During interviews or otherwise, there comes a moment when you have to emphasize and describe that you are a fast learner and hence you can pick up the job faster. But not many people know how to express this correctly.
As such, the unsubstantiated trait of “being a quick learner” has no impact on the hiring manager. Smart hiring managers need evidence or figures behind the claims of quick learners. Having numbers makes it credible as well as forces hiring managers to explain how you did it. That can be a winning point if you can tell a great before-and-after story. Use two approaches to establish that hook and at the same time present yourself as a quick learner:
1. Use quantifiable measures to express the speed of learning.
Your best bet is to present your successes in the past in terms of numbers and measures which are indicative of learning fast. There are specific words corporate managers use more often. Most hiring managers are data-savvy, and they like facts and figures. However, make sure the figures you mention tell a story. There must be a story behind those numbers, which you should be able to explain if given a chance for an interview. Some examples of expressing it are:
- Demonstrated highly accelerated time to mastery from the usual 6 months to 3 months;
- Came up to speed on a project X faster than peers;
- Attained threshold proficiency in X months ahead of average time to proficiency.
- Promoted through 3 grades within 5 years
2. Use qualitative terms that show quantum indirectly if you can’t defend measurement.
For several instances, you may not have the hard, defendable figures. In that case, make sure to indicate the quantum of learning like the number of skills mastered, subjects studied, and the span of disciplines. Some examples to express it are:
- Learned data analytics, Cybersecurity, and network infrastructure within a span of 6 months;
- Mastered project management to black belt level;
- Completed certified financial analytic certification alongside full-time employment
- Earned double major in economics and financial policy with X scores
- Earned X number of credentials, degrees, or certifications in 3 years
- Finished doctoral research within 4 years
By using these two approaches, you stand a chance to impress your hiring manager by expressing correctly that you are indeed a “fast learner” and the most suitable hire.
