Turning What You have Done into What You Will Do

Advise, advise, advise...

There are more articles and posts to read online about interviewing than you or I have time available to read.
How about some short simple thoughts on turning what you have done into usable phrases to include in your interviews.

Identify required skills for the job from the job description, similar jobs posted online, conversations with people who work at the company or in a similar role, ask the recruiter or your contact at the company. Find the answers to things such as:

Do you need to be an individual contributor or is the role project based or do you have to be a little bit of both?
Identify what technology will be used in the role or similar roles.

What do you know about the company, it's culture and it's marketplace or competitors?
If you were the employer, what questions would you ask the candidate?

Now that you have a clear picture-- in your mind, make a list (maybe as notes on your phone.) Think about what you have done: paid employment, volunteering, or even things you've don for your friends and family. It doesn't matter if these things happened last month, last year or 10 years ago.

What kinds of decisions have you made?
What groups have you pulled together to get something done?
Have you used technology to manage your household or at work?
Name your accomplishments and where possible use data?
Do you have a favorite book that has guided you?

Next, make time for yourself. Sit at a table with a view of the backyard, go to the library, sit in your living room and begin to write bullet points that marry the requirements of the job with your particular skills and talents. Be creative, it may be uncomfortable or not feel like something you would say aloud but write it down. Take time away from the list and come back to it later. Repeating that process you will find the words and begin to sound more like you and less like a report. These are the words and phrases you will be able to use during the interview to show you are a the candidate they want!

In my experience,time to think whether that is walking, running, driving or raking leaves allows those "truly you" thoughts and experiences to become the words to use in interviews. After all, the bullet points and data are great but it has to sound like you.

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