PROOF STORY WORKSHEET

List below some technical, personal, and transferable skills or traits that would be useful proof stories.
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Use the following format to set up your proof stories. Trait or characteristic this story
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1.
Set up the Situation/Task of the story. Briefly describe the situation that required you to use the
skill. Where were you? What led to the situation?
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2.
Describe the Action taken or the response given. Based on the situation above, what happened?
What did you do? When and where did you do it? How and why did you do it? This description should
use action verbs that help create a powerful story.
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3. Reveal the Result that occurred due to the action taken. What was the end result? Try to quantify
results whenever possible or measure what happened against a standard. Dont hesitate to brag about the
results achieved; that is the purpose of the proof story!
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When relating this story, you may have discovered that it displays other traits. List them below.
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Here are some key points to remember when creating proof stories:
x Try to have several stories in mind for each skill when you begin interviewing.
x Dont go into extensive detail in the background section. Reveal just enough detail so the listener can
understand the basic story and you capture the attention of the interviewer.
x Dont lump your results statement in with your action discussion. Clearly describe the actions taken.
Then, create a transition to the last part of the storythe results.
x Try to create a story that reflects one specific incident or setting. Stories that are too broad lose
impact.
x When you finish your results statement, link the ending of your story back to the trait mentioned at
the beginning.
x Use these stories to discuss how you meet various job requirements. After you have gotten the
interviewer to describe the ideal candidate for the position, prove to him or her that you are the one
with the aid of your proof story.
x Keep stories in mind and use a few during your interview; just dont overuse them.
x Keep in mind if you can also demonstrate technical competence in your answer it will have a greater
impact. 
x Practise these stories out loud in preparation for the interview.