“Marketing You”

Have you ever been faced with the challenge of having to look for a job after many years in the same position? If you are like many of us, we get actively engaged in the work that we are doing, the relationships we are in, the kids we are raising, and sometimes spend no time on the next steps in our career. Then, one day we are faced with the challenge of finding a new job, either through our own choice, downsizing, or more devastating – being fired.

One of the key components in preparing to find your next position is to “Market You”. This may be a foreign concept to most of us. We might think of marketing products, services, or selling to customers. But, Marketing You to your next employer can be a rewarding and productive assignment on many levels.

Before you ever refresh your resume you need to identify what companies you are interested in working for. Next, gain an understanding of what type of employee they hire. What are the types of jobs at this company, job titles, job descriptions, and key skill-sets? Once you have researched enough data about the company and the type of skill-sets that would be beneficial to them, you are ready to “Market You”.

Talking about ourselves can be difficult. Even putting what we do into words might seem mundane. The beginning stage of “Marketing You” is to identify several key statements about your background that identify the value you would bring to the company. Create your cover letter targeting this specific company. Rearrange your resume to make the most important skill-sets for this company stand-out or fall near the top of the resume (e.g., consider writing several different resumes that target different areas). You may choose to send a functional resume so that you can highlight skills that you used in a previous job.

Next, brainstorm the many ways you can reach out to this company. Then, create several messages that you can deliver to the company over the next two-three weeks. For example:

1) Send your cover letter and resume identifying why you would be an asset to their company.

2) Follow-up with a phone call in one week and have a few sentences prepared to leave on a voice mail. These sentences should include your name, that you are following up on a submitted resume, and a key value statement about you that would entice them to call you back. Remember this is a statement about what is important to them. Not that you need a job desperately and will work for a lower wage.

3) If the location of the company is close, stop by the office a few days after the call to get an impromptu meeting with the recipient of the resume. Be prepared to interview with them on the spot. Choose a time that you feel they might be in their office. If they are not available, have a hand-written card addressed to them to leave with the receptionist.

You have now begun to build steps that can “Market You” specifically to a company. Some of the benefits experienced during this process may have been that you tried something new, you learned something about yourself, and you may have refreshed your confidence on why you are valuable to a company. This is just the beginning! As you grow with “Marketing You” I am certain that you will create new ways to package yourself and market to potential employers.

Share this process with friends and family, they can be great at giving you ideas how marketing touches to add. Soon you will have a portfolio of communications that you can begin to reuse with several potential employers. Your next new position may be right around the corner!

Article Source: http://www.c3careerarticles.com

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