Looking To Be Hired? Forget the Elevator Pitch: Showcase Your Problem-Solving Prowess to Land the Job

employment hiring human resources job applicants Feb 15, 2024

Job applicants, ditch the polished elevator pitch (for now)! Don't get me wrong, it's valuable, but in today's competitive job market, demonstrating how you tackle challenges holds even greater weight. Employers crave problem-solvers, innovators, and critical thinkers – individuals who can navigate hurdles and adapt to fast-paced environments. So, how do you prove you're the "solution superhero" they're looking for?

Step away from the mirror and step into the action:

Focus on the journey, not the destination: Forget crafting the perfect 30-second summary of your skills. Instead, delve into specific situations where you encountered an obstacle. Describe the context, your thought process, the steps you took, and the impact of your actions. This narrative approach showcases your analytical thinking, resourcefulness, and ability to overcome obstacles.

Embrace the messy middle: Don't shy away from detailing hiccups and setbacks you faced along the way. Sharing how you overcame them demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and your ability to learn from mistakes. Remember, imperfections highlight your problem-solving process more authentically than a flawlessly executed task.

Tailor your story to the role: Research the company and position to understand their specific needs and challenges. Align your problem-solving narrative to demonstrate how your skills directly address their pain points. This shows initiative, research skills, and an understanding of the role's demands.

Quantify your impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to illustrate the outcome of your problem-solving efforts. Did you increase efficiency by 20%? Did your solution save the company $5,000? Numbers add tangible proof to your narrative and showcase the concrete value you bring.

Remember:

Be specific and authentic: Avoid generic claims and focus on concrete examples and personal anecdotes. Let your genuine passion for problem-solving shine through.

Practice active listening: During interviews, pay close attention to trigger words like "challenge," "obstacle," or "difficulty." These are your cues to share your problem-solving prowess.

Ask thoughtful questions: Don't be afraid to proactively inquire about potential challenges within the role or company. This demonstrates your genuine interest and initiative in problem-solving.

By shifting your focus from a polished pitch to a powerful problem-solving narrative, you'll leave a lasting impression on potential employers. They'll see you as a valuable asset, not just another applicant with a well-rehearsed script. So, go forth, recent grads, and showcase your problem-solving superpowers – the job market awaits!

Bonus tip #1: Consider creating a portfolio of your problem-solving projects, including case studies, presentations, or even code samples (if applicable). This visual tool can further solidify your skills and impress potential employers.

Bonus tip #2: Get my list of "12 Important Questions to Ask in Job Interviews"

Fred Reggie is a Business Strategist and Coach specializing in Service Culture Development, Leadership, and Communication. He facilitates successful workshops and retreats to elevate client brands.You can contact Fred through Email , connect on LInkedIn, or schedule a call to discuss how your company Service Culture measures up.