We’ve all been there.

You’re sitting in an interview, doing your best to keep cool, when the hiring manager hits you with a behavioural question: “Tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem under pressure.”

Cue the panic. You know you’re supposed to use the STAR method. You’ve read about it. Maybe even practised it. But in the moment, everything feels either too rehearsed or completely scattered.

If you’ve ever thought “Why is STAR so hard?” You’re not alone.

Why STAR trips people up

STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is meant to bring structure to your answers. But here’s the thing: it can easily become a memory test rather than a storytelling tool. You try to tick off each part in order, and suddenly your answer sounds like a PowerPoint presentation.

From trawling through engineering forums to interview subreddits, the most common frustration is this:

“I can never remember what to say for each part. I get stuck in the ‘Task’ or waffle in the ‘Action’ bit and forget the ‘Result.’”

The pressure to get it “right” often means your real experiences get lost in translation.

So how do you make STAR actually work?

Let’s ditch the robotic version of STAR and aim for something more natural. Think of it as telling a story, one with a clear beginning, a challenge, what you did, and how it all turned out.

Here are some ways to level up your STAR game:

1. Start with stories, not frameworks

Before thinking about STAR at all, jot down a few real moments you’re proud of — challenges you tackled, deadlines you nailed, ideas you brought to life. Don’t worry about structure yet. Just get the memories down.

Once you’ve got your stories, then fit them into STAR. It’s a lot easier to shape a story than to force a framework onto a blank page.

2. Practice out loud, not just in your head

It’s tempting to prep quietly, but interviews are verbal. Practising aloud helps you work out awkward phrasing, build rhythm, and sound more confident.

One Redditor put it simply:

“You won’t get better by writing them down a hundred times. Record yourself. Listen back. You’ll notice what works and what doesn’t.”

It’s not about memorising it’s about familiarity.

3. Keep each section tight

Think of STAR like a sandwich. Situation and Task are the slices of bread, important, but not the main event. Action and Result are the filling.

4. Avoid buzzwords. Talk like a human.

Don’t worry about sounding like a textbook. You’re not being judged on jargon, you’re being assessed on how you think, solve problems, and reflect.

Speak how you’d explain it to a friend who’s in the industry. Keep it professional, but don’t switch into ‘corporate mode’.

5. Have a few “go-to” examples in your pocket

You don’t need 20 stories. Three or four solid examples can be flexed for different questions:

Know them well, and you’ll be able to pivot quickly when questions come up.

STAR is not a script, it’s a storytelling tool. And like any good story, it works best when it’s honest, clear, and told in your own voice.

Next time you're preparing for an interview, don’t start with “S stands for Situation.” Start with “What’s a time I made a real impact?” Then build from there.