This month I am going to focus on job searchers’ struggles to compete in the employment marketplace. You cannot simply offer your list of current job responsibilities. You must instead make it clear to your interviewer or the person reading your resume just exactly why you should be hired instead of the myriad of other excellent candidates. But how do you stand out?
Start with a careful inventory of your skills, characteristics, experiences, training and education. Evaluate your accomplishments. Itemize your interests, hobbies and activities. Then step back and ask yourself, just exactly what makes you any different or better than the next person. I bet you will find plenty of things that set you apart. You will determine that you have bushels of unique experiences, stories and talents.
What adventures have you had? What specific problems have you solved? What projects have you managed? What employees have you saved? What customers have you rescued? What disasters have you averted?
Next, create a plan. What’s the savviest way to transfer your uniqueness into an excellent career opportunity? You should handle your interviews so that you have a chance to bring these great stories out. Call a
ttention to your individuality in your resume. Don’t be another dry list of job responsibilities. Tell your most powerful stories.
Susan Reynolds is a senior partner at NewMarket Careers in Santa Clarita, a job search and career strategy firm geared toward managerial, executive and senior level professional careers.
For more information, please call 661-702-1345 or email sreynolds@newmarketcareers.com .