STAR examples for Australian government applications

What STAR helps you show

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result. It is a preparation framework for explaining a work example clearly; it is not a guarantee of selection or a required document structure unless the employer specifies it.

Example: improving an internal service

Illustrative example only: A small team was receiving repeated requests because a shared process was unclear (Situation). The employee needed to improve the guidance used by colleagues (Task). They checked recurring questions, rewrote the instructions and sought feedback from users (Action). Colleagues reported fewer clarification requests during the next review period (Result).

In a real application, only include the actions and results you personally experienced and can substantiate. Do not copy this fictional example as your own.

• Focus on what you did, not only what your team did.
• Explain decisions and obstacles when they show judgement.
• Use real metrics only when you know their basis.

Tailor the same evidence thoughtfully

A project example might demonstrate communication, planning and problem solving. Emphasise the part relevant to each vacancy without changing the underlying facts.