Gaining Comfort in Expressing What You Offer
One of the early discussions that I have with my new clients that are job searching is the need for them to be able to express what they have done in their past job assignments in the form of an “Accomplishment Statement.”
What I will ask them to do is think beyond the work tasks that they performed. What were the problems they were asked to solve for their company or the customers whom the business served? Explain the actions they and their team members have taken to solve the challenges. Express the positive results received. And, beyond that what did those accomplishments mean in terms of revenue for their company, time saved on a process, taking something that was done manually and allowing it to be done in an automated way, or any other number of benefits for the end recipients?
We talk about capturing those accomplishments in writing, (such as on a resume or a LinkedIn experience section) in the way they introduce themselves in a cover letter, and when they speak in interviews or when they meet new business acquaintances. Some individuals will tell me that expressing what they have done and can do in the form of an accomplishment is not easy for them to do. In fact, it runs counter to them and their personality, where they have been conditioned not to brag about who they are and what they offer.
While I can understand this feeling on the client’s part I go on to say, I want you to view what I’m guiding you to do from a different perspective. You, with your talents, have abilities that serve the needs of others. And, while you may see doing that as “part of your job,” I will ask “Do you enjoy doing such work?” Often, the answer is yes. I will then go on to explain that a new organization that may be looking to hire you needs to be assured that you can indeed meet the needs of their firm and the customers which they serve. Unless you can provide examples of how you have done similar type of work in the past, and also how that work benefitted the customers and companies for which you worked, they will be reluctant to hire you and may move onto other candidates.
So how do I help the client to gain comfort sharing with others those skills that they possess, and how individuals value their contributions? For those working in companies that do regular performance reviews, I will ask them to reread what was written by their supervisor and others that contributed to that review. I’ll suggest to them that they speak to those that are close to them, (friend, families, co-workers from their past), and ask them what particular talents and skills they may excel at and which they contribute to ventures they have done together. I will ask them to sit and review and make a list of Accomplishments in their lives, noting that it is considered an Accomplishment if it meets two criteria. The criteria are that they as an individual need to believe that what they did was an Accomplishment, AND that they enjoyed doing the task or item they are recalling.
No question, expressing what we have done in the form of accomplishments or accomplishment statements is not an easy task. However, it can be done with thought, practice, sharing with others and getting their view points and aligning it with those items that you really enjoy doing that help to benefit the needs of others. It is essential if you are looking to get others to have confidence in using your services, whether that is as an employee at a company or organization, or if you are starting your own business. However, it also helps “to connect you to those you are meant to serve.”
So, as difficult as talking about yourself may be, take the time to prepare and reflect on your strengths and values in helping others achieve what they need. It may help in your landing that next job role, or starting that business you have always dreamed about.
