The A of Action might be the most nerve-racking part of the entire STARR method. Because this is the moment where you explain what you actually did. You personally. Not your team, not “we,” not “the organisation.” Just you. And yes, that can feel a bit like putting yourself on a stage with a spotlight on you. But hey—better that than having a recruiter think: “Nice story, but what did you actually do?”

In this blog, you’ll learn how to describe the A of Action clearly—no vagueness, no fluff, and without sounding like an overconfident peacock.

A strong LinkedIn profile isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s your digital business card, your first impression, and often the place where someone decides whether they want to talk to you. Whether you’re actively job hunting or simply want to be found on LinkedIn, a professional profile helps massively. And the good news: with a few smart choices, you can see results quickly.

You have clearly set the situation. The interviewer now knows where you were, what was going on and why it mattered. Time for the second step in the STARR method: the T for Task. This is the moment where you explain what your responsibility was in that situation. It answers the question of what was expected from you and why you played an important role in that moment.

You know the drill: strong communicator, flexible, results-oriented. Everyone lists them somewhere. But what do those words actually say about you? And more importantly: how do you show it? Many applicants fill their CV and cover letter with nice words, but forget to prove why those competencies are true. And that’s a shame, because that’s exactly what separates a standard application from one that sticks. In this article, you’ll learn how to present your competencies in a concrete, credible, and convincing way. One that fits who you are.

You probably know the feeling. You are in a job interview and the recruiter asks for a concrete example of a situation where you solved a problem, achieved something, or learned a valuable lesson. And that is where it all begins: the S in STARR, which stands for Situation. This is the moment to set the scene. Not with a long story, but with just enough detail to show what was going on.

You probably know the feeling. You read a job posting and think, “Yes, this sounds like me.” Until you keep reading and stumble upon sentences like “We are looking for a real team player who is result oriented.” Sounds good, but what do they actually mean by that? Competencies are rarely listed explicitly in a job description, yet they determine whether you truly fit the role. Once you learn to recognize them, you will understand much better what an employer is really looking for and how to tailor your application accordingly.

You know the feeling. You’re in a job interview and the recruiter smiles and asks: “Can you give me an example of a time you resolved a conflict in your team?” Bam. Your heart skips a beat. Where do you even start? You’ve experienced plenty, but how do you share it in a way that’s clear, structured, and actually makes an impact? How do you remember everything on the spot without having a photographic memory? That’s where the STARR-method comes in handy.

Competencies are kind of the common thread throughout your career. It’s not just about what you can do (skills) or who you are (personality), it’s really about the mix of knowledge, behavior, and abilities you use to do your job well. Employers look at them because they paint a much clearer picture than your diplomas or work experience alone. Think of it this way: you can have ten years of experience, but if you can’t work well with others or plan your tasks properly, it’s going to be tricky. Competencies show how you approach things, how you respond to situations, and what others can expect from you. A diploma alone doesn’t show that.

Rejections are part of job hunting, but that doesn’t mean they ever feel good. Whether you are just starting out or have been applying for a while, every rejection can hit hard (not always of course, sometimes the role or the company simply isn’t the right fit). You might doubt yourself or wonder what you should have done differently. Good to know: you’re not alone. Everyone gets rejections, even the people who now have their dream job. The key is not to avoid them completely, but to decide how you handle them. And that’s what determines whether you stay motivated to keep applying.

A resume without a single gap? Pretty rare. Still, many people feel insecure if they’ve had a period without work. Maybe you traveled, cared for someone, studied, or simply hit pause for a while. Totally normal. But in job applications, a gap on your resume can sometimes raise questions.

Good news: a “perfect” resume doesn’t exist. What matters is how you explain what happened during that time. And spoiler: it doesn’t have to be complicated or uncomfortable. Life happens, and we’ll help you figure out how to share your story in the best way.

The question “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” almost always comes up in interviews. For many candidates, it feels like a trap, but in reality it is an opportunity to show your self awareness and growth mindset. It is normal that you are not a perfect match in every way, but employers want to know whether you have a healthy dose of self reflection.

Your first job interview can feel nerve-wracking. That is completely normal. The good news is that confidence is not an inborn talent but a skill you can practice. In this article you will find a practical step by step plan, concrete examples and practice scripts so you can walk into an interview well prepared and with self assurance. Along the way you will see how Nexie can directly support you, without it feeling commercial. This is truly meant to help you move forward.

AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini have become part of our daily lives. I often use them to look up random facts just to win a debate with friends. Anyway, an AI tool can actually be useful too. For example, it can help you apply faster, smarter and more creatively. But there is one golden rule: AI is a tool, not a replacement for who you are. The real power lies in combining your own story with the smart support AI can give you. Job applications are still a bit like the Dutch tax authority slogan: we can’t make it more fun, but we can make it easier. And with AI, it really does become easier and maybe even a little more fun.

Job applications are changing. Where a diploma once was the golden ticket to a job, more and more employers are looking beyond that. In 2025, skills based hiring is becoming the new standard: companies no longer select candidates only by credentials, but by what you can actually do in practice. What does this mean for your CV and applications?

You have been invited to an interview. Exciting? Absolutely. But above all: it is a chance to truly show who you are and what you can do. And that starts with solid preparation. With these tips, you will come across as confident, well prepared, and genuinely engaged. Exactly what you want.