The "Seniority Test": Why Executives Use SOAR, Not STAR

The "Task" Trap

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is the gold standard for interviews. But for senior CVs, it has a flaw: The "T".

"Task" implies you were told what to do. It signals execution, not leadership.

When you write "My task was to..." you position yourself as someone who receives instructions. That works for early-career roles. It undermines C-Suite positioning.

The Executive Upgrade: SOAR

If you are aiming for a Director or C-Suite role, swap STAR for SOAR (Situation, Objective, Action, Result).

The difference is subtle but powerful.

The Difference in Practice

STAR (Junior):

"My Task was to update the database."

This is passive. Someone assigned you a task. You completed it.

SOAR (Senior):

"My Objective was to modernise data architecture to reduce latency by 40%."

This is strategic. You defined the goal. You owned the outcome.

Why This Matters

Boards don't hire executives to complete tasks. They hire executives to set objectives and drive results.

Your CV language should reflect that distinction. Every "task" you convert to an "objective" shifts your positioning from Doer to Driver.

The Practical Shift

Review your bullet points. Look for phrases like:

• "I was tasked with..."
• "My responsibility was to..."
• "I was asked to..."

Replace them with:

• "My objective was to..."
• "I set out to..."
• "I led the initiative to..."

Small language changes. Significant perception shift.

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For more on executive positioning, explore our Career Strategy insights.