Professional Statements

In order to set yourself apart from other prospective applicants, it is essential to identify (and state) why you are the best option. Consider developing a professional statement, elevator speech, or personal "brand" (Barbara Reinhold, "Build Your Own Brand"). This statement can be incorporated into networking, resumes, and interviewing.

Imagine yourself entering an elevator where, lucky you, you spot the hiring manager for your favorite company. You have seconds to catch that individual's attention, convince him/her that you are the perfect fit, and prompt a follow-up. What do you say?

A strong, thought-out professional statement concisely (and powerfully) states why you are the one candidate an organization should consider. Consider the following when developing a personal statement:

• What specialty do you bring with you?


• What do you do better than most?


• What are you consistently recognized or known for?


• What are your special accomplishments?


• What are your philosophies and values?


• What are you passionate about?

Write a summary of the top qualities identified in short paragraph form. Leave out personal pronouns, transition words and focus on action verbs.

For example:

Innovative, creative event planner with proven marketing ideas adopted by three collaborating agencies. Increased event participation by 50%, noted as "best event in organization history." Accountability-driven delegator, leader, and team player.

Client-centered approach to consultation, committed to ensuring each client leaves satisfied. Strong rapport and relationship-building skills. Collaborative, engaging, and result-oriented teacher.

Quick Interview Tips

#1) Prepare a 1-2 minute statement about yourself to answer the initial "Tell me about yourself question."
Too many interviewers think they can wing this question, when in actuality, it can be one of the most challenging questions to answer. Keep it relevant. We don't want to know about your last scuba trip, how you are "such a people person, I just love people!" or how you worked job 1, job 2, job 3, job 4, . . . "So yeah, that's me!" Instead, remember that anything you tell about yourself should be purposeful. I recommend adding a personal/memorable touch to your professional background by relating your background, where you are now, and why you are a good fit/interested in this position.

#2)Be specific and give examples that demonstrate results for each question.
Everyone says they are hardworking. SHOW, don't just tell them you are hardworking. Instead, paint a picture about a specific time you demonstrated that ability. Give examples even on questions that do not specifically ask for one. Show results, show how you have performed in the past. Make it clear to the employer that you will obviously offer similar performance for them if given the opportunity. Help them see the connection of "What's in it for me if I hire this person?"

#3)Pause and think before you answer questions.
Too many individuals think that silence is awkward and fill in the gaps with less than desirable alternatives. Replacing, "um, uh, hmm, well" with a 5-10 second pause can actually add credibility and will also give you time to think about a solid answer. This also helps reduce rambling and fillers.

#4) Don't leave the "What is your greatest weakness?" question for the fly.
Prepare to discuss your weakness for every interview. Leaving it for a quick thinking response is risky as many people do not realize the liabilities they suggest about themselves. Even something that sounds innocent on the spot may in fact draw the red flag from an employer. While it is important to be honest, many people are a little too honest and choose their worst weaknesses, "I talk too much instead of doing my job." "I pretend to listen, but then do my own thing anyway." "I am always late."
Also avoid cliches. According to most interviews I have conducted, at least 90% of the population are perfectionists. It's simply not true; it's insincere; and it's overdone. Use something unique or something that requires some sincere thought.

#5)"Why should we hire you" is the most important question.
SHOW why they should hire you. Offer results, bold statements. Make it clear what is in it for them. Do not simply tell them a long list about how you are "hardworking, love people, and dependable." Guess what? Everyone is saying those same things. Instead, tell them about your passion to make an impact; or the difference you made for your last employer and how clearly you will offer a similar result. Make it memorable so when they are discussing the candidates they will remember you. Lists are not memorable.

#6) Prepare questions to ask.
Asking questions shows interest in the position and company, as well as preparation. Avoid salary and benefit questions--let them bring it up. Salary will never be a surprise when you are hired. Ask questions that show you would like to see how you would fit into the company. Ask questions that help you determine if you would actually want the job. Ask questions that reflect knowledge of the company and its objectives.

#7)Send a thank you note.
Send a thank you note as soon as possible to all members of the committee. Use this as an opportunity to reiterate your strengths and interest in the company/position.

*Oh, and be sure to always go with the suit! Better to be safe than sorry. I know hiring managers who refuse to hire anyone who does not wear one. Being overdressed is the safer possibility--it shows professionalism, pride, interest and respect.

"Tell Me About Yourself"

I think I have briefly discussed this point earlier, but as I continually see such lack of preparation and professionalism in regard to this question, I'd like to emphasize it again.

One interview question that can essentially be found in every interview in one form or another is the "Tell me about yourself" question. Because it is the opening of nearly every interview, I am constantly amazed at the lack of preparation and especially the surprise people seem to have when I ask them this standard question. Most people seem to think they can wing it, but in reality, this is one of the most difficult questions as there are so many things someone could say about themself. Most of the time it turns into a directionless ramble.

Some recent examples I've encountered (many on a regular basis):

"Hmm. About myself. . . What would you like to know?"
In the employer's shoes, it is pretty perplexing and annoying to receive this answer. No, an employer does not want to know about your waterskiing successes and that you are a fun-loving individual. This is not a time for a biography. We want to know why you are here; why we are bothering with this interaction in the first place. We want to know your background and credentials.

"Well, I am just a happy, outgoing, bubbly person that just loves to be around people! I just love people!"
This answer is incredibly cliche and almost juvenile. When I received this response the other day, I wanted to roll my eyes--it was just a little too high school cheerleader. Plus, I'd rather figure out that you are a happy, outgoing, bubbly person on my own, through your behavior. You shouldn't have to tell me.

"I am 19 years old. . .married. . .2 kids. . . divorced. . . on welfare. . ."
Remember that this question is still part of the first impression. Plus, age, race, family status, etc. are protected--an employer cannot ask those questions so they cannot use that information against you. When you offer that information voluntarily you may be potentially emphasizing what an employer may see as a liability (i.e. having a baby and leaving; you are too young to be professional; you are so old you will retire soon, etc.).

"I grew up in . . . I like to do this. . . I worked here. . . I worked there. . . I worked somewhere else. . . I worked another place. . . and, uh, yeah. . ."
While this question should focus on background and experience, it should not be a vague list of all the jobs you have ever had or a ramble about your life. Be purposeful and effective.

Instead, one should prepare a 1-2 minute statement, essentially a sales-pitch of themself. It should be to the point, purposeful, and highlight the reasons why the employer should want to continue the interview. It should highlight professional qualifications and experiences, but also show a little bit of personality.

One strategy I have found effective is to 1)talk about your background; 2) discuss where you are now; and 3) how you this new position incorporates into where you want to go.

For example:

"As a sociology student in college, I realized I did not want to spend my time at a computer compiling statistics and surveys, so I began considering my other options. I remembered my high school counselor, the lack of direction and even the discouragement she offered me by telling me that I wasn't smart enough for this class or that college. I wondered, what ever happened to those other kids--the ones that didn't have a supportive family or realize their own potential? I realized I could do so much better with that position--I could help those that didn't have the help elsewhere. So after graduation, I worked as a counselor at a treatment facility with delinquent youth, where I could practice my counseling skills and help young kids see their potential. After nearly two years, I enrolled in graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and studied school counseling.

While there I had an internship in two different high schools. I began to see a deficit in career planning. Many of my graduating students had no idea what they were doing after high school. They had no plans, they lacked direction, they were confused. I worried they would simply find the first job that came along and inevitably be stuck in a low-paying, directionless job. Career development became my passion and I sought to improve their preparation. I developed a 3 session classroom guidance unit and delivered over 55 class sessions--a feat my classmates and professors said was unheard of because teachers "didn't have time" to let counselors take up their valuable class time.

When I saw this position as a career counselor, I knew this was the perfect match for me. I am excited to apply my passion for career development to older clients and have one last chance to make up the deficit many students experience throughout their teenage and young adult lives. I am confident my experience in behavior-based modification and counseling is just what you are looking for. . ."

This script is not perfect, but I think it is memorable, personal, and genuine. Moreover, it highlights background and experience without superficially and vaguely listing past experiences. Plus, it is purposeful and relevant.