Experience

Work Experience As A Strength

©Copyright Dale Cobb 2012 All Rights Reserved

Most job search candidates are either unaware of, or undervalue their strengths. Most play down the potential strengths that come with experience in fast food, retail or jobs that demand physical labor.  You were exposed to a lot more than you think. 

Imagine two candidates walk in to an interview with identical experience.  Each worked 2 years at McDonalds.

The first candidate is asked about the experience and responds, “I just flipped burgers, that was pretty much it”.

Then the second candidate walks in with identical experience but responds:

“My first job was at McDonalds.  It was the greatest experience of my life.  I still have friends that I made while working there.  I’m no-where near the person I was when I started there.  I’m grateful for everything they taught me.

I learned how to work with the public.

I learned how to be responsible.

I learned how to show up on time.

I learned to work under adverse conditions.

I learned how to handle irate customers.

I learned to be good at solving problems and putting out fires.

I learned how to be good at making people feel comfortable.

I learned how to work as a team member.

I learned how to be accountable.

I learned about the importance of repeatable systems.

I learned about efficiency.

I learned about the value of organization, planning and set up.

I learned to display ordinary items and make them look extraordinary.

I learned to do payment processing.

I learned to upwell…"Do you want fries with that?"

I learned that any job can be turned into an art form.

The training was amazing…I learned a few of the secrets that made Ray Kroc a billionaire…and if you hire me…I’ll share them with you.

It was great…

It was wonderful…

I would do it all over again…

The second candidate painted a picture of what they experienced and how they grew.

Same experience… but which candidate gets the job?

Amplify The Skills

Learn to amplify each skill.  Maybe you are a driver.  But driving is actually a package of abilities and skills:

Deciding on a vehicle

Negotiating the best deal

Pumping Gas

Calculating Miles Per Gallon

Charting Maintenance Schedules

Planning Trips

Discerning The Best Time

Gauging Time

Organizing a sequence

Setting up GPS Systems

Reading Road Signs

Following Rules

Judging Distance and Speed

Interpreting Speedometers and Odometers

Anticipating Others Actions

Staying Calm In The Face Of Rudeness

Scenario Planning

Maintaining Concentration

Memorizing Routes

Re-Routing For Road Construction

Hand-Foot Coordination

Eye-Hand Coordination

You can learn to understand your work experience through the lens of strengths and give quality responses in job interviews!

Work Experience Profile

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Supervisor(s)

Core Contribution(s):

Accomplishment Phrase Starters:  Achieved, Accelerated, Accomplished, Added, Advanced, Amplified, Attained, Bolstered, Boosted, Broadened, Completed, Contributed, Deepened, Delivered, Demonstrated Ability, Earned, Enhanced, Enriched, Exceeded, Excelled, Expanded, Expedited, Extended, Generated, Grew, Fulfilled, Furthered, Gained, Generated, Improved, Increased, Lifted, Maximized, Multiplied, Obtained, Opened, Outpaced, Outperformed, Performed, Produced, Provided, Reached, Realized, Stimulated, Strengthened, Succeeded, Surpassed, Sustained, Responsible For

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Temperament	Aptitude	Skills	Knowledge

Achievements (Including Promotions)	Awards