The interview is your opportunity to explain to the hiring manager why you’re the right candidate for the job. To do this, you need to focus on your accomplishments.
While employers are interested in job duties and experience, what they really want to know about is your proven track record. It’s why discussing your achievements in various positions over the years is key to winning them over. So what are some best ways to highlight them? Start with these tips:
Identify relevant ones.
The accomplishments you talk about during one job interview might be different than what you discuss in another. It’s important to focus on those past successes that are most pertinent to each position. That way, you can show the hiring manager that you have what it takes to step into their role seamlessly.
Tell a story.
Don’t just state that you increased sales by 10%. Instead, tell a story, which will make you more memorable. Explain what was going on at the company, the task you were challenged with, what you did to achieve the outcome, and the impact it made on the company or its customers.
Quantify details if possible.
It’s important to quantify your accomplishments whenever you can. This simply means adding in dollars, times, percentages, statistics, or any other numbers that will bring your achievements to life for the hiring manager. It will also give them specific facts and figures that not only help you stand out, but also stand above other candidates.
Create a portfolio or blog.
Another way to showcase your accomplishments is to have an online portfolio or blog you can send the hiring manager a link to before the interview. Then, when you’re discussing your accomplishments, they’ll have actual visuals to reference. It will also offer more hard evidence that you have the skills and abilities to perform the job.
Be concise.
While it’s easy to ramble on once you start telling a story, try to be as concise as possible when you’re discussing your accomplishments. One easy way to do that is to practice your answers ahead of time. Choose three to five examples of your past accomplishments and rehearse how you’re going to discuss them during the interview. This will help you think through what to say and what to leave out.
Need more help landing your next job?
At Future Force, we’re one of the top temp agencies in Orlando, FL. If you’re not sure what kind of company or position is the best fit for you, we can offer a range of temporary assignments for you to try out. If you’re looking for a full-time job, we can help there, too. Just search our jobs to get started.
