Q:
As a job seeker, how can I stand out from the crowd?
A:
Branding yourself is, of course, very important. As a job seeker, you must know what your key skills are and how to articulate them and show value. But, there's really so much more to it than that. Consider this analogy...
You need a new suit for an important meeting. You go to a store that you know will have suits. You go to your size and you buy one off the rack, thinking that these are the only options, and you need to make one work. Will the suit fit and flatter you? Maybe, but probably not as well as it could.
On the other hand, if you decide that you want the best, most flattering fit – the one that makes you look and feel your best –then you go to a custom clothier. You bring your spouse to get a second opinion. You look at cut, colors, patterns and textures. You get it tailored to precisely fit your dimensions. This suit will make you look fabulous and will help to highlight your best features!
Your job search is analogous to this suit-selection process, and you shouldn't assume that all the best jobs are there "on the rack" just waiting for you. Sometimes you need to do a little creative thinking outside the traditional box (tailoring, if you will) to identify the best options and ultimately get the best fit.
If all you're doing is going to the rack (these are the job boards) to see what's there, you're doing what everyone else is doing, so you're probably going to have difficulty standing out from the crowd.
If you embrace a custom solution - one that's tailored specifically to your network, your skills and experience, and your career goals, then you're much more likely to find success. By leveraging unique strategies and techniques, you will, by default, be viewed as more unique.
Most people were never taught how to do any of this, and most people look for the path of least resistance. We help you get out of comfort zone and get better results. It's like the old saying goes, "If you'll do the things others aren't willing to do, you can have the things others aren't able to have." That's how you stand out – by being clear, concise and strategic.
Q:
Networking. Everyone is doing it. Do you know how to be strategic about it?
A:
Many people will reach out to their networks of friends and business connections. They'll typically let them know that they're looking for "something new" and ask their contacts to let them know if they hear of anything. The problem is that doesn't really help them to effectively help you.
We leverage a process that helps job-seekers understand their key skills, how to most effectively communicate them and to whom they should direct this messaging. Then, networking becomes strategic and purposeful.
Instead of randomly asking people to keep their ears open, you'll have a clear picture of why you want to talk to people. By articulating what skills you want to use, how you want to use them and where they can be most effective, you've provided a much clearer picture of who you need to be connected with and why that would be useful (and makes them look good too!)
Q:
What are some effective resume tips that will help get me noticed?
A:
The biggest mistake that job seekers make with their resume is that they list their duties and responsibilities for the positions they've held throughout their career. Instead, you should be detailing your accomplishments. It doesn't matter what you did, as much as it matters that you achieved results doing it.
Be sure to include keywords that are also listed in the job posting. Many companies today are using automated scanners for resumes, and they're looking for specific words. Try to leverage their same language in your resume.
If you're able to include a cover letter, it can be an effective extension of your resume. There, you can drill down into detailed reasons why you're a good fit for the position. The cover letter MUST be tailored for the specific job opportunity – a standard "form" cover letter is the kiss of death.
Q:
When evaluating multiple job offers, how can I decipher which is the best choice for me?
A:
They key is to not wait until the offer to think about what's important to you. You should have already identified your priorities as part of your job search. People often have an easier time doing this for someone else than they do for themselves. It can be difficult, as they say, to see the forest for the trees.
So, do the hard work up-front. What are the benchmarks for your ideal job? What kind of culture are you seeking? As a Career Coach, I can help define and prioritize these things, which will be critical to the process.
When you get offers, you should always be able to come back to your original job search goals list. First look at the financial offer (this may not be politically correct to say, but it's also the reality of how you pay your bills.) Is it within your acceptable salary range?
Then, money aside, how does it match up to your other priorities? If you've done your homework, this should be a fairly easy evaluation process, because you've already created your scorecard. As a coach, I also hold people accountable to how they defined their goals and priorities. This can be a help to them, as well as an affirmation.
today to discuss how Centennial can add value to your efforts.
Reach Centennial directly at 513.366.3760.
