Let Your Skills Soar Into the Future!

William S. Webb, M.Ed., NCCC

 

One of your challenges in the college admissions or job search process is to market your skills to show your readiness and ability to be successful.  The SOAR modelä (Skill, Objective, Achievement, Results) is a good way to organize some of your thoughts and illustrate how these skills have been applied.

 

Skill – What are some of the skills that you have used this past year? 
Example: writing and editing skills.

 

1.

2

3

 

Objective-  How does that skill relate to your goals; success in college or future job?

Example: Written and communication skills are critical to success in any college major.

Skill                                         Relationship to Goal?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Achievement/Accomplishment- How have you demonstrated that skill?

Example: Served as chief editor of the high school yearbook in my senior year. Or, wrote for and edited my company’s monthly newsletter.

 

Skill                                         Achievement/Accomplishment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Results/Benefits- What were the results and/or benefits of your using that skill (to the class, team, community, family, yourself, company, department etc.)?

Example:          1. Developed and wrote graduating class history for yearbook

                        2. Proofread, edited and submitted final text to publisher

                        3. Met all deadlines imposed by the publishing company

                        4. Printed yearbook under budget

5. Increased sales by 20%

           

Skill                                         Result/Benefits

 

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

The SOAR components become the “raw material” for you to use later in your college essay, interview or resume.  This exercise can help you write and speak with more clarity and confidence about your skills and accomplishments.