Marketing yourself as a potential candidate in today’s harsh job market isn't easy, but it's necessary to stand out from the crowd.
You may be better equipped than other candidates with skills and knowledge about your field; however, if they have more effective marketing strategies then chances of finding employment will become slimmer.
You may have better skills and knowledge than other candidates in your field, but if they can market themselves more effectively then it is likely that you will not get the job. The system cannot always be fair - however, with these tips on how to market yourself when applying for jobs, we'll see what opportunities present themselves!
Doing Your Homework
The more organized and prepared you are when looking for a job, the better chance that your job application will stand out from others. Do your research on the companies before applying so they know how well-versed in their field of work you are. Potential employers will be impressed with your knowledge of the company and know that you're serious about getting the job.
If you don't have the skills, perhaps you can find a program where you can get specialized training to develop them. If you do have the required skills, start working on your resume in order to highlight the specific skills you have that pertain to the job you want.
In addition, do your research on the company to which you're applying.
Marketing Tips
When it comes to marketing, there are certain things you can do that may make the company want to work with your unique skillset more than others; some of them subtler and less tangible while still being just as important for success in business today. Try using the following tips to effectively promote yourself:
1. Tweak your resume.
Your resume is clearly vital when it comes to landing a job. It's a simple piece of paper that describes what you've done in order to prepare for the specific job. Customize your resume to include items that are specific to the job for which you're applying. In fact, employers prefer that you keep it simple and on topic.
2. Come dressed for success.
Always pay close attention to what you wear when you're making a first impression. It says a lot about you. Dressing for success increases your chances of landing the job.
3. Be ready to nail the interview.
At the interview, smile and stay as relaxed as possible. You'll want to appear friendly as well as knowledgeable in your field.
4. Remember that you're always a student.
Be humble, without selling yourself short, when you're looking for a job. There's always something else you could add to your skill set to complement your current skills. Being able to easily cross-train might set you apart from your competition.
5. Check your own Internet sources.
"Google" yourself to check on what public information appears on the net about you. If there's something you might not want potential employers to see, find out if you can have it removed.
6. Come prepared to share new ideas.
Before the interview, practice thinking on your feet and presenting new ideas with a friend. Then, you'll be ready for any opportunity at the interview to share these ideas. When you do, it'll show that you're willing to go the extra mile and think creatively.
7. Explain what sets you apart.
If you're given the chance, explain what sets you apart from your competition. It's a great way to really sell yourself to the employer.
The job market is tough these days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t come out on top. With the right attitude and some well-executed marketing strategies, you’ll be sure to stand out from the competition. Need some extra help getting your career on track? Check out our career coaching services – we can give you the tools you need to succeed. Thanks for reading!