Before we move on to next competency, here's an addendum:
Become your own S.T.A.R. What does this mean?
Just documenting your accomplishments isn't enough - you'll need to quantify/qualify them. But, how do you do it? Using the STAR technique helps you frame each "power story" and creates a picture or tells your story in a personal way, with a punch:
S = situation > describe your situation/problem/issue you dealt with
T= tasks > what you needed to do in order to address the situation/problem/issue
A= actions > what you did to address the situation/problem/issue
R = results > the measurable results of your efforts
My colleague, Betsey, (thanks, B) advises we develop at least twelve power stories. When I first heard her tell one of our students he needed these, I thought to myself, "egads, that's a lot." I have now come to endorse that, and more. The more you can quantify/qualify your accomplishments, the better you're prepared to field virtually any interview question. Behavioral questions form the bulk of what employers ask and new surveys suggest that "culture fit" (code for: will you fit into our organization?) is the NUMBER ONE attribute employers look for in candidates. Recruiters assume you've got the technical/content chops for the job, but need to be convinced you've got the temperament for their culture.
Wanted to put this out as an
ps if you struggle with this, you're not alone...practice with someone who you trust and who believes in you..
Become your own S.T.A.R. What does this mean?
Just documenting your accomplishments isn't enough - you'll need to quantify/qualify them. But, how do you do it? Using the STAR technique helps you frame each "power story" and creates a picture or tells your story in a personal way, with a punch:
S = situation > describe your situation/problem/issue you dealt with
T= tasks > what you needed to do in order to address the situation/problem/issue
A= actions > what you did to address the situation/problem/issue
R = results > the measurable results of your efforts
My colleague, Betsey, (thanks, B) advises we develop at least twelve power stories. When I first heard her tell one of our students he needed these, I thought to myself, "egads, that's a lot." I have now come to endorse that, and more. The more you can quantify/qualify your accomplishments, the better you're prepared to field virtually any interview question. Behavioral questions form the bulk of what employers ask and new surveys suggest that "culture fit" (code for: will you fit into our organization?) is the NUMBER ONE attribute employers look for in candidates. Recruiters assume you've got the technical/content chops for the job, but need to be convinced you've got the temperament for their culture.
Wanted to put this out as an
indent to the previous competency.......so get writing, and I'll suggest the next competency soon...
ps if you struggle with this, you're not alone...practice with someone who you trust and who believes in you..
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