The best way to do this is to tell stories, provide anecdotes and give examples of how you utilized those key skills or qualities to achieve success in past roles.
Assess the Job Requirements
Start by assessing the primary requirements for your target job. What skills and qualities are critical for success? Which of these do you possess? Try to think of seven strengths which you bring to the table that will enable you to excel in the job.
Then ask yourself when and where you used those assets. For each asset be prepared to describe the situation, the action you have taken which demonstrates that strength and the results of your involvement. Whenever possible include how others benefited from your involvement.
Contributions on Campus
College students can point to contributions to clubs or organizations on campus. Particularly compelling stories will relate how you initiated projects, revitalized stagnant student groups or overcame challenges to resolve conflicts or mobilize others.
When did you lead and how can we see the impact of your leadership? The athletic arena can be another important reference point for students. Think about how you might have inspired teammates, defused intra-squad squabbles, demonstrated discipline in conditioning, overcame the adversity involved with injuries.
Academic Projects
Academic projects are another area for interview fodder. What was the most challenging paper or project which you tackled? What obstacles did you overcome in your process to achieve success?
Group projects provide an opportunity to cite leadership skills and the ability to group manage groups. Academic projects are an excellent way to document presentation skills and facility with presentation technology.
Internships and Volunteering
Finally, evidence of key assets can be found in stories that students or graduates can tell about their volunteer and internship activities. Think about mini successes where your contributions added value or were recognized by supervisors. Remember to relate to interviewers specifically what you did to engineer those successes.
Job candidates can only go so far in making their case by articulating general statements about their skills during the interview. Make sure that you go the extra mile and provide convincing proof by furnishing specific examples of how you have applied your skills.
College Student Job Search Articles and Advice
