After setting the scene with a clear ‘Situation,’ the next crucial step in your STAR story is to define the ‘Task.’ This section clarifies your specific objective and responsibilities within that situation. It’s not just about what needed to be done generally, but what *your* role was in addressing the challenge or opportunity. This deep dive into the ‘Task’ in STAR will help you articulate your individual mandate clearly and concisely.

The Importance of a Clear ‘Task’

• Defines Your Role: It immediately tells the interviewer your specific position and what was expected of you.
• Sets Expectations for Action: By knowing your task, the interviewer can better understand the relevance and effectiveness of your subsequent actions.
• Highlights Responsibility: It demonstrates your capacity to take ownership and focus on objectives.

What to Include in Your STAR Task

When describing your ‘Task,’ focus on the specific goal or challenge that was assigned to you or that you personally took on. Think about:

• Your Objective: What were you trying to achieve?
• Your Responsibility: What specific duty fell to you in that situation?
• The Problem to Solve: If the situation involved a problem, what was your specific role in solving it?

This is typically a very brief section, often just one sentence or a short phrase. For example, if the situation was “Our client’s project was falling behind schedule,” your task might be “My task was to identify the bottlenecks and implement a revised timeline to get the project back on track.”

How to Describe STAR Task Effectively

• Be direct: State your task clearly and without ambiguity.
• Focus on ‘Your’ role: Even in a team environment, emphasize your individual contribution to the overall goal.
• Keep it concise: A single, well-articulated sentence is often sufficient.

Consider the difference: “The team needed to improve customer satisfaction” is general. “My task was to lead the customer service team in reducing complaint resolution time by 20% to improve customer satisfaction” is specific and highlights your direct responsibility. This focus on individual contribution is a critical Tip: Clearly define your role within the STAR framework.

By clearly defining your ‘Task,’ you set the stage for your ‘Action’ and make your overall story more coherent and impactful. For a comprehensive overview of the STAR components, revisit: Breakdown of STAR Method Components (S-T-A-R) or the main guide: Mastering the STAR Method for Job Interviews.