What is a SOAR Statement and How to Use It for Success

A SOAR statement is a powerful tool to help you achieve your goals and stand out in the job market. It is a way to articulate your Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results clearly and concisely. This blog will explore the benefits of using a SOAR statement and provide tips and examples on creating your own. Whether you are looking to advance your career, land a new job, or want to set and achieve personal and professional goals, a SOAR statement can help you get there. SOAR statements are a way to communicate your value to an employer or future employer and demonstrate how you can contribute to their organization. Read on to learn more about this valuable tool and how it can help you soar to success.

Achieving Your Goals with the Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results Framework

SOAR statements can be used in various situations to highlight your skills and accomplishments. Some common situations where a SOAR statement might be helpful include:

1. During a job interview: A SOAR statement can help you stand out from other candidates by demonstrating your achievements and value to the organization.
2. In a cover letter or resume: A SOAR statement can help capture potential employers' attention by highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences.
3. In a professional development plan: A SOAR statement can be used to set goals and identify areas for growth and improvement.
4. In a performance review: A SOAR statement can help you demonstrate your value to your organization and highlight your achievements.

To write a SOAR statement, follow these steps:

1. Identify your strengths: What skills, experiences, and accomplishments make you unique?
2. Identify opportunities: What challenges or problems does the employer face that you can help solve?
3. Determine your aspirations: What do you want to achieve in this role and for the company?
4. Share your results: What specific outcomes or impact have you had in your previous roles?

By following these steps, you can create a compelling and persuasive statement that showcases your abilities and potential value to the employer.

Examples of SOAR statements for a job interview

1. As a customer service representative at XYZ Company, I successfully resolved over 200 customer complaints. I increased customer satisfaction ratings by 20% through my ability to effectively listen to and understand customer concerns and offer personalized solutions.
2. As the lead project manager for the ABC project, I was able to streamline the production process, resulting in a 30% increase in efficiency and a decrease in project costs by $50,000. Through my strong organizational and leadership skills, I effectively coordinated a team of 10 employees to achieve successful project completion within the designated timeline.
3. As a recent graduate, I have a strong foundation in [relevant coursework or skills] and a passion for [industry or field]. In my previous internships, I have demonstrated my ability to [specific skills or achievements]. My enthusiasm and drive to learn and grow will make me a valuable asset to your team.
4. Despite my limited work experience, I have a strong track record of taking the initiative and achieving success in academic and extracurricular settings. I have consistently demonstrated my ability to [specific skills or achievements], and I am eager to apply these skills professionally. My determination and dedication to continuous learning will enable me to make a meaningful contribution to your team.

Examples of SOAR statements used in resumes

1. As a recent graduate with a degree in Marketing and intern experience at a top advertising agency, I have developed strong communication, project management, and problem-solving skills that make me a valuable asset to any team. I am eager to leverage my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact at a company where I can grow and develop my career.
2. With a background in computer science and experience as a software developer intern at a leading tech company, I have a strong foundation in programming languages and a track record of delivering quality work on tight deadlines. I am highly adaptable and always looking for ways to improve my skills and contribute to a team's success. My technical expertise and strong work ethic make me an excellent fit for any organization.
3. With a background in marketing and a passion for driving results, I have consistently exceeded my performance targets and delivered successful campaigns for my clients. My ability to analyze data and develop targeted strategies has allowed me to increase brand awareness and drive sales for my clients.
4. As a soon-to-be graduate with a degree in Marketing, I have developed strong communication and analytical skills through my coursework and internships. My passion for understanding consumer behavior and developing effective marketing campaigns has allowed me to successfully lead a team in creating a social media strategy that generated a 20% increase in website traffic. I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to a company where I can continue to learn and grow as a professional.
5. As a soon-to-be graduate with a degree in Computer Science, I have gained a strong foundation in programming languages and software development through my coursework and project experience. I have also demonstrated my ability to problem-solve and work collaboratively on team projects, including leading the development of a mobile application featured at a school hackathon. I am confident in my skills and excited to start my career at a company where I can make a meaningful contribution and continue to learn and grow as a software engineer.

Examples of SOAR statements for Professional Development

1. As a recent graduate in the field of marketing, I have already demonstrated my ability to successfully create and implement a social media marketing campaign for a local non-profit organization. I plan to use my market research and analysis skills to identify new business growth and development opportunities in my current role.
2. In my current position as a sales representative, I have consistently exceeded my quarterly sales goals by building strong relationships with clients and utilizing my strong communication and negotiation skills. In the future, I am looking to use my leadership abilities to manage a team and drive overall company success.
3. As a recent graduate with a degree in marketing and strong communication skills, I plan to use my creativity and analytical thinking to develop and implement successful marketing strategies for a growing company. Through professional development opportunities such as industry workshops and certification programs, I hope to gain expertise in data analysis and digital marketing better to serve the needs of my team and company.
4. As a seasoned project manager with over 10 years of experience in the health industry, I plan to continue improving my leadership and problem-solving skills through professional development opportunities such as coaching and mentorship programs. My ultimate goal is to become a subject matter expert in project management and use my skills to drive successful project execution and customer satisfaction for my company.

Examples of SOAR statements for performance reviews

1. During my performance review last quarter, I demonstrated my ability to exceed sales targets by implementing a new lead-generation strategy, resulting in a 25% increase in revenue for the company.
2. I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to professional development by seeking new training opportunities and seeking feedback from my manager and colleagues. These efforts have resulted in a 20% improvement in my time management skills and a more efficient work process.
3. As a customer service representative at XYZ Company, I have consistently exceeded my performance goals by regularly surpassing the required daily calls, achieving high customer satisfaction ratings, and successfully resolving complex customer issues.
4. As a project manager at ABC Company, I have utilized my strong organizational and communication skills to successfully lead multiple cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. I have also implemented new processes that have increased efficiency and productivity within the department.

A SOAR statement is a powerful tool that can help you define your strengths, identify growth opportunities, and set achievable goals for your personal and professional development. Using a SOAR statement, you can clearly communicate your value and potential to employers, colleagues, and mentors and stay motivated and focused on your path to success. Whether preparing for a job interview, creating a professional development plan, or writing a resume, a SOAR statement can help you stand out and achieve your goals. 

So why wait? Start crafting your SOAR statement today and soar to new heights in your career!