Market Yourself Professionally
Are you job hunting with no success? Getting a job in this market is difficult. It is important that you market yourself effectively in order to compete. You have to sell your talents, skills, and experiences similar to the approach taken by those marketing products. Here are a few easy steps to help get you on the right track:
Steps
- Update your resume/cover letter. Make sure your resume and cover letter include the most up-to-date information regarding your skills, education, and experiences. It may be helpful to get a professional assessment if you are not confident that your resume is up to par. Remember, resumes and cover letters are invaluable and will dramatically increase your likelihood of getting the job you desire.
- Network with other professionals. There are many professional organizations and networking events to participate in, many at no cost. Involvement in these activities will enable you to get out there and meet like-minded professionals. It will also increase your opportunities to interact with potential employers. Remember the cliché: sometimes it is not what you know, but who you know.
- Clean up your digital footprint. While popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter can be utilized as excellent tools in your job search, they can also hurt you. Make sure you do not post anything you wouldn't want a potential employer to see. Performing a simple Google search on your name could turn up information that may surprise you. Google yourself and find out what’s out there. There are several resources available online to assist you in protecting your online reputation.
- Do your research. Do not even think of applying to an organization without conducting extensive research. This includes examining its mission, vision, and core values. Make sure that your personal objectives and values and in line those of your potential employer. This will also help you avoid organizations that may be scams (i.e., many work from home ventures).
- Be consistent. Looking for a new job is very time consuming. Set aside time to do your research and send out your resume. There is power in numbers. This is especially important when you are unemployed. Creating a schedule will help you remain disciplined. There are many apps and websites for companies searching for employees, so consider signing up for a job-search app.
Tips
- Make sure you sign up for services such as LinkedIn. It is an excellent way to connect with other professionals, past colleagues and get information on new job opportunities.
- Volunteer experience is an excellent way to gain valuable experience and increase your skill set.
Warnings
- Do not apply for a job without a cover letter.
- Never apply for a job without a resume.
- Do not give up. Your efforts will pay off in the future.
