Why This Matters
Writing a good CV isn’t just about listing your experience. It’s about framing it in a way that quickly shows employers what you’ve done and why it mattered. That’s where the STAR and SOAR frameworks come in.
They help you tell better stories, write stronger bullet points, and explain your impact clearly. And while STAR is more widely known, SOAR brings a strategic twist that can be even more powerful.
This post breaks down what each method means, when to use them, and how to make them work for you.
What Is the STAR Method in a CV?
STAR stands for:
- Situation – What was the context?
- Task – What were you responsible for?
- Action – What did you do?
- Result – What changed because of it?
It’s widely used in interviews but works just as well in your CV. STAR helps you turn vague claims into credible, achievement-based bullet points.
Example:
“Launched a new onboarding flow (Action) after identifying user drop-off at sign-up (Task). Resulted in a 32% increase in activation within 30 days (Result) during my time at Acme Co (Situation).”
What Is the SOAR Method for CVs?
SOAR stands for:
- Situation – The context
- Objective – The goal you set
- Action – What you did
- Result – What happened as a result
SOAR is a slightly more strategic take. It focuses on your intent—not just what was required, but what you were trying to achieve.
Example:
“At Acme Co (Situation), set a goal to improve trial-to-paid conversion (Objective). Introduced new email onboarding sequence (Action), boosting paid upgrades by 19% within two months (Result).”
STAR vs SOAR: What’s the Difference?
| Element | STAR | SOAR |
|---|---|---|
| S | Situation | Situation |
| T / O | Task (what needed doing) | Objective (what you aimed to do) |
| A | Action | Action |
| R | Result | Result |
| Emphasis | Past responsibility | Strategic intent |
| Best For | Interviews, achievements | CVs, career pivots, future goals |
SOAR puts more emphasis on your thinking. It’s especially useful for senior roles, leadership CVs, or career changers.
When Should You Use STAR or SOAR?
Use STAR when:
- You’re describing clear, past achievements
- You want concise bullet points with results
Use SOAR when:
- You’re pivoting or changing roles
- You want to show your direction and decision-making
Both work well together. You can mix them depending on the section of your CV.
CV Examples Using STAR and SOAR
STAR Example (Project Coordinator):
“Organised a 4-week product launch (Task) for a fintech client (Situation), managing logistics and agency coordination (Action), leading to a 22% faster time-to-market than forecast (Result).”
SOAR Example (Sales Lead):
“At SaaSCo (Situation), aimed to reduce churn in SMB segment (Objective). Introduced a structured renewal pipeline (Action), cutting churn by 15% YoY (Result).”
STAR Example (Marketing Assistant):
“Created a content calendar (Action) to improve engagement during Q4 campaign (Task), increasing average post reach by 37% over six weeks (Result) at BrandCo (Situation).”
SOAR Example (Career Switcher):
“Transitioning from education to user research (Situation), set goal to build a relevant portfolio (Objective). Completed pro bono UX study for local charity (Action), improving form completion by 40% (Result).”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing vague statements with no action or result
- Listing responsibilities without outcomes
- Using STAR/SOAR without tailoring to the job
- Confusing “Objective” with a generic career goal (in SOAR, it’s specific)
Takeaway
You don’t need to fill your CV with jargon or fluff. STAR and SOAR are simple tools to help you show real impact. Use them well, and you won’t just describe your experience — you’ll prove your value.
If your CV isn’t opening doors, it might be how you’re telling the story. CV Rescue helps reframe your experience with clarity, tone, and intent.
Updated July 2025
💡 The CV 140 Framework
Modern recruiting is a machine. To navigate it successfully, you need more than just a document—you need a strategy. I’ve broken down the four essential pillars of a winning executive profile over on my dedicated site, CV140.
The Mechanics Format, layout, and filing protocols.
The Narrative Converting career history into a value story.
The Algorithms Keyword density and machine ranking.
The Strategy Timing, tailoring, and recruiter psychology.
SOAR & STAR CV FAQs
Still unsure which framework fits best?
These quick answers break down the most common questions about using STAR and SOAR in your CV — when to use them, how they differ, and how to make each one count.
What is the STAR method in a CV?
The STAR method stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It’s a way of structuring bullet points in your CV to show what you did, how you did it, and what impact it had.
What is the SOAR method for resumes?
SOAR stands for Situation, Objective, Action, and Result. It’s similar to STAR but focuses more on your goal or intent before outlining what you did and what changed as a result.
Should I use STAR or SOAR in my CV?
Use STAR when highlighting past achievements clearly and concisely. Use SOAR when you want to show strategic intent or direction, especially in leadership or pivot roles. Both can work together.
What’s the difference between SOAR and STAR?
STAR uses Task to focus on what needed doing. SOAR swaps that for Objective, which makes it more forward-facing and strategic. Both end with the result you achieved.
How many SOAR or STAR examples should I include?
There’s no set number. Focus on quality, not quantity. Just 3–5 well-written STAR or SOAR bullet points can significantly improve your CV’s impact.