How To Effectively Demonstrate Your Value In A Job Interview

One of the most common reasons candidates get rejected after a job interview is that they don't provide enough relevant, tangible examples of what they've done in their current/previous job 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 on 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 about talking about your achievements:

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

Man demonstrates how he's overcome challenges in a job interview

A great way to answer questions while highlighting your skills and accomplishments is by using the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model and/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.

Use Numbers To Your Advantage

A job seeker discusses some of her quantifiable accomplishments in a job interview

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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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Published January 6, 2023

New Year, New Career, New You

How can any of us resist the urge to reinvent ourselves with the turning of the calendar? Jump on the bandwagonâthere’s plenty of room here among the hopeful, the determined, and the motivated.

Do Some Inner Exploration

Man reflects on his career in the new year

First, consider this a fresh start for you. What are you seeking as you dream about your next career opportunity? Some enticing ideas that often appear in my initial conversations with clients include:

Autonomy: The freedom to embark on creative projects, to dictate your own time, to put your attention where you’re drawn.
Meaning: At the end of the day, knowing that where you’re spending your time matches your values at a basic level.
Connection: Working alongside people who get you, who respect you, who say “thanks” every now and then.
Engagement: Dialing into what you’re doing, using your brain, your intuition, and your other talents.

All of these possibilities are compelling, but before you press down on the gas pedal and drive out of where you are right now, ask yourself whether it’s your environment that’s creating the lack of these qualities, the boundaries (or lack thereof) that you put in place, or possibly the underlying ideas you have about yourself and your own worth and power.

Usually, it’s a combination of all of these factors, and if you can pull apart the company, your boss, your co-workers, and other dimensions of your environment which you’re unconsciously creating by playing out old scripts, then you’re ready to move to the next phase of the process.

Articulate The Most Important Qualities You Want

Woman writes down her career goals for the new year

Make a list of what you want in your new career. Imagine that you’re single and you’re searching for a new romantic partner. Sit down and write a list of 10-15 qualities you’re seeking.

Next, get very specific about three more categories:

Where do you want to be working geographically?
What are some target companies you’d like to research?
What are the specific job titles that you’re seeking?

Reach Out And Build Your Sphere Of Connections

Man reaches out to and reconnects with his professional network in the new year

Strategically expand your circle to be in purposeful conversation with people who can offer intel on the companies and positions on your list.

For those of you who cringe at the idea of asking for help (particularly when it seems like you’re almost using people), if you’ve been networking the right way all along, it shouldn’t feel uncomfortable. Networking, maintaining, and building your professional connections is about providing value. When you connect with someone on LinkedIn, you shouldn’t ask for their help right away. Establish a relationship first. Once you do that, they’ll be more than willing to help you in your career because they know you’d do the same for them.

Whatever you want out of life and your career, you can accomplish. A year from now, you really can be in a completely different spot, one that resonates more deeply for you. So, what are you waiting for? Start making changes today!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.