Print or save as PDF: Use your browser menu → Print → Save as PDF (or print on paper).
Back to HR & behavioural interview · Interview hub
STAR Story Worksheet — Cathay Cadet Interview
Name: _________ Date prepared: _____
Prepare six stories (2–3 min spoken each). Use “I” for actions. One story per competency below.
| Letter | Write here |
|---|---|
| S — Situation | Context in 2–3 sentences |
| T — Task | Your responsibility |
| A — Action | What you personally did |
| R — Result | Outcome + lesson learned |
Story 1 — Leadership
Competency: Leadership, communication
Likely question: “Tell me about a time you led a team under pressure.”
| S | |
|---|---|
| T | |
| A | |
| R |
Key words to hit: deadline, clear roles, check-back, outcome
Story 2 — Conflict / teamwork
Competency: CRM, maturity
Likely question: “Describe a dispute with a teammate. How did you resolve it?”
| S | |
|---|---|
| T | |
| A | |
| R |
Key words to hit: listen, common goal, compromise, no blame
Story 3 — Failure and learning
Competency: Resilience, trainability
Likely question: “Describe a time you failed. What did you learn?”
| S | |
|---|---|
| T | |
| A | |
| R |
Key words to hit: ownership, feedback, changed behaviour
Story 4 — SOP / procedure
Competency: Procedural integrity
Likely question: “How have you used procedures in past work? What does SOP mean to you?”
| S | |
|---|---|
| T | |
| A | |
| R |
Key words to hit: checklist, standard, safety, discipline
Story 5 — Pressure / prioritisation
Competency: Situational awareness, workload
Likely question: “High-stress situation — how did you prioritise?”
| S | |
|---|---|
| T | |
| A | |
| R |
Key words to hit: Aviate-Navigate-Communicate mindset (adapt to your context)
Story 6 — Weakness and improvement
Competency: Self-awareness
Likely question: “What is your weakness? How are you improving?”
| S | |
|---|---|
| T | |
| A | |
| R |
Key words to hit: real weakness, concrete steps, measurable progress
Consistency check (final panel)
| Question | Story # | Same facts as initial interview? |
|---|---|---|
| Why Cathay? | — | ☐ |
| Why cadet? | — | ☐ |
| Why pilot? | — | ☐ |
| Greatest achievement | 1 or other | ☐ |
| Conflict | 2 | ☐ |
| Failure | 3 | ☐ |
Motivation one-liners (do not contradict STAR stories)
| Question | Bullet notes (not full script) |
|---|---|
| Why Cathay Pacific? | |
| Why Hong Kong / long-term stay? | |
| Why cadet vs private CPL? |
Verify requirements: Cathay careers — cadet programme