. Highlight core skills and experiences the employer is seeking. For each, think of relevant examples from your career using the STAR structure.

2. Structure bullet points using STAR

Use bullet points under your work experience section to tell short STAR stories. You don’t have to label each part of STAR in a CV, but the whole structure should be embedded in each point.

STAR CV example: bullet point

3. Focus on action and results

While it's beneficial to provide context (Situation and Task), the Action and Result are the most powerful parts. Use strong action verbs and measurable outcomes where possible.

Compare:

Versus:

4. Keep it concise

Each STAR example on your CV should be no more than 2–3 lines. Save the full-length STAR stories for your interview. In your CV, brevity and clarity are key.

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Where to use the STAR method in a CV?

Effectively incorporating the STAR method in your CV involves strategically placing STAR-based examples throughout different sections. Here's where and how to do it:

1. Professional summary

At the top of your CV, your professional summary should make an immediate impact. By briefly applying the STAR structure to one significant achievement, you can turn your opening statement into a compelling introduction.

STAR method CV example: professional summary

Although this summary is brief, it tells a story and quantifies its impact.

2. Work experience

The work experience section is the ideal place to fully apply the STAR method to your CV. Use bullet points under each job to convey your professional achievements using all four STAR elements.

For each role, aim to include at least one STAR-based accomplishment. You can either write one full sentence covering all four elements, or split the STAR structure across two concise bullet points.

STAR CV example: work experience entry

This format offers clarity and highlights your problem-solving ability with evidence.

3. Skills section

Although the skills section is usually a list with short descriptions, you can enhance it by linking a skill to a STAR-based example.

STAR method CV example: sample skill description

Using the STAR method, like in the example above, brings any listed skills to life.

4. Cover letter and LinkedIn profile

While not technically part of your CV, both your short cover letter and LinkedIn summary benefit from STAR-based storytelling. These formats allow for more narrative, so it’s an excellent place to expand on the achievements you briefly mention in your CV.

STAR method CV example

Final tips for using the STAR method in your CV

Here are some extra tips to keep in mind when using the STAR method for CV writing:

• Tailor each STAR story to the role you're applying for.
• Quantify your results wherever possible: percentages, figures, timeframes.
• Use action verbs: some examples: initiated, led, delivered, improved, resolved, designed, implemented.
• Keep it honest and verifiable: never exaggerate outcomes.
• Practice writing STAR stories so you’re ready for interviews, too.

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Summary

The STAR CV technique isn’t just for interviews; it’s a powerful way to transform your CV from a list of duties into a showcase of impact and achievement. By framing your experience through Situation, Task, Action, and Result, you make it easy for recruiters to see the value you bring.

Remember, hiring managers want evidence, not empty claims. With the STAR method in CV writing, you can prove your potential and impress the recruiters.

Need more tips to write a professional CV? Check these articles:

• What to Include on Your CV: The Ultimate Checklist
• Including Hobbies and Interests on Your CV: What Works
• Which Personal Details Should You Include on a CV?
• How to Structure Your CV to Capture Attention Quickly
• CV Examples for Every Profession and Career Stage

Thank you for reading my article about how to use the STAR method in CVs. If you’d like to discover more actionable job search and career advice, head over to our blog for a selection of expert-written articles.

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Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• Development Dimensions International, STAR Method for Interviewing and Feedback
• The Ladders, (2018) Eye-Tracking Study