If you’re wondering how much of a difference word choice can make, just consider which of these two responses makes a better impression: “I helped brainstorm ideas for campaigns” or “I generated ideas that were used in award-winning, successful campaigns.” Both answers are reasonable, but one conveys significant accomplishments, and the other is a bit forgettable.
Your words during an interview will convey an impression of you and your abilities. Make it a positive one. As you practice for your next interview, keep word choice in mind. Here are five broad types of words and phrases to integrate into your interview answers.
Responsibility – e.g. “It was my responsibility to…”
Managers want to hire employees who take responsibility for getting the job done. They don’t want to hire employees who shirk, foist work onto others or, worst of all, delegate tasks upwards.
Stating you took responsibility for achieving a goal, and then explaining specifically how you achieved that goal, shows the hiring manager that you’re reliable, hard-working and conscientious.
Initiative – e.g. “I took the initiative to…”
Managers want to hire employees who don’t wait around to be told what to do. That drives managers crazy. Like everyone else, managers are pressed for time. They may be willing to coach but they certainly don’t want to be forced to hand-hold.www.iibmindia.in
Stating you took the initiative to get the job done, and the explaining how you got it done, tells the hiring manager that you’re self-motivated, self-confident and ready to get to work.
‘Leadership’ and ‘management’
Even if you’re not applying for a leadership role, employers like to hear that you have some leadership experience and can command a team if need be, If you are applying for a leadership role, then honing in on these two words becomes all the more important.
These words also hold more weight than other senior-level descriptions like “supervisor,” says Drexler. “I mean, even McDonald’s has supervisors,” he tells CNBC Make It. “So say, ‘I led a team or I managed a team.'”
Established’
This word a “power” word because it holds weight and emphasizes what comes next. For example, “I established this strategy” sounds more authoritative than “I wrote this strategy” or “I came up with this strategy,” he says.
‘Results’ and ‘achieved’
Employers’ ears perk up when they hear these two words,. These words signify success and demonstrate your ability to hit a set goal.
