Why Prove Skills in the First Place?

Anyone can claim to have a skill, but only skills one can prove are recognized by others. People who prove their skills stand out from those who don’t. When employers can see skill evidence, they’re able to make informed decisions about who they hire or promote based on skills, not exclusively on education level or work histories. 

Three types of evidence help prove skills and can be showcased on CareerPrepped

  1. Skill Narratives: Stories that explain how one applies a skill illustrated with examples, often evaluated via responses to job interview questions.
  2. Portfolio Files: Multimedia files such as work samples, awards, learning records and credentials that support a claimed skill.
  3. Endorsements: Validation from others who vouch for one’s claimed skill based on their experience and observation of the person’s skill.

When is Evidence Strong vs. Weak?

Whether a skill has strong evidence to support it is subject to different opinions, which is why it’s important to understand diverse opinions of others. Below is a general guide to understand if the evidence of a skill is strong vs. weak.

Two ways skills are represented on CareerPrepped

  1. Skill Badges: CareerPrepped Skill Badges are digital representations of essential workforce skills, often called “soft skills,” that have been specifically defined by CareerPrepped. Skill Badges indicate the claimed abilities that define the skill and responses to two “interview” questions about the skill (i.e., skill narratives). Skill Badge owners can also provide portfolio files, endorsements and testimonials to support the claimed abilities. Skill Badge owners can collect feedback on the extent to which others feel their question responses and portfolio files prove their claimed skill.

 

  1. “Other Skills”: Self-identified skills a person claims to have which are not represented by Skill Badges fall under “Other Skills.” “Other Skills” can be proven with portfolio files, endorsements, and testimonials. Community members can collect feedback on the extent to which others feel their portfolio files prove these claimed skills.

Examples of Weak vs. Strong Feedback

Below are examples that show the difference between weak and strong feedback on skill evidence. These comparisons illustrate how thoughtful, specific feedback helps clarify whether evidence effectively proves a skill—or if it needs more context. Strong feedback not only encourages growth but also teaches how to better demonstrate applied skills in ways that employers understand.

Skill Claimed: Workplace Safety

Evidence Uploaded: OSHA 10-Hour Certificate

Weak Feedback

Strong Feedback

“Good job uploading your certificate.”

“Your OSHA 10 card is a great way to show foundational knowledge in workplace safety- a valuable achievement! To strengthen your evidence, add examples of how you’ve applied what you learned - like following safety procedures during a lab or helping others stay safe in a volunteer or work setting. This shows how you’ve used your knowledge in real situations.”

 

Skill Claimed: Public Speaking

Evidence Uploaded: Slide deck from a class presentation

Weak Feedback

Strong Feedback

“Slides look clean and well-designed.”

“Great job organizing your slide content - it’s clear and easy to follow. To better demonstrate your public speaking skills, consider linking to a video of your actual presentation and adding a brief note about how you prepared and delivered it. For example, did you adapt your tone for the audience or manage speaking anxiety? These details show how you applied the skill - not just created slides for it.”

 

Skill Claimed: Time Management

Evidence Uploaded: Perfect attendance certificate

Weak Feedback

Strong Feedback

“Nice job on perfect attendance!”

“Earning a perfect attendance award shows great reliability - well done! To make this stronger evidence of time management, consider adding a note about how you stayed consistent. Did you use a planner, manage competing responsibilities, or adjust your routine to stay on track? Those insights help others see how you actively apply this skill.”