SKILL IDENTIFICATION

DEVELOPING A THIRTY SECOND SUMMARY

When speaking to an employer, a friend or someone you just met it is good to have a quick prepared summary of who you are and what skills you have. The intent of this summary is to be an introduction, but is also a way for people to figure where you would make a good fit now and if there is something coming up in the future. The summary can be used on the phone, in person or at the job interview. The summary is a brief description of your background; it may include work experience, special skills, and education and training. The summary should contain your most positive points. If formal education is not one of your strengths, focus on work experience, if your experience is limited talk about the special skills you possess. Do not be afraid to modify your summary, to better suit who and what company you are talking with.

Example - Hi my name is Sally Jones, I have over eight years experience as an executive secretary with a manufacturing company. I have scheduled all appointments for the vice president and acted as his representative both inside and outside the company. I am skilled in both IBM and MAC computers, and am familiar with most word processing and data analysis programs. Recently I supervised the entire conversion of all record keeping from a card ex system to the computer. I have also hired, trained and supervised all staff members in a 35-person office.

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN TO WRITE YOUR SUMMARY.

Begin by listing the three or four key strengths you wish to include in your summary.

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Now incorporate points listed above into a first draft of your thirty-second summary.

Be sure to read it aloud, get feedback and practice until it sounds good and feels correct.