Putting It All Together

Once you have taken some time to consider your skills, achievements, strengths and limitations, you will need to bring all this information together to create an overall picture of yourself. Start by writing down 10-15 statements that describe you, each starting with the words "I am... ". For example, "I am a sales executive". Take a look at each of these statements and expand them to highlight your talents by adding in details of examples that will demonstrate your suitability for the post you are being interviewed for. Be confident and assertive, using phrases such as "which resulted in" or " the benefit was" to illustrate your point positively. For example:

"I am a good sales executive because I am able to develop successful overseas markets. In my last job I single-handedly surveyed the European market for a new product and set up sales offices, under budget, which were profitable six months from opening."

This type of statement will be far more effective than:

"I am a good sales executive because I have a degree in Marketing" or "... because I have worked at Widget Marketing Company for 10 years".

Avoid any use of tentative language such as "I think I can" or "I probably could". This is your opportunity to create value in the eyes of potential employers and increase the idea of the benefits you bring. Practise saying these statements so that they sound natural, and adapt any that come across as stiff or contrived. Make sure that you are comfortable with these statements as any uneasiness will be clearly seen by the interviewer.

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