How to Tackle Behavioural Interviews with STAR, CAR, SOAR, and More! (Interview Techniques – Part 2)

In our previous post, we explored the STAR method—a tried-and-true framework for answering behavioural interview questions. If you missed it, you can catch up here. But did you know there are other STAR-like techniques that can be just as effective, depending on the situation?

Today, we’re diving into frameworks like CAR, SOAR, PAR, and SHARE—methods that build on STAR but offer their own unique advantages. Whether you’re aiming for a corporate job, a role in public service, or even a leadership position at an NGO, these techniques will help you craft clear, compelling answers that leave a lasting impression.

Let’s break them down!

1. CAR (Challenge, Action, Result)

A streamlined version of STAR, the CAR method focuses on three key elements:

• Challenge: The problem or obstacle you faced.
• Action: What you did to address it.
• Result: The outcome of your actions.

When to Use It:

• When you need to give a concise answer.
• When the interviewer is looking for a quick, punchy response.
• When you want to emphasize problem-solving and results.

Example (Corporate Role):
“Our sales team was struggling to meet quarterly targets (challenge). I implemented a new CRM system to track leads more effectively and trained the team on its use (action). As a result, we exceeded our target by 15% and improved client follow-up efficiency (result).”

2. SOAR (Situation, Obstacle, Action, Result)

This technique adds a focus on obstacles, making it ideal for showcasing resilience and creativity.

• Situation: The context.
• Obstacle: The specific challenge or barrier.
• Action: How you tackled it.
• Result: The impact of your actions.

When to Use It:

• For roles requiring adaptability, like project management or crisis response.
• When you want to highlight how you overcame a significant challenge.

Example (Community Service):
“During a community clean-up drive (situation), we faced resistance from local residents who didn’t see the value in the initiative (obstacle). I organized a town hall meeting to explain the environmental benefits and invited local leaders to endorse the project (action). Participation increased by 50%, and the community even started monthly clean-ups on their own (result).”

3. PAR (Problem, Action, Result)

A simplified framework that cuts straight to the point:

• Problem: The issue at hand.
• Action: Your steps to resolve it.
• Result: The outcome.

When to Use It:

• For quick, straightforward answers.
• When time is limited, or the interviewer wants a direct response.

Example (Technical Role):
“Our software development team was falling behind on a critical project due to unclear requirements (problem). I facilitated a series of meetings between the developers and stakeholders to clarify expectations and created a detailed project roadmap (action). We delivered the project on time, and the client praised our transparency and efficiency (result).”

4. SHARE (Situation, Hindrance, Action, Result, Evaluation)

This method adds an evaluation component, making it perfect for reflecting on lessons learned.

• Situation: The context.
• Hindrance: The challenge or barrier.
• Action: What you did to address it.
• Result: The outcome.
• Evaluation: What you learned or how you grew from the experience.

When to Use It:

• When the interviewer asks about failures or learning experiences.
• For roles requiring self-awareness and continuous improvement.

Example (NGO Role):
“While organizing a fundraising event for an NGO (situation), we struggled to attract donors due to poor outreach (hindrance). I revamped our social media strategy and partnered with local influencers to promote the event (action). We raised 30% more funds than our target (result). Reflecting on this, I learned the importance of leveraging digital platforms and building strong community networks (evaluation).”

How to Choose the Right Framework

• STAR: Use for detailed, story-like answers.
• CAR: Use for concise, results-focused responses.
• SOAR: Use when emphasizing obstacles and resilience.
• PAR: Use for quick, direct answers.
• SHARE: Use when reflecting on lessons learned.

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve got a toolkit of techniques, it’s time to practice! Think about your past experiences and how you can frame them using these frameworks. And remember, the STAR method is still a fantastic starting point—use it as your foundation and build from there.

In Part 3, we’ll explore techniques for tackling curveball questions, like hypothetical scenarios and competency-based interviewing. Stay tuned!

Final Words

The STAR method is a fantastic tool, but these STAR-like techniques give you even more flexibility to tailor your answers to the situation. By mastering these frameworks, you’ll be ready to tackle any behavioural question with confidence. Happy interviewing!