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Know Thyself: Put Your Best You Forward.
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Know Thyself: Put Your Best You Forward.
June 4, 2010 | Author: Allyn Horne | Filed under: Job Hunting
Concerned about landing a job, avoiding a layoff? Don’t let worries about the future paralyze you and prevent you from acting on behalf of your future today. In fact, the very best thing you can do for yourself during times of uncertainty is to focus on one of the key factors you CAN control: your strengths.
When hiring managers look at you, what do they see? Do they see what makes you distinct, unique, better, different? Do they see the ways in which you stand out, the ways in which you will deliver more value than will any other candidate? If you really stand out in one or two areas valued by the organization or the hiring manager, and if they see those areas in the spotlight, you’ll outshine your coworkers or competitors on the still-crowded candidate field.
Here’s a suggestion for identifying your uniqueness—or at least what employers consider unique. Divide a sheet of paper into two columns. Label the left column, “What employers want,” the right, “What I offer.” In the employers’ column, jot unusual, less-frequently requested, or company-specific qualities in the listings for at least three desirable jobs. Then, in the right, alongside each of those qualities, jot matching experiences, skills, and attributes.
| What employers want | What I offer |
| “Provide personal coaching to field managers” in a brand manager job listing | In this space, list skills, experiences or attributes that match what you consider the most unique or unusual requirements for the roles you’re seeking. For instance, all brand managers should carry a minimum, basic skill-set. Your goal, in this exercise, is to discover and articulate how you exceed the basic skill-set—how you stand out—in terms that the hiring organization understands and values. |
| “In-depth knowledge of our ‘fast moving’ industry, including agency and sales insights” in another brand manager listing | |
| “Flexibility and open-mindedness, embracing ambiguity and change” in an HR manager listing | |
| “Translate the ‘art of the possible’ into viable products” in a systems manager post |
Once you identify the intersection of what you offer and what employers value, focus on strengthening those qualities even more by taking classes, reading books, finding a mentor. Do what it takes to become an unparalleled leader in what makes you special.
If, however, while perusing opportunities, you note certain skills or attributes you would like to claim as your own but cannot, then look for ways to add those talents to your repertoire.
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