What happens when 1720 resumes have been pruned to 22? The last men (and women) standing are all HIGHLY QULIFIED and EXPERIENCED
That practically means you are a commodity- a commercial term that means undistinguished/undistinguishable product. Who wants to buy ordinary things? I am sure you will prefer to buy unique/something special when you are out to buy things. The behavior of employers in choosing the preferred candidate is not much different!
So what will you say during this interview that is special and more compelling in order to outdistance others? What will you write in your resume that will make the employer want to see you? How will you craft your cover letter so that the potential employer will feel you must be invited for the list to be complete?
What is your USP (unique selling point) and what does that translate to so it’s a benefit for your new employer?
Stand out From The Crowd Of Experts
The number one strategy job seekers neglect is the selling of their UVP (unique value proposition) over other qualified candidates These days, especially for senior/executive positions, your competition is not the under-performer with an unpolished resume and poor communication skills! (Wouldn’t that be easy?)
Your competitor is smart, is articulate, and accomplished. So, you, must introspect, dig deep, and develop a enthralling marketing plan that persuades from resume to interview, and through follow-up by seducing your employer with the promise of success through a clearly differentiating value you, and only you, can offer.
You must examine your career performance, find those special ways in which you deliver results–own them and promote them! Because to win in this challenged job market, you must sell a unique value proposition/a brand/a differentiating value.
Deep-Dive Analysis
So, how do you go about this? Take out your pen and paper or better yet, open your MS Word program and answer the following questions:
1. Why Would An Employer Hire Me Over Others Who Are Qualified?
You are not allowed to answer this question with education, years of experience, or industry knowledge. Sorry! Yes. These are important and you must leverage them but these are qualifiers. Remember, your competition is qualified—we are looking to nudge your employer over the fence by dangling a gem. Paint a rosy future from the previous success using words, figures, confidence
2. What Is My UV And How Will It Impact My Future Employer?
What values do you want to add to the employers business and situation. How do you want to make money, save money and/or grow the business for him? HWhen others speak of you, what do they say? What have you been consistently recognized for? How have you delivered in areas that no one else could?
3. What Guarantee Can I Make To My Future Employer?
It is not enough you have discovered your brand or USP/UVP—you must market it and convince the employer to switch/buy what you are selling. How do you present this as unique, effective and repeatable?
4. What Can I Use To Substantiate My Personal Brand Or UVP?
Convincing is done with examples, stories, and references. You must prove it. Figures are the most effective and must be included!
5. Is This Message Delivered Consistently And Persuasively?
You must pass these across in all your job search communication media. These media include your resume, cover letter, interview performance, online social profiles, or any self-publishing/self promoting b content. The more consistent you are in the promotion of your image across all materials/communications—the more believable you will be—the more trust you will gain—the more convincing you are.
The game has gotten tougher folks! The same way in which you make purchasing decisions (you want to get the best for the money)—employers want to hire the best for the salary and they desire to not make a mistake in hiring you.
Present and position yourself as better than the competition, dominate, close the deal by reassuring you are unique and not only are you qualified, but you will deliver above the rest!
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