Personal Branding for Job Search Candidates
Job Seekers need to convey their "Unique Promise of Value" to potential employers in their quest for a new job
(PRWEB) April 3, 2005 -- Think about some of the top brands in the world:
Coca-Cola, BMW, Volvo, and Starbucks. They use branding principles to establish
or maintain a presence in the marketplace. Each promises something uniquely
appealing to their particular customers. They have a target market and they know
what is important to their audience.
The same marketing principles can
be applied when searching for a job. More job seekers are beginning to
understand the value of "personal branding" in their job seeking efforts. The
only difference from corporate branding is the product; the product is the
individual job seeker.
"Job seekers need to discover what unique talents
and core values they bring to an employer," stated Kathy Sweeney, Certified
Professional Resume Writer and president of The Write Resume in Phoenix,
Arizona. "They need to determine specifically what differentiates them from
other candidates vying for the same position."
Sweeney says that job
seekers need to do research on different companies, to investigate the company's
core values, what products or services are offered and the target market segment
they serve. This information can be found on most company websites in their
"press release" or "about us" sections.
Once a job search candidate has
this information, they are better able to determine what qualities they possess
or specific experience they have that is a good match to a specific company.
Sweeney advises job seekers to take this newly gathered information and
formulate stories about specific contributions they have made to their
employers. However, she recommends being guarded when providing answers on
specific tactics to solve the potential employer’s current problems.
"Be
cautious about what you share with a prospective employer regarding the
contributions you would make to their company,” warns Sweeney. “They could take
your ideas and utilize them without hiring you. Past performance usually equals
future performance, so your previous contributions should be enough for a
prospective employer to assess your capabilities.”
Sweeney states the key
to showcasing your “unique promise of value” to an employer is interviewing
well. She says that candidates typically have challenges in formulating stories
that truly target the needs of the potential employer.
“When I conduct
interview coaching with my clients, I find that they usually have a hard time
putting themselves on the ‘other side of the desk’, the side of the hiring
authority. Job seekers have to do that in order to determine what is most
important to potential employers,” declared Sweeney. “When I teach clients how
to answer interview questions, using their experiences to showcase their
talents, it helps them to get a better perspective on the needs of the potential
employer. They are then able to accurately pinpoint their value as it fits into
the company’s big picture.”
Sweeney concludes that job seekers should do
an honest assessment of their strengths. This self analysis is vital, as is
pursuing feedback from colleagues, friends and family members. How a job seeker
views him/herself might be quite different than the perception of other people.
She suggests listening with an open mind to the feedback, weighing it
objectively, focusing on strengths and then making the necessary changes to
overcome weaknesses.
For more information on The Write Resume, visit www.awriteresume.com or
contact Kathy Sweeney toll free at 866-726-9052.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/4/prweb224866.htm