One of the most common reasons candidates are rejected after a job interview is that they don’t provide enough relevant, tangible examples of what they’ve done in their current or previous jobs that would be relevant to the position they are seeking.
When you’re looking for a new job, you need to provide specific, concrete examples of the competencies listed in a job description—whether it is problem-solving, influencing, taking initiative, or managing change.
A lot of job seekers will give generic examples or just talk about what they’ve done—but without mentioning specific accomplishments. You could be very good at your current job, but if you struggle to effectively demonstrate your expertise and value in a job interview, you may miss out on your next career opportunity.
Here are a few tips to help you overcome any blocks you might have when talking about your achievements in job interviews.
Discussing Accomplishments Isn’t Bragging
One of the reasons candidates shy away from talking about their accomplishments is because they don’t want to sound arrogant. However, the job interview isn’t the time to be too humble. Talking about your accomplishments and using facts and numbers isn’t bragging—it’s telling a story.
You have to remember that a potential employer wants you to do well in an interview. They are literally looking for an excuse to give out the job! So tell them what they need in a clear, factual manner.
Demonstrate How You Overcome Challenges
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A great way to answer questions while highlighting your skills and accomplishments is by using the “Experience + Learn = Grow” model or the STAR technique (situation, task, action, result).
What was the situation/problem? How did you solve this problem/overcome this setback? What did you learn from this experience? How did you apply what you learned to your career?
These methods are particularly beneficial when you’re answering behavioral interview questions that hiring managers ask to see if a candidate has enough self-awareness to know what they’re good at, and what skill sets need improvement.
Although the STAR technique is popular, our career coaches at Work It DAILY recommend using the “Experience + Learn = Grow” model when answering behavioral interview questions because it is more effective at communicating exactly what hiring managers want to hear.
Use Numbers To Your Advantage
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Numbers are great for demonstrating your skills and expertise. Did you increase revenue, or save time/money? Did you improve a procedure and, if so, how much time did you save? How many clients did you win in your last job? Don’t just tell the employer what the result was. Tell them how you got the result and what your decision-making process was.
Prepare several examples of quantifiable results for your next job interview and you’ll significantly increase your chances of getting that job offer!
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