Convincing arguments in job applications: Don’t prove, just explain

At various points in my own articles, I recommend that you should follow the slogan: “Don’t prove, just explain.” for your job applications. However, it is important to take both aspects seriously. This means that you should definitely use a certain aspect of your work experience to your advantage even if you have no real “proof” of it. In most cases, a reasonable explanation as to why you see it that way is sufficient. But: There should definitely be a justification! Those who throw around hollow phrases render themselves ridiculous. For example, avoid statements like these:

»As a creative and responsible person, I believe I am best suited for this position.«

Such a self-portrayal is merely an unsubstantiated claim because none of the three statements in this example (“creative”, “responsible” and “best suited”) is backed up by relevant information. Accordingly, it is of little benefit to you. Strangely enough, such phrases are often used by people who otherwise lack self-confidence when applying.

Now, let me quickly fix the example from above:

»As a member of the student council, I was also responsible for the timely publication of our monthly student magazine during the last 2 years of my studies. I am sure that the creativity I developed in designing visually appealing publications at that time now provides an excellent basis for successful work in the position you have advertised.«

Well, that sounds much more convincing, doesn’t it? Feel free to hire my professional support if you want to make a real impact with the wording in your application documents too.

Convincing arguments in job applications: Don't prove, just explain

On May 20th, Mr. Benjamin U. from Bern wrote to me:

On July 19th, Mr. Tilmann B. from Erlangen wrote to me:

On October 6th, Ms. Sandra L. from Münster wrote to me:

On February 4th, Ms. Angelika T. from Pinneberg wrote in her testimonial:

On August 30th, Ms. Veronika P. from Einbeck wrote to me:

On September 3rd, Ms. Mercy O. from Cap Town wrote to me:

On November 23rd, Mr. Thomas S. from the Verden District wrote to me:

On February 10th, Mr. Jan R. from Hamburg wrote to me:

On December 31st, Mr. Sebastian R. from Hohenfelden wrote to me:

On October 9th, Ms. Caroline B. from Regensburg wrote to me:

In November, Daniella L. from Albion wrote about me in her testimonal:

On December 9th, Mr. Thomas S. from the Verden District wrote to me:

On February 4th, Ms. Angelika T. from Pinneberg wrote about me:

On November 27th, Ms. Josée M. from Canada wrote in her testimonal: