“I helped brainstorm ideas for campaigns.““I generated ideas that were used in award-winning, successful campaigns.”
Both answers are reasonable. But where one conveys significant accomplishments and makes a strong, positive impression, the other response is a bit bland and forgettable. Let’s dig in to see why the second response is more powerful. To start, the word “helped” (which is seen in the first response) is vague. To an interviewer, this could mean that you presented a list of powerful ideas—but it could also signify that you were a near-silent participant on a conference call to discuss the campaign. The second option uses a more active verb—a person generating ideas is deeply involved in the project. Plus, powerful adjectives are added; not only did you come up with ideas, but they were good ones! As you practice for your next interview, keep word choice in mind. Here are five broad types of words and phrases to integrate into your interview answers. People who are passionate and interested can further a company in unexpected, positive ways. They’re good for morale, and also for a company’s bottom line. Using these words and phrases shows that you aren’t a clock-watcher and that you’re highly engaged with your work:
EnergizedEnthusiasticInterestedLoveMotivatedPriorityWin
Tip: How to Answer “What Are You Passionate About?”
AccomplishCoordinateDetail-orientedEffectiveEfficientMaintainedMet the deadlineOn timeOrganizePracticalPrepareProvideReorganizeResponsibleResults; Results-orientedSatisfied the client’s requestsSolutionSupportTeam playerLeadership
Tip: Using phrases such as “I can” or “I will” in response to interview questions also conveys a can-do attitude, and indicates that you’ll hit the ground running if hired.
AccelerateAccomplishAs a result of my actions…BuildCoordinateDeliverDevelopI handled that by…InitiativeInnovativeNegotiatedPlanResolveSupervise
To use jargon, of course, you’ll have to understand it, so if you’re new to an industry or field, read up on familiarize yourself with it. Follow people in the industry on Twitter, connect with them on LinkedIn, and seek out relevant blogs and videos. Even if interviewers don’t consciously realize that you’re reflecting their own words back, it’ll make a subtle, positive impression. Examine the language on the company’s “About Me” page on their website, on social media pages, and within the job advertisement. You can also choose synonyms to avoid sounding too much like you’ve memorized the company’s own copy. This will help interviewers know that you understand what they’re looking for. And keep in mind that the best words to use in your answer depends on what kind of role you’re after. If you’re applying for a job as an assistant, for instance, you’ll want to incorporate lots of words that show you’re responsible and get results (and focus less on words that emphasize your leadership abilities). Keep in mind that it’s not only during interviews that word choice matter—opt for powerful action words in your resume as well.
