It’s not enough in a job interview to merely point out that you have relevant work experience or even transferable skills from related work. What will help set you apart is being able to provide success stories of specific accomplishments from those experiences. Before each interview, take
Before each interview, take time to assess your best success stories. Ideally, each story/accomplishment will be tied to a trait or characteristic required for the position you are interviewing for.
For example, if you are interviewing for an event planning position, having a success story that highlights and provides specifics about how detail-oriented and organized you are would be music to the interviewer’s ears.
Some of your accomplishments (hopefully) will be found on your resume; uncover additional information by asking yourself questions such as:
- List situations in which you displayed initiative.
- How has each of your employers benefited from your work?
- Have you received thank-you notes from customers or clients? Read them!
- What are you most known for?
- How did you do a job better than anyone else did?
- How have your unique abilities improved a situation or made someone’s life or job easier?
- What have you developed, created, or built?
- What kinds of awards or recognition has your industry given you?
- How have you succeeded because of your willingness to take risks?
- List some instances in which you’ve refused to quit despite hardships.
- How have you learned from your mistakes?
- What accomplishment best illustrates your ability to facilitate change?
- Give an example of how your commitment to your work has motivated you to exceed expectations.
- List examples of times when you forced yourself out of your comfort zone and the results of each.