By Sandy Prock M.Ed., JCTC, Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com

It occurred to me today that an idea one successful screenwriter utilizes when he writes movie scripts could apply to job seekers like you when you interview for a job. The idea is “save the cat.” The idea of "saving the cat" evokes strong positive emotions in the audience.

When this successful screenwriter writes his movie scripts, he has the protagonist or the hero of a movie save someone or something. He calls it “save the cat.” It works if you save a person, cat, a dog a bug, etc. (yes - in animated movies - even a bug). The reason? Likability. We tend to like people who do good things for other people. When we like someone, we root from him or her.

You want your potential employer to like you and root for you. You want him or her to hire you.

So how does this “save the cat” apply to you? Show how you, in your last position, or last few positions, helped your former company/companies save a situation with your problem solving and leadership. Show how you helped save your company money. Show how you helped to save time. Show how you helped mentor employees. Show how you helped save a top client. Show how you helped your last employer or past employers save the day in small and big ways – I am sure you get the “save the cat” idea.

Show how you “saved the cat” in your past positions in small and big ways and you will land in the “likability” category. People hire people they like.

Likability is not all there is to landing a job, but it can be a decisive factor if you are competing with other qualified people. Place yourself in the top percentile, show your likability, and show how you “saved the cat."

How do you show this? You can show this in your cover letter, and your resume. Start by remembering and collecting all the times “you saved the day.” Commit these to memory so you can be ready to talk about them in the interview.

The easiest way to talk about your accomplishments is with facts, figures and details. Explain the problem or problems you solved. First, identify how you discovered the problem and all you did to find the winning solution – if you do this you will come across as someone who can help your potential new employer. Include kudos to all the people who helped you carry out your solution or who contributed and helped you solve the problem. You not only show how you “saved the cat,” but you also show a team player mentality, an open attitude of generosity, and the intellect to solve problems.

We wish you the very best in your job search! Make sure your resume, cover letter and other job search documents show your accomplishments with tangible evidence. Increase your likability quotient and land the job you want.

If you have any questions about your resume, cover letter or other job search documents, please feel free to call Bob.

Sandy Prock M.Ed. (Masters Degree in Education – Vocational Guidance and Counseling), JCTC (Job and Transition Coach), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com