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Do you know what’s on your top shelf?  No, I am not talking about your liquor cabinet.  Are you prepared to discuss the very best that you have to offer as a candidate?  In other words, your top skills, abilities, results, achievements and accomplishments.  Better yet, what stories can you share with the interviewer to demonstrate what’s on your top shelf that relate directly to the questions being asked?  With that said, are you ready to discuss the best you have to offer?

I have participated in many interviews, both as a candidate and as the interviewer, and I have NEVER been asked about my top shelf in the literal sense.  Let’s change the nomenclature…have you ever been asked about what you bring to the table during an interview?  I have.  It is not a question for which you want to be unprepared.  To be clear, it is not common to be asked this question.  What’s more, I am not a strong proponent of preparing to answer specific questions simply because you have no way of knowing what questions you will be asked.  With a few notable exceptions (e.g., What do you know about the company?), I strongly endorse that you prepare for an interview by becoming an expert on you.  Not only do you need to know exactly what’s on your top shelf, but you have to be prepared to sell it.  Remember, this should be your premium stuff; the best of what you have to offer.  One of the most effective ways to articulate and share your top shelf with an interviewer is to tell anecdotal stories to answer questions.  It is one thing to spout off facts and figures, and while potentially impressive, remember that stories are what captivate and engage human beings.

Anecdotal stories that are woven around and incorporate your top shelf will supercharge your candidacy.  They help us to see the forest through the trees.  Stories allow us to relate and connect and feel.  So, which stories should you prepare in advance?  Well, they should relate back to both the position description and especially the requirements.  These stories should demonstrate the best of what you have to offer in a manner that clearly and convincingly illustrates your ability to generate positive results.  I would suggest preparing 3 – 4 solid examples in advance. For extroverted personality types, this should be an easy assignment.  For introverted personality types, this may require you to step outside of your comfort zone.  While this may not come naturally to everyone, it is absolutely essential if you intend to advance through the hiring process and ultimately land an offer.  As I often reiterate, no one can do a better job of selling you than you.  You do not have to memorize your stories word for word, but know what the problems and challenges are,  know the facts and deliver the solutions that generated positive results.   Anecdotal stories from your top shelf that display and showcase the very best of what you have to offer—what you bring to the table—will give you the edge you need to win over the interviewer.

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