When the interviewer asks you about your strengths, this is not the time to be modest. This is the time to toot your horn. This is a good way to highlight your achievements and success.
A. Use the job description as a guide
As you go through the list, use the position description as your template so you hit all the strengths needed for the job. Here are some good examples:
1. I am well organized.
You may want to explain how you keep track of projects and how you prioritize them. Being able to multi-task is also important and not everyone can do it. Explain with examples if you can.
2. I meet deadlines.
As we all know, time is money so explaining how you meet deadlines can be very important.
3. I have the education needed for this job.
Your resume may not show individual classes or trainings you have taken that are related to the job duties so it is up to you to show you have the minimum requirements and a lot more. Again be specific. If you were in the top of your class, say so (remember, toot your own horn.)
4. I have the experience needed for this position.
Your resume may show that you have five or ten years of previous experience, but it is up to you to explain how it is relevant to this position so that the experience will let the employer know you are a skilled and seasoned employee for this position.
B. Show intangible strengths like integrity, fairness and loyalty
Education, training and experience are only part of the picture. The employer wats to make sure you "fit in." It is important to show that you get along with others and have a sense of fairness. Here are some examples.
1. I am dependable and will do all I can to get the job done.
2. I am a team player and get along with others.
3. I like to mentor employees to pass on what I have learned and I learn a lot in the process as well.
4. I am loyal and fair.
C. Show that you have a good sense of humor
A sense of humor is important in any workplace. It helps relieve stress and makes the job much more enjoyable. Show that you don't take yourself too seriously while still attending to the responsibilities and demands of the job.
If you follow these rules, you will be interviewing like a pro.
Mary Greenwood, Attorney, HR Director, Mediator, and Author,Second Edition 2012 How to Negotiate Like a Pro, winner of nine book awards How to Interview Like a Pro, Winner of thirteen book awards, How To Mediate Like A Pro, Winner of twelve book awards Available at http://www.amazon.com Visit http://www.Marygreenwood.org
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