How to be specific & relevant with examples in an interview

Are you feeling nervous about your upcoming job interview? Don't sweat it! With our expert tips, you'll be able to effectively describe your work experiences and stand out from the rest of the applicants.

First things first, it's crucial to understand the importance of being specific and relevant when giving examples during an interview. Hiring managers want to know exactly what you've accomplished in your previous roles and how it relates to the position you're applying for. But let's be real, it can be difficult to articulate your accomplishments in a way that's both specific and relevant. (Trust us, we've been there!) That's where we come in.

In this article, we'll give you the tools you need to effectively describe your work experiences and make a lasting impression on your interviewer. From learning how to highlight your key achievements to understanding the importance of using specific and relevant examples, we've got you covered. And let's not forget about those all-important behavioral questions! We'll show you how to answer them in a way that showcases your qualifications and experiences. So, don't let your nerves get the best of you, let's get you that dream job!

Highlighting Key Achievements: Focus on Results

One of the most important things to keep in mind when describing your work experiences is to focus on the results you achieved. Instead of just listing your responsibilities, highlight the specific accomplishments you made in your previous roles. For example, if you managed a team, don't just say "I managed a team." Say "I managed a team and we increased sales by 15% within the first quarter." This not only shows that you're results-driven, but it also gives the interviewer a tangible measure of your success.

Another tip is to use numbers, percentages and statistics to quantify your achievements. For example, "I improved customer satisfaction ratings by 20% through implementing a new training program." This gives the interviewer a clear understanding of the impact you had in your previous role.

Using Specific and Relevant Examples to Align to the Job

One of the most important things to keep in mind when giving examples during your interview is to be prepared and relevant. Before your interview, think about the specific examples from your previous work experience that align with the position you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a marketing role, think about times when you've successfully executed a marketing campaign.

It's also important to be relevant in the examples you give. For example, if you're applying for a customer service role, don't give an example of a time when you successfully managed a team. Instead, give an example of a time when you successfully resolved a customer's complaint. This shows the interviewer that you have relevant experience for the role.

Answering Behavioral Questions: "STAR Method"

Behavioral questions can be tricky, but there's a simple method you can use to answer them effectively: the STAR method. This stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. First, describe the specific Situation or Task you were in. Next, explain the Action you took. Lastly, explain the Result of your actions.

For example, if you're asked about a time when you had to handle a difficult customer, you can say "The Situation was a customer was complaining about a delay in their order. The Task was to resolve the customer's complaint. The Action I took was to apologize for the inconvenience and offer a discount on their next purchase. The Result was the customer was satisfied and continued to be a repeat customer."

Be Confident, Be Clear: Hearing You Right the First Time

Confidence and clarity are key when describing your work experiences during an interview. It's important to speak clearly and concisely when giving examples, and to avoid using jargon or technical terms that the interviewer may not understand. This is especially important if you're applying for a role in a field that is highly technical or specialized.

When giving examples, it's also important to use simple and straightforward language. Avoid using overly complex sentences or words that the interviewer may not be familiar with. Instead, use simple, easy-to-understand language to describe your accomplishments and experiences. This will help the interviewer to clearly understand your qualifications and how they align with the position you're applying for.

Also, be confident in your abilities and experiences. Remember, you were selected for the interview because the hiring manager believes you have the qualifications for the role. So, don't be afraid to sell yourself, your brand and your accomplishments. Speak with conviction and enthusiasm, and be sure to highlight your key strengths and accomplishments. This will help to create a positive impression and increase your chances of getting the job.

Showing Enthusiasm: Be Passionate

Enthusiasm is contagious, and it can make a big difference in how you come across during an interview. Show your passion for the industry and the position you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a role in the tech industry, talk about how you stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in the field. Or if you're applying for a sales role, talk about how you enjoy the thrill of closing a deal. This will demonstrate to the interviewer why you're genuinely interested in the position and show you're a good fit for the company culture.

Additionally, make sure to express your excitement about the opportunity to join the company. This shows that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in this specific opportunity. Ask questions about the company culture, the team, and the company's future plans. This will show that you are genuinely interested in the company, not just the job.

Finally, be sure to ask about the next steps in the process, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to move forward. This will help to leave a lasting impression, and demonstrate that you're serious about the opportunity.

Make a Lasting Impression Post-Interview

The interview doesn't end when you leave the room. Following up and staying in touch with the hiring manager can make a big difference in whether or not you get the job. One of the best ways to do this is to send a thank-you note or follow up email, reiterating your interest in the position and highlighting key points from the interview. This shows that you're professional and that you're interested in the opportunity.

Additionally, stay in touch with the company by following them on social media, attending their events, or even reaching out to current employees. This shows that you're invested in the company and that you're serious about the opportunity. By staying in touch with the company, you'll be able to demonstrate your continued interest and build a relationship with the hiring manager.

Finally, it is also important to keep track of the status of the position and the hiring process. If you haven't heard back from the company after a certain period of time, don't be afraid to reach out and inquire about the status of your application. This shows that you're still interested in the position and it also gives the company a reminder that you're a good candidate for the job.

Conclusion

Preparing for a job interview can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques, you can effectively describe your work experiences and stand out from the rest of the applicants. In this article, we've provided you with tips on how to highlight your key achievements, use specific and relevant examples, answer behavioral questions, be confident and clear, show enthusiasm, and follow up and stay in touch. By following these tips, you'll be able to make a lasting impression on your interviewer and increase your chances of getting the job even if you are compared with someone else.

However, it's important to remember that every interview is different, and you may encounter unexpected questions or scenarios. The key is to be prepared, be confident, and stay true to yourself. Remember to stay calm, be yourself and stay positive.

Additionally, it is important to remember that the job interview process is not only about the interviewer assessing the candidate but also the candidate assessing the company and the job, so make sure you are asking the right questions and making sure that the company and the job align with your values and career goals.

In the end, it's not only about getting the job, but also about finding the right fit for you. So, go out there and make a lasting impression. Good luck!