MARKETING YOURSELF

Marketing yourself is essential to your job search. Do you have a plan to market yourself to employers? If not, it is time that you developed a plan and put it into action.

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:

MY BEST SKILLS ARE ________________, _______________, _____________

SOFT SKILLS I ALSO POSSESS ARE ________________, _______________, _____________

How are your presenting these skills in cover letters, resumes, interviews and telephone

conversations? If you have the skills you plan to use in mind as you go through the job search process you will be conveying to potential employers what you have to offer.

You need to communicate to employers WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER.

SETTING YOURSELF APART

a. Communicate how you will make a difference in a company if hired -- present evidence of what you have previously accomplished. Your cover letter, resume and any written communication should emphasize the background, training and education that support the skills you are marketing.

b. Fresh outlooks you will bring to the table.

c. If you have and can save monies -- indicate how.

d. Use the interview as the final opportunity to market yourself and your skills. Be sure to explain thoroughly your skills and how you will make a difference. You will not get another chance (most likely).

e. Use follow up letters and phone voice messages to reiterate or restate the skills you are marketing.

f. If you have advocates who are in the company or who are writing letters or

making phone calls on your behalf- be sure they are reporting the skills you have to offer. This means communicating to advocates what you are selling/marketing to the prospective employer. (You may have to coach those speaking for you.)

g. Rehearse. Do mock interviews using words and phrases that will market your skills and set you apart from the pack. Have close friends review the verbage in letters and other communications you plan to use. Ask them for advice and assistance in improving your resume, cover letter and follow up letters and voice mails. Seek out people who have the skills to help you -- not just anybody.

KEEP IN MIND THE SKlLLS YOU ARE MARKETING AT ALL TIMES DURING YOUR JOB SEARCH