| Do you have a good work ethic? Do you have good | | | | improved your performance in some way, that you've |
| communication skills? Are you a team player/a | | | | completed your projects on time, etc. |
| strong leader/an enthusiastic, innovative, driven job | | | | In this same way, you can provide examples or stories |
| candidate? Well, so is everyone else. | | | | that support what you're saying: |
| In job interviews, candidates tend to speak in | | | | "I've got a great work ethic": |
| generalities. It's one of the most common flaws. | | | | "My last boss can tell you that I was the only reason |
| Everyone says that they are persuasive, or that they | | | | we were able to achieve X goal in Y days, because |
| have great communication skills, or that they are | | | | of my work ethic and my desire and drive to |
| strong in some way—you get the idea. And those | | | | succeed. I was the reason we were successful in |
| are all great things, but even the candidates who aren't | | | | that project." |
| really telling the truth say those things, too. | | | | "I'm very persuasive": |
| How do you make yourself stand out? By being | | | | "When I present a sales pitch to someone, I know my |
| specific. | | | | product very well, I give them the information they |
| To separate yourself from other candidates and | | | | need to make a decision, and then I ask for the |
| prove that you actually have the qualities the hiring | | | | business. And I've been able to turn that into a fine |
| manager wants in a new hire, prove it. Provide | | | | art. I know exactly what the hot points are, the fears |
| specific examples that support your claim to fame. | | | | I have to alleviate, and I know exactly how to ask for |
| Think of it like your resume: One of the most | | | | the business: When will we be moving forward? |
| effective ways to write a killer resume is to include | | | | Where should I send the paperwork? Should I send |
| hard numbers that back up what you say your skills | | | | the first set of _____ out tomorrow?" |
| are. And everyone has them. It doesn't matter | | | | Give your interviewer examples of how you have |
| whether you're in sales, marketing, operations, | | | | been whatever it is that you say you are. How have |
| manufacturing, engineering, retail, food and beverage, or | | | | you exemplified that quality? Prove that you are |
| whatever: you can use numbers to show that | | | | what you say you are. |
| you've saved the company time or money, or that | | | | Specific examples set you apart from candidates who |
| you've made the company money, that you've | | | | can also talk the talk, but who can't walk the walk. |