An interview question, inspired by the Emmy awards, occurred to me the other day:
"If you were to receive an award in recognition of an accomplishment of yours, what would it be?"
I don't think such a question is asked much if at all. But it would reveal some things about the applicant including their humility and self-awareness.
Whether you are asked this question or not, if you are a job hunter, you would do well to ponder it. How would you answer it?
What have you done that is worthy of distinction?
Not everyone receives recognition for their work. Few of us get accolades that we can proudly point to.
And many of us are modest and tend to put our "lamp under a bushel."
But if we are honest with ourselves, we all have done something in our careers that we feel good about. Some accomplishment that we worked hard to achieve. Maybe even despite obstacles that we encountered.
Before your next interview, take the time to review such accomplishments. Write it out. Be descriptive. Set the scene. What was the goal, or project, or problem? Who was the customer? What actions did you take? Why? And what was the outcome? Be sure to finish with the results you achieved.
Take pride in what you have done.
Believe in yourself.
If you are sold, you can sell.
Terrence Seamon advises job hunters and career changers. Follow him on twitter @tseamon, and on facebook Facilitation Solutions.
