Interviewing Skills: Presentation of Your Work History

By: Virginia Bola, PsyD
Submitted: 2007-01-17 11:46:18
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

Your work history becomes a key focus in a job interview, usually right after the requisite pleasantries of whether you had difficulty finding your way, comments about the traffic and weather, and an offer of coffee or water.

As you settle back in your chair, trying to look a lot more relaxed than you feel, the interviewer picks up your resume or application and starts to ask for details about your prior experience.

If you have a resume that specifies quantifiable results, now is your chance to expand on that. If you increased sales by 20% per quarter or completed a departmental reorganization that resulted in a budget reduction of 10%, you are on your way. Obviously such achievements outlined in your resume impressed the potential employer enough to call you in for an interview, so your amplification of the details of actions you took will be eagerly welcomed.

Unfortunately, most of us perform work where the results are less obvious. If you have worked in production or customer service or retail, it is very difficult to tie your efforts directly to company results. In such a case, try to highlight any personal successes or management recognition that demonstrates your competence.

Any promotion is excellent, even if only to a lead position or being put in charge of a special project. Describe what you did so that the interviewer can appreciate your prior employer’s belief in your ability to take on new responsibilities.

If no promotions were made (often none are readily available), identify any situations where you were singled out for recognition. That may range from being employee of the month to being asked to train new coworkers or receiving a written or verbal recommendation from a customer you assisted. If you received positive feedback from supervisors, describe the details.

While each job applicant tries to represent themselves as a super-achiever, the fact remains that many of us work quite competently for years without ever receiving a genuine promotion or even much recognition. Employers are aware of that. In fact, if the position is routine without much room for upward mobility, they may be wary of an over-achiever who is going to chaff against the lack of promotional opportunities. One of “The Apprentice” applicants looking for work in a manufacturing environment would be viewed with more than a dose of suspicion.

If such is your case – a good solid worker (or even somewhat marginal), find some personal strengths to describe. If you seldom take sick leave or have a reputation for always being on time, now is the time to focus on that. Perhaps you take off time whenever you can and run perennially late, bring up another aspect of your character such as an ability to work as part of a team or outstanding relationships with coworkers (those jawfests around the water cooler or the three beers after work with your cronies, complaining about the management monkeys you have to tolerate, are finally a positive reflection on you!)

If you have worked for one employer for an extended period of time, you don’t have to stress your stability, the interviewer already knows that. Instead, concentrate on answering the unasked questions in his mind, his fear that you are set in your ways. Stress your flexibility and desire to learn new skills and procedures. If you changed departments or job title or responsibilities during your long tenure, give the details and how well you adapted to change.

If your work history is varied with many jobs for short periods of time, explain how much you learned from each separate job and stress your current desire to blend your experiences into a long-term, stable career. Describe how you are looking for a company where you can hunker down and commit for the long haul.

It may take you some time and self-exploration to identify it, but there are always some aspects of your work history that carry a positive spin. Don’t be afraid to dwell on your strong points no matter how unimpressive you fear your prior jobs may seem.

Virginia Bola operated a rehabilitation company for 20 years, developing innovative job search techniques for disabled workers, while serving as a Vocational Expert in Administrative, Civil and Workers' Compensation Courts. Author of an interactive and supportive workbook, The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival Manual, and a monthly ezine, The Worker's Edge, she can be reached at http://www.unemploymentblues.com

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Presentation category

  • Lamination For Artists - Laminating Your Paintings, Prints and Other Artwork - By: Jeff McRitchie
    Creation is a painful act, much like giving birth. Even after you come up with an original idea you will have to deal with the false starts, the screw-ups, and then, if you're lucky, you end up with a painting, drawing, or photograph that you don't hate. And then it happens, tragedy strikes: your gorgeous new masterpiece has fallen victim to a spilled cup of coffee. Or perhaps it gets ripped by the family dog. No matter how it happens, your art is ruined and you have to start all over again. But it doesn't have to be like this. You can laminate your creations which will ensure that your work will stand the test of time and not get ruined. Keep reading to find out what lamination can do for you, and your art.
  • Laminating Film For Beginners - By: Jeff McRitchie
    Roll laminators are awesome machines, but sometimes it can be difficult to know what supplies you need to use with your new laminating system. The most important supply you need is laminating film. Although you might be mystified and maybe even a little intimidated by all the different kinds of film available, buying laminating film doesn't need to be hard. This article will give you some idea of what you need to look for when purchasing film for your roll laminator.
  • Get the Word Out With Quartet Improv Signage - By: Jeff McRitchie
    When it comes to business, it's vital to make sure that your messages are presented in the best possible light. This is true whether you're sending an e-mail, distributing marketing materials, or creating a website. But it becomes even more important when dealing with signage. Luckily, office supply manufacturer Quartet produces a great line of signage products called the Improv line that can help you communicate more effectively. The display easels, signs, and frames in this line can enhance your message and draw in new customers, as well as possibly raise your profits. If you continue reading, you'll find out how Quartet Improv products can help you get the word out about your company.
  • Get Binding With Powis Parker Fastback - By: Jeff McRitchie
    There are many different binding methods available today, from the humble three-ring binder to plastic comb binding to binding with color coils and wire. One method that's sometimes overlooked is the Fastback binding method from Powis Parker. The Fastback is an innovative system with some great features and it definitely has some advantages over the tried-and-true binding methods. (We're looking at you, plastic comb binding.) Here are some of the great things Fastback can do and why this machine blows other binding methods out of the water.
  • Get Binding With Fellowes Thermal Binding Machines - By: Jeff McRitchie
    If you need a thermal binding machine for your office, there are a couple of machines made by Fellowes that you should really check out. They have two machines on the market: the TB250 and the TB450. Both of these machines are great units, but which one should you get? This article will discuss what each machine can do so you can choose the right thermal binding machine for your office.
  • Introducing the Intimus Line of Cardboard Shredders - By: Jeff McRitchie
    Corrugated cardboard boxes are very convenient when you need to move offices, ship your products, or store old files. But when it comes time to get rid of your old boxes, cardboard can be a real pain. After all, it's bulky, hard to cut up, and takes up a lot of room even when it's broken down. But did you know that there are machines that can help you dispose of your old cardboard - and even make it useful again? Intimus, a leading purveyor of paper shredders, has two cardboard shredders on the market that make it easy to deal with your unwanted cardboard. This article will fill you in on the details of the company's PacMate and PacMaster S 220v cardboard shredders, so you can quit wrestling with your old boxes and do something more productive.
  • Building a Custom Lanyard - Understanding the Options When Designing Customized Lanyards - By: Jeff McRitchie
    If you have been to a trade show or conference you probably have noticed that many of the representatives have their own custom lanyards. In the past, ordering custom lanyards was a painful process that required special quotes and a lengthy drawn out design process. However, many websites are now offering applications to design your own lanyards in real time. Still, you are going to need to make a number of decisions along the way. Here are some of the things that you will need to consider before ordering custom lanyards for your organization.
  • Go Green With Earth-Friendly Lanyards and ID Cards - By: Jeff McRitchie
    Just about every organization uses lanyards these days and often times, when one doesn't need his/her lanyard anymore, the thing winds up in the garbage. Depending on what the lanyard was made of, it could sit in a landfill for years, never decomposing because it was made from non-recyclable materials. It doesn't have to be like that though, thanks to a new lineup of earth-friendly products that allow you to have an ID card/lanyard solution and save the planet at the same time. Here's a look at these products that are good for the planet.
  • Hey, Libraries! Save Yourselves Some Cash With Powis Parker Fastback! - By: Jeff McRitchie
    Whenever times get tight, the first casualties of budget cuts usually have something to do with either education or the arts. Schools and libraries are often the ones that get the worse treatment, getting the short end of the stick over and over again. With tight budgets, it becomes difficult to not just buy new books, but replace the old ones, especially paperbacks that don't last nearly as long as a hardcover book. However, libraries (both public and school) can get some help from Powis Parker Fastback. A Fastback machine makes it possible for libraries to repair paperbacks, so they can save time and money. This article will look at the ways in which libraries can benefit from having access to a Fastback machine.
  • Reel in Your Identity With Badge Reels - By: Jeff McRitchie
    Badge reels are a popular way to display ID cards, badges, and proximity cards. If you don't know what a badge reel is, it is an item that attaches to an individual's clothing so that the person can wear his/her ID. The ID is attached to a retractable cord that makes it easy for the person to pull out his/her ID and swipe it for access to secured areas. There are a lot of different badge reels available these days, so this article will take a look at what's out there so you can choose the appropriate badge reels for your workplace or other organization.