No matter how great you are in coding or writing, the answer to this one question can make your career or nullify your chances to land your dream job for ever. This one question examines your creativity, your accomplishments as well as your determination. Though the answer varies if you're a fresh graduate as opposed to a senior professional, there are some ground rules to be followed by all.
Dinesh Vernekar landed a job in content writing even though he had little experience in it. He reveals the secret in his blog on Quora. It was hitting the bull’s eye at the question “Why I should hire you.”
1. Say it out loud how you have the required skills/ experience: Read the job description twice. Good job descriptions usually add the exact role you'll be doing at the company. Use evidence to show them how you have the required skills and experiences.
2. Why you're a good fit: Employers like to know that you've taken the time to understand their space, product/team. So take this time to co-relate things you've done in the past with the things the company is trying to achieve. Also relate on a personal level, after-all we're all human beings.
3. You get things done: This is the most important ability an employer is looking for; the ability to get things done no matter the obstacles.
Now for some real action! Here’s how he did it.
1. Content intern for a new company/startup for a fresh graduate/working student. Ex.
I think a few things make me a great fit for this position.
I'm quite enthusiastic about women's issues and it reflects in my writing over the years. I've written on a broad range of issues from female infanticide, domestic violence and sexual harassment.
My English major has given me the necessary writing skills and helped me broaden my outlook. I started out writing content for websites, answering questions on Quora and being generally curious. I've improved over the years.
I think there's nothing like a perfect role but this position at Amnesty comes quite close to my dream job. I've been closely following your coverage of the Sri-Lankan crisis and the response it has had. I believe in the cause and like to do my bit for women empowerment.
2. Content intern for a person with little background in a new field.
I think a few things make me a great fit for this position.
I started out writing content for websites, answering questions on Quora and being generally curious. In the past summer I created content for a wedding brand based in Delhi. I love the process of coming up a new idea to write about, something unique that appeals to users.
My English major has given me the necessary writing skills and helped me broaden my outlook. Ogilvy's Confession's of an advertising man is a favorite and i use his tips to write effective copy for websites.
I don't have a lot of knowledge about software but I have an interest in gadgets and tech in general. I'm a fast learner and i can get the work done when it's required.
(Image credits: indiatimes)