Many people think marketing is only for others’ products and services. If you are not getting the results you want in your job search, it’s time to start thinking of yourself as a company with products to sell. Your product is you! So how do you get started?
Begin with the end in mind. First you need to craft your marketing message. Know your strengths in the marketplace. What point do you want to convey to your audience? What unique qualities do you have? Why should you be selected over another candidate? Once you determine what you want to communicate, you’ll choose the words to best transmit your message.
The words you select will determine how others will react to your message. Would you rather hire an “Executive Assistant Extraordinaire” or an “Assistant”? Use words that have clear meaning and are not ambiguous. Include descriptive words that show why you are unique. Browse recent online job postings to identify words and phrases which are relevant to hiring managers. As companies slash their budgets, efficiency increases are key to staying in business. Current job postings include related keywords such as “Six Sigma”, “lean”, “Black Belt”. Find the words that are relevant to your skills.
Update all of your marketing pieces. This includes your résumé, LinkedIn profile, email signature, personal commercial and business cards. Use the same keywords in each of these pieces. Monitor the details and be consistent. Our subconscious does pick up on incoherence. Use the same type face in colors in each of your communications.
Change your approach to job searching by thinking of yourself as a product in recruiters and hiring managers is your buyers. Think through what uniqueness you bring to the market. Carefully choose the words to best describe your assets. Finally, communicate with your message in all your marketing pieces.
For learn more about using personal marketing in your job search, listen to for more personal marketing tips.
