When you’re applying for a job, it’s not enough to simply tell employers what you can do – you need to show them. Many applicants rely on broad statements like “I’m a great communicator” or “I work well under pressure.” But without examples, these claims don’t carry much weight. By using specific, real-life examples from your work, studies, or volunteer experience, you can bring your skills to life and make your application stand out.

Why Examples Make a Difference

Concrete examples act as proof. They demonstrate how you’ve applied your skills in practice and help the employer picture how you might perform in their organisation. This makes your application more credible – and more engaging to read.

Consider these two sentences:

• “I’m good at managing competing priorities.”
• “When our team had to deliver two major reports in the same week, I created a shared timeline, delegated tasks, and ensured both projects were completed ahead of schedule.”

The second sentence tells a story. It shows what you did and what the outcome was. That’s the kind of detail that can turn your application from ordinary to memorable.

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How to Find the Right Examples

Start by reflecting on moments when you made a difference. These could come from paid work, university projects, community involvement, or even casual jobs. Ask yourself:

• When have I solved a problem or improved a process?
• When have I learned something new that helped me perform better?
• When have I received positive feedback or recognition for my efforts?

You don’t need to choose the most dramatic or impressive story. What matters is that it clearly shows how you use your skills in action.

Use the STAR Method to Structure Your Example

A simple way to organise your examples is the STAR method:

• Situation – What was the context?
• Task – What was your responsibility or goal?
• Action – What steps did you take?
• Result – What was the outcome?

Example: “When I worked as a marketing assistant for a local start-up (situation), I was asked to increase engagement on our social media channels (task). I analysed our audience data, created a content calendar, and introduced short video updates (action). Within two months, our follower engagement increased by 35% (result).”

This structure keeps your example clear, concise, and persuasive.

Tailor Your Examples to the Role

An example is only effective if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. Read the job ad carefully and identify the key skills and qualities the employer is looking for. Then choose examples that highlight those specific strengths.

If the role emphasises teamwork, describe a situation where you collaborated successfully. If it values initiative, share a time when you took the lead on a project. This shows that you understand what the employer needs – and that you can deliver it.

Make Your Language Active and Clear

When describing your examples, use strong, active verbs like “organised,” “developed,” or “implemented.” Avoid vague phrases such as “I was involved in” or “I helped with.” Active language gives a more confident and capable impression.

Keep your writing straightforward and free of jargon. Remember that the person reading your application might not be familiar with your previous workplace or industry terms. Clear, plain English is always the best choice.

Connect the Example to the Job

Don’t let your example stand alone. After describing what you did, explain what you learned and how it relates to the position you’re applying for. For instance:

“This experience taught me how to manage competing deadlines effectively – a skill I believe will be valuable in the fast-paced environment of your organisation.”

By linking your past experience to the new role, you show that you’re not just listing achievements – you’re demonstrating growth and relevance.

From Claims to Conviction

Using concrete examples transforms your application from a list of claims into a compelling story about your abilities in action. It helps employers see you not just as an applicant, but as someone who can already contribute to their team.

So next time you write, “I’m a strong communicator,” ask yourself: How do I know that – and how can I show it? The answer to that question is what will make your application truly come to life.