How do you develop content for a benefit statement?
- Write down your accomplishments and 3-5 skills for each accomplishment
- Identify transferable skills that show how the organization will benefit from your work
Example
Accomplishment: completed independent research on gender role-typing in two year olds
Skills used: (a) worked independently; (b) conducted research using varied sources; (c) interviewed subjects using a self-designed questionnaire
How do you write and practice a benefit statement?
- Write out a benefit statement using your Accomplishments and Skills Used as a guide
- Tailor the statement to fit the particular role and the organization
- Rewrite, edit, and polish the statement until you are comfortable with it
- Practice delivering the statement until you can say it comfortably and naturally
- Know the statement well enough so that you can use it under pressure. However, be careful not to sound as if you are reciting a speech!
- Make an appointment on Handshake with a Piper Center coach to review your statement
Note
If you decide to “wing” your benefit statement (give a short summary without written preparation)
- You will likely ramble and lose the interviewer’s attention, and
- You may also forget key information about your background, qualifications, and experience