by David Marwick, KempMillJobAssist
02.24.25
Great “success stories” can lead to great resumes and great interviews.
There are three ways to structure your success stories–whether in your resume or in your interviews.
Two of these, CAR and STAR, are tried-and-true. The third way, CAAR, was developed by Andy LaCivita.
- CAR stands for Challenge, Action, and Result. .
- STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
- CAAR stands for Challenge, Approach, Action, and Result.
| CAR | STAR | CAAR |
| Challenge: What was the problem you were asked (or volunteered) to solve? | Situation: What was the context of the problem? What were the dimensions, preferably using numbers? Why was it significant? | Context: What was the problem you were trying to solve? What were the dimensions, preferably using numbers? Why was it significant? |
| Task: What specifically were you asked (or volunteered) to do? | Approach (overall): At a general level, how did you approach the problem? | |
| Action: What specific actions did you take? | ||
| Result: What was the positive outcome of your action and why did it matter?What was the specific (preferably quantifiable) result of your efforts? And who cares?Try to relate the results to Andy LaCivita’s “Great 8” goals:Generate revenueImprove market awarenessAttract customers (generate leads)Increase customer happiness (retain customers)Facilitate company growth (position, scale)Increase employee happinessReduce costsImprove process efficiency | ||
To learn more
Add These Metrics to Your Resume | 40 to Choose From (33-minute podcast), by Andy LaCivita, 07.23.24
Best Job Interview Method | CAAR Not STAR (37-minute video), by Andy LaCivita, 06.18.24
STAR Method: How to Use This Technique to Ace Your Next Job Interview, by Kat Boogaard
5/14/2024
https://www.themuse.com/advice/star-interview-method
Know What Employers Care About | The GREAT 8! (first 40 minutes of 90-minute podcast), by Andy LaCivita, 12.21.23
How to Get More Results With a C.A.R. Resume, by Tyler Omoth, October 20, 2021