How to write and format a STAR method resume

You have limited space on your resume to impress a prospective employer, so you need to make every word count. The STAR method can be a powerful way to showcase your strengths, experience, and abilities. 

With a STAR method resume, you not only tell an employer what you can do—you show them with concrete examples of your past achievements.

What is the STAR method in a resume?

The STAR method is a technique you can use on your resume to highlight your professional accomplishments and contributions. STAR is an acronym that stands for:

• Situation: A situation, such as a problem or a challenge, you encountered in your job.
• Task: Your role in the situation and the task you needed to complete.
• Action: The action you took to complete the task and address the challenge.
• Result: The positive outcome of your actions.

On your resume, the STAR method can help you describe your impact in a previous job. With this technique, you can provide specific examples or metrics to show the outcomes of your work.

Should you use the STAR method in your resume?

The STAR method can make your resume stand out, but it also has some drawbacks. Consider the pros and cons when deciding when and where to use the STAR method on your resume.

Advantages of a STAR method resume

The STAR resume method can help you emphasize your achievements, particularly through the use of quantifiable metrics. By focusing on measurable outcomes, you can showcase your strengths and skills to prospective employers.

Using this technique can also help you differentiate your experience from other candidates with similar backgrounds. Instead of listing the same duties as everyone else, you can provide concrete examples to offer context about your unique skills and experiences.

Disadvantages of a STAR method resume

Some professionals, such as those in creative or artistic fields, may find it difficult to measure their impact. For example, an artist’s work is subjective and can’t be quantified in the same way as for a salesperson or a project manager.

Another disadvantage of the STAR method is that it can make your resume seem repetitive if overused. Using the STAR method for some resume bullet points—but not all—can have a greater impact.

How do you write a STAR method resume?

Ready to try the STAR method on your resume? Follow these steps:

Review the job description

Take a close look at the job description, including the experience and skills an employer has mentioned. The job description can give you some insight into the situations, tasks, and actions you may take on in the new role. Based on this information, start to think about similar situations you’ve faced in your previous jobs.

Identify your achievements

Before you begin writing, make a list of your achievements in past jobs. Consider times when you’ve had to solve a problem, handle a new responsibility, or deliver results. These achievements will form the basis of your bullet points.

Write concise STAR bullet points

Choose a few achievements you want to highlight using the STAR technique. Make sure these accomplishments directly apply to the job you want to get. Once you’ve chosen your achievements, break them down using the STAR method on your resume.

Here’s an example:

• Situation: The company had a below-average customer satisfaction rate.
• Task: I was tasked with developing a strategy to improve customer satisfaction.
• Action: I created a customer feedback system to address complaints quickly.
• Result: Customer satisfaction increased by 30% within one year.

Now, condense this information into a concise bullet point, like this:

• Created a customer feedback system to address complaints quickly, improving the satisfaction rate by 30% and leading the company to exceed industry standards.

In some cases, it’s difficult to limit a STAR example to one bullet point. You can use multiple bullet points to outline each component in more detail. 

Here’s an example:

• Analyzed workflow inefficiencies to address a 15% decrease in warehouse productivity.
• Developed a new inventory management system based on employee feedback to minimize fulfillment times.
• Trained a 25-person warehouse team on the new system, increasing order fulfillment by 35% within six months.

Focus on metrics

While some achievements may be hard to quantify, incorporate metrics into your STAR bullet points wherever you can. Metrics provide evidence of the contributions you make in the workplace. Think about where you can add data and figures to support the outcomes of your work.

If you’re having a hard time coming up with metrics, consider these ideas:

• The number of tasks or projects you completed weekly, monthly, or quarterly
• Your productivity or efficiency rate
• Your customer satisfaction or retention rate
• Your accuracy rate on tasks or projects

What is a good example of a STAR method resume

Check out this STAR method resume example for more guidance on using this technique. You can also have a look through our resume examples section to find inspiration and take your resume to the next level.