Job Interview Success: Examples are the Key

 

There are many vital ingredients to a successful job interview from thorough preparation through skilled delivery and effective follow up. Perhaps the most important key of all is to provide concrete evidence to employers that you possess the skills needed for excellence in that role.  The best way to do this is to tell stories, provide anecdotes and give examples of how you employed those key skills or qualities to your advantage in past roles.  Points of reference can include projects, jobs, volunteer work, athletics, activities or your personal life.

Start by analyzing the primary qualifications for your target job.  What skills and qualities are vital for success?  Which of these do you possess?  Try to think of 8 assets which you bring to the table that will enable you to excel in the job.  Then ask yourself when and where you used those strengths.  For each asset be prepared to describe the situation, the action you have taken (incorporating that strength) and how things turned out.  Whenever possible include how others benefited from your involvement.

Candidates can only go so far in making their case by articulating general statements about their skills. Make sure that you go the extra mile and provide convincing proof by furnishing specific examples of how you have applied your skills!