Students often stress more about the Resume, Cover Letter, and Interviewing aspects when trying to secure a job…what about the short-answer questions in the application?
Most times, you will be selected for an interview or role based on how you answer the questions in your application. Examples may include: how can your skills apply to the role you are applying for, why should we hire you, or what sets you apart from the rest of the candidates applying. Do you have capability to integrate your values in your answers while matching what the company is seeking from an applicant?
Consider these tips below from Parker Dewey’s article called How to Ace a Short-Answer Application written by Mary K. Wendel!
Look for the question under the question
What are they really asking? What information are they trying to gather by posing a particular question? I recently saw a short-answer question that was something to the effect of: “what makes you unique, weird or quirky?” Why in the world would an employer want to know that? In this case, the organization had a rather witty brand voice, and all of the content they produce is heavy on humor. I’d imagine they don’t really care if you know how to yodel or if you hold the world record for one-footed jumping, but telling them as much could help them gauge your writing style, how you tell stories, and how well you may be a fit for the organization.
Use the job description (and other research) to your advantage
To a certain degree, you know the demands of the position and what the hiring manager is looking for. Ask yourself where you’ve acquired those skills, and be sure to highlight them in your responses.
Show, don’t tell
Consider ways to demonstrate skills through mini stories or examples, rather than simply making statements. If someone tells you “I’m a strong communicator” that’s one thing. If you get to see their communication in action, that’s another. Demonstrate your skills by describing how they’ve shown up and worked well for you in the past. Use stories to illustrate your skills. The STAR interview technique could be helpful in crafting short-answer stories, as well.
Mirror the brand tone in your writing
Read the organization’s Twitter feed, LinkedIn content, blog, and any other places they’re publishing content. If they are serious and formal, match that in your short-answer responses. If they are lighthearted, sarcastic, or punchy, bring that into your writing. They’ve got to see that you “get” their organization, and one of the best ways to do that is by speaking (or in this case writing) their language.
Don’t regurgitate your resume or cover letter
Think of each component of the application process as a chance to show them a bit more of who you are. You can certainly highlight specific experiences that answer the question, but I’d caution against broad summaries like “I have experience in x, x, and x” as they could deduce that readily from your resume.
Go beyond “yes” or “no.”
Even if the question is worded as a close-ended question (meaning that a “yes” or “no” technically fully answers the question), it’s important to add more. For instance, an employer might ask a question like, “do you have experience with non-profit capital campaigns?” If you have had direct experience, draw their attention to it and share what made it successful, interesting, or how you contributed. If you haven’t had direct experience, tell them what skills or experiences have equipped you for this opportunity, even if it’s new territory.