Taking Charge of Your Career

In the past it was considered arrogant – especially if you were a women - to speak highly of yourself. The employment market has dramatically shifted, however, and the changing dynamics of the workforce have created an exceptionally competitive job market filled with displaced, highly-qualified professionals.

This development necessitates that every job seeker refine her self-marketing skills. Self-marketing is a learned skill in which you effectively access your professional audience and then promote your ability to successfully meet those needs. It is up to you to convey to your potential employer that your capabilities go beyond the necessary qualifications.

 As a precursor to self-marketing, you must look internally. In order to deliver a seamless message to your potential employer, it is critical that you know yourself, your skills and your goals. By doing so, you can craft a message, whether it is during a networking event or in an interview, that caters to the needs of your professional audience. If you cannot promote yourself in the initial stages, it is likely that you will be overlooked by the employer for someone who can.

Once you know yourself, it is important that you know your potential employer. This begins with a careful review of the job description, to ensure that you are applying for a position that is consistent with who you are and to ensure that the position is a good match for your skill set.   It’s also a good idea to research the organization by taking a virtual tour of their website and reading recent articles about the organization in question.  Know the employer even as you know yourself.

Why?  Employers are looking for someone who fits within their organizational culture, and this means you must also understand that a generic resume that does not speak to the position you are applying for will not get their attention. The message that you want to convey is not limited to how you market yourself verbally but also how you build your resume and cover letter. Choose what skills to highlight on your resume based on the job posting and the message you want to send to that particular employer. Everything that you present to a professional audience should be customized, starting with the application and ending with the thank you note.

However, to truly understand the needs of your potential employer, you have to listen during the interview. Careful listening to their specific needs may give you a chance to mention any previous work or specialization you have that complements those needs. You cannot lose when you are actively engaged and fully listening to what they require, adjusting yourself and your marketing message as necessary.

Your message should go beyond a simple sketch of a feature or fact about yourself or your qualifications, particularly because you as a candidate encompass so much more. You must be able to connect the dots and tell the employer how your skills apply to them. Those conducting the interview may not grasp why your skills are beneficial to their organization. It is not enough to state it; you must be able to demonstrate how they will benefit from your employment with them.

Self-marketing is a key ability to have in any transition period. Proper self-marketing will convey clarity and confidence that will earn you the desired position.

Important tips to remember about self-marketing are:

•     Let go of long-held paradigms. You are not conceited; you are strongly aware of your skills.
•     Look within you to determine what you want and what you have to offer.
•     Once you know your message, promote yourself to potential employers.
•     Be ready to explain how your skills are a must-have for a specific employer.

Are you unsure about your ability to self-market yourself in a challenging economy?  That’s not uncommon.  The good news is that New Directions Career Center has exceptional career development specialists who are highly trained in the art of self-marketing.  Give us a call today to assist you in this area.  We can help you develop the skills necessary to achieve your personal and professional goals!