Learn

How do I present myself with power?

Time:Set the timer to 60 minutes for the Learn section.

“The Interview” (No video? Read page 32.)

Discuss:Do you think these people were hired?

You know bad responses to interview questions when you see them! But do you sometimes struggle to give good answers in an interview?

Read:QUESTION OF THE WEEK—How do I present myself with convincing power?

ACTION OF THE WEEK—Prepare and use power statements with a network of contacts.

Read:At our last meeting, we discussed how our “me in 30 seconds” can capture interest as an introduction. Our next step will be to add “power statements,” which can show our value to employers and others.

Power statements strengthen resumes and interviews. They help us talk with our network. They can even help us keep a job and succeed.

Let’s read the four key parts of a power statement.

FOUR KEY PARTS TO A POWER STATEMENT

Identify a value, skill, or strength.

Give a specific example or accomplishment.

Show the results.

Match our value to the needs of the employer.

How do I build a power statement?

Read:Victoria has arranged a five-minute discussion with a potential employer. When the employer asks about her marketing experience, she uses one of her power statements.

Victoria’s Power Statement

¹ I am creative and results-oriented! For example, ² at ABC Power Company, I created a new marketing plan and brochure that ³ directly increased monthly sales by 5%. I’m confident I can ⁴ help to improve your company’s sales in the same way.

¹ Identify a skill or strength ² Specific example ³ Result ⁴ Match to needs

Discuss:How would this statement help Victoria in her job search?

Read:Here are more sample power statements for a returned missionary, a small business owner, and a mother—all of whom are seeking jobs. Read them. Notice how the four parts work together.

1. SKILL	2. EXAMPLE (Be specific)	3. RESULTS (Be specific)	4. MATCH TO NEEDS
I can build and motivate teams.	For example, as a full-time volunteer for my church, I was asked to lead a team of eight volunteers who were not unified and were not meeting goals.	So I held training meetings and helped them value each other, set goals, and meet those goals.	I can help your teams come together to meet and exceed your goals.
I have experience solving problems.	For example, in our family business, we were not sure of our expenses. I decided to create better records and track daily expenses.	By watching my records and tracking trends, we proved that a supplier was charging a little more on every invoice without telling us.	I will apply these problem-solving skills to any challenges you may be facing, and I’m sure I can find a good answer.
I can organize.	For example, as a mother, I coordinate the schoolwork and job tasks of three children at home.	By managing these schedules, I’ve made sure each child has successfully completed school and knows how to work.	I can use these management skills to keep your company’s schedules so all your appointments are kept.

Practice:Use this page to create some personal power statements. Start writing them in the spaces now. You can work with another group member.

1. SKILL	2. EXAMPLE (Be specific)	3. RESULTS (Be specific)	4. MATCH TO NEEDS

Practice:After you have at least two power statements, take turns using them with another group member. Say them out loud until you feel confident. Before our next meeting, complete at least five power statements.

Read:You may start with “me in 30 seconds” when you are speaking with someone about a job. This could be an employer or someone you ask to help you. Then the person will probably ask you some common questions. You need power statements to answer these questions. You will share your power statements with many people before our next meeting.

Practice:As a group, read these instructions. After you have read the instructions, begin the activity. Do not take more than 10 minutes.

1. Everyone stand up and move to an open space for a speed practice. Each person should face another person.

2. The first person asks a common question, such as:

   • What can you tell me about yourself?

   • Why should we hire you?

   • What is your greatest strength?

   • What should I say about you to my contacts?

3. The second person gives a power statement as the answer.

4. Then you switch. The second person asks another common question, and the first person answers with a power statement.

5. Quickly, give each other feedback: Did it have four parts? Did it seem genuine and confident?

6. Then everyone switches partners to do it again. And again!

7. Go as fast as you can until everyone has tried it four times.

Discuss:Did you use power statements to answer the questions? What are some variations of these questions? What are some other questions interviewers might ask?

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: HOW DO I TURN NEGATIVES TO POSITIVES?
(DO NOT DO THIS DURING THE MEETING.)
If you choose, during the week you may do this activity:
You can use power statements to turn negative questions and situations into positive opportunities. Study page 33 in Resources.

Where do I use power statements?

Read:With our new power statements and our “me in 30 seconds,” we have great tools. But how do we find people who will listen? The key is to talk to everyone. Then ask them to talk to their contacts. This is a “network,” and it is like hiring your own sales team!

You

People you know

People they know

Practice:Move your chair to speak with the person next to you.

1. Talk about the people you will contact to use your “me in 30 seconds” and power statements before our next meeting. List some names here:

2. Talk about how you will expand your network to make more contacts. Write your ideas here:

Practice:Before your next meeting, you will use your power statements with the contacts you know. And you will ask your contacts to talk to their contacts. With your “me in 30 seconds” and your power statements, you have two great tools to build your network. Your job search is taking off!

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: ACCELERATED JOB SEARCH
(DO NOT DO THIS DURING THE MEETING.)
If you choose, you may do this activity after our meeting:
To move faster, study “Accelerated Job Search” on page 15. Try it—15 resources, 10 contacts, 2 meetings—every day!