I recently read a press release from NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers – these people cater to career centers and are heavily involved in employment issues) about the top 5 skills a job seeker needs. Here’s the list:
- Verbal Communication Skills
- Strong Work Ethic
- Teamwork Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Initiative
Source: Job Outlook 2011, National Association of Colleges and Employers.
None of this is surprising to me. It shouldn’t be surprising to you. But the question is what do you do with this information?
Many people think they need to say “I have great communication skills,” or “I’m an excellent teamworker,” or “I have a lot of initiative.”
Guess what? EVERYONE WILL SAY THAT!
Here’s what you do: figure out how to tell stories that demonstrate your skills.
Can you think of a time when you used your verbal communication skills to help make, or save, money for a company?
Can you think of a time when you were on a difficult team but used your ninja teamwork skills to pull it together and get the job down?
Can you tell me a story that shows you have exceptional initiative?
Get the point?
Don’t tell me you have the skill – tell a story that demonstrates that story!
