What sells you to one employer may be irrelevant to another; find out what the employer needs and match each need with one of your strengths. For example:

• Employer’s need: Prior experience in customer service is necessary to perform well in this job. Selling point: ‘I have four years experience in customer service’ (i.e. substantial experience in the relevant area).
• Employer’s need: A good receptionist who can handle a busy switchboard while providing a calm and courteous service. Selling point: ‘In my last position as a receptionist I handled an average of 90 calls per day while providing clerical back-up and attending to clients and visitors to the office. Clients often complimented me on my courtesy and prompt service.’

Make sure your selling points are realistic, specific, relevant and time specific. For example: ‘I have been chosen as Captain at our local sports club every year for the last three years. We have won more games during this period than in the entire previous decade. Parents of our players have told me that they appreciate my leadership skills and contribution to the club.’

Prepare your selling points carefully

To prepare a selling point:

1. Identify the job requirements—what does the employer need? What are the tasks, skills, qualities, knowledge and experience they’re looking for? List each employer need.

See Researching careers for more information on how to find out about job requirements.

1. Identify situations that prove you meet the employer’s needs. For each requirement or need, think about where and how you have demonstrated that you possess that skill or that knowledge. What activities in your past work history, life experience, education, voluntary work or hobbies show that you meet the employer’s needs in this particular way?

The activities in the DEEWR publication ‘I can do that too’ will help you identify skills you have gained from your life experience.

1. Be time specific. A timeframe helps prove your selling point. Ask yourself:

• When did I perform this (in my current job, previous job)?
• How often did I perform this (daily, weekly, monthly, annually)?
• During how many work phases did it occur (it was noted in the past three reviews)?
• For how long did I demonstrate this (how many weeks, years etc.)?
• How long did it take me (hours, days, weeks etc.)?

4.  Provide proof. What proof do you have that you were good at it? Quantify your skill or knowledge to give the employer a clear picture of what you achieved. Use:

• numbers (‘I handled 250 calls per day.’)
• percentages (‘The measures I initiated resulted in a 30 per cent increase in annual revenue.’)
• ratios (‘Four out of every five calls resulted in a sale.’)
• key people’s opinions or compliments
• other quantifiable positive results.

Make sure your selling points are believable and can be proven. Never lie, exaggerate or take credit for something you didn’t do.