Learn—Maximum Time: 45 Minutes

Read:A successful job search follows this simple formula:

Act in Faith + Work Hard + Work Smart = Success

In the previous chapter, you learned a skill to help you work smart: how to match your skills to the employer’s needs. In this chapter, you will learn another “work smart” skill: power statements.

Josh’s Job Search

Read:Josh can now see he is a good fit for the help desk position at ABC Marketing. But he is pretty sure other people might have the same qualifications. What really helps him stand out are his accomplishments, but he isn’t quite sure how to talk about them. He is wondering what he can do to stand out as the clear choice.

Discuss:In what ways can you relate to Josh?

1. Make Powerful Impressions

Read:The best way to show you meet the employer’s needs is with a power statement. A power statement briefly describes your previous experiences and accomplishments by sharing a specific example and outcome. Think of them as small stories. Other people might have similar qualifications, but nobody has done exactly the same things. So rather than list off generic skills that anyone could say, use a power statement.

Activity (4 minutes)

Choose roles and act out the following three examples. As you do this, think to yourself, “Who stands out as the clear choice?”

The Bad Example

Interviewer: “Tell me about a time you provided great customer service.”

Job Seeker 1: “I really like customer service, and I think I am pretty good at it. Except when customers are jerks. I don’t need to be treated that way. Wait, are your customers jerks?”

The Average Example

Interviewer: “Tell me about a time you provided great customer service.”

Job Seeker 2: “Customer service is very important to me. The customers are key to our continued success. I have always found that if you treat the customers right, they will reward you with continued business. I have a lot of experience with customer service, and I am very good at it. Customers want to be heard and know they are listened to. It is important that we do our best to get it right the first time and make it right as quickly as possible when we make a mistake. I believe in the mantra that the customer is always right.”

The Good Example

Interviewer: “Tell me about a time you provided great customer service.”

Job Seeker 3: “I am very skilled at customer service. For example, when I worked for YZ Sales, we had a long-term customer who, on one occasion, did not get what he had ordered. When he called me, he was upset and threatened to cancel all of his business with us. I took time to listen and understand his situation and then provided a solution that worked for the customer. As a result, we not only retained the customer but he increased his orders with us by 200 percent. I am confident I can put these same customer service skills to work for you.”

Discuss:Why was the third example the best?

Read:The third job seeker used a power statement, which enabled him or her to talk about something he or she had actually done in an interesting, memorable, and completely unique way. It was like a short, true story. It helped the third job seeker stand out as the clear choice.

2. Follow the Power Statement Formula

Read:Power statements follow a very simple formula:

Part of the power in a power statement is that it is brief. Delivering a power statement should not take more than 30 to 45 seconds.

Josh’s Job Search

Read:Let’s look at a power statement Josh put together after reviewing the job description at ABC Marketing. He saw that the employer needed someone with good troubleshooting skills. Notice how he used the formula to create his power statement.

➀ “I am great at troubleshooting. ➁ For example, as a help desk technician at IT World, I developed a simple process to identify common technical issues. ➂ As a result, in two years I was able to resolve over 1,000 concerns in about half the time as my peer group. ➃ I can put this same expertise to work for you.”

Discuss:How will Josh’s power statement help him stand out as the clear choice?

Read:Here are more sample power statements for a returned missionary, a small business owner, and a mother, who are all seeking jobs. They used the four steps and included specific details to strengthen their power statements. Take turns reading each statement out loud.

Activity (5 minutes)

Take a few minutes and use this chart to create some personal power statements. Then pair up with your action partner to share them.

Follow the Formula:

Discuss:What did you learn from sharing your power statement(s)?

Read:Power statements are a job search skill that will help you work smart. You will know you are doing it right if your power statements lead to more employer interest. Power statements in résumés should lead to interviews. Power statements in contacts should lead to helpful information or leads. And power statements in interviews should lead to job offers. If you aren’t getting these results, work to improve this skill.

Practicing with others and getting feedback will help you improve. Let’s start right now!

Activity (5 minutes)

Step 1: Everyone stand up and divide into two lines facing each other.

Step 2: Share one of your power statements with the person across from you.

Step 3: Quickly give each other feedback:

• What skill did your partner claim?

• What was your partner’s example?

• What was the result?

• How did your partner match it to an employer’s needs?

• Were you impressed?

Step 4: Everyone in one line then moves down one person. The person on the end rotates to the beginning of the line. The other line does not move. Repeat steps 1–3 until you have shared your power statement with everyone and received feedback.

Discuss:How will power statements help you stand out as the clear choice?

Conclusion

Watch:“The Power of Power Statements,” available at srs.lds.org/videos. (No video? Read page 70.)

The Power of Power Statements

Discuss:What are the most important things you learned from this chapter?

Read:Power statements will be the most influential job search skill you can learn. They are key to working smart.

Act in Faith + Work Hard + Work Smart = Success

Power statements will help you stand out as the clear choice more than anything else you can do. Use them in your résumés, contacts, and interviews. Practice this skill. Prepare dozens of power statements. Pray for Heavenly Father’s help, and you will see greater success.