Prove it!

Today on BNet's Newsletter for business owners, Jeff Haden shares the "10 words that never should appear on your website". His point is that the following words are over-used by businesses in their advertising. The fact is that they are overused by job seekers, too.

Innovative
Service provider
Proven track record
Unique blend of…
World-class
Collaborative approach
Outstanding customer experiences
Dynamic
Myriad solutions (problem solver)
Results oriented

The advice that businesses should heed regarding advertising is the same advice that work seekers should consider for their self-marketing. Haden says, "Adjectives are great but only if specific, descriptive, and directly applicable to what you do." If you have delivered results, give an example that is relevant to the work you seek. If you have done your work in an unusual way to get those results, tell the employer about your innovative approach.

Keeping it Simple for Seekers:
Provide some details and prove that you have the skills employers are looking for and avoid popular catch phrases that everyone is using.

So how do you go about coming up with proof? You need stories.

1. Go ahead and compile a list of your relevant skills and accomplishments.

2. For each one, prepare a story from your recent past that illustrates you demonstrating the skill. A terrific way to do this is using the STAR method. Talk about the situation (the five Ws), task (challenge or opportunity), actions (yours and those around you) and results (short and long term benefits to the organization and your clients and what you learned or have done in similar situations since then).

S - Situation
T - Task
A - Actions
R - Results

3. Select the best story to use in your cover letter; this may differ for each employer, based on their needs. Other examples could be used in your resume.

4. Be prepared to use these story examples during an interview. Employers who know the most effective way to interview candidates are asking for stories like these using Behaviour Descriptive (or Behavioural) Interview techniques. Your ability to prove your skills will set you apart from the competition, so if the employer doesn't ask for examples, ask to give them. Do you have physical evidence? Offer to show it off in a portfolio, too.

Lethbridge College students and alumni may find more information about resumes, cover letters, interviews and portfolios in the Resource Library section of The Works Online. Visit us for personal assistance, too.

...Pam