7 Ways To Market Yourself
- Date: 2010-05-15 - Word Count: 422
Share This!
A successful job search needs a compelling marketing campaign for a great product: you. Although this is your area of personal expertise, it is not always easy to pitch it right. Here are some tips from candidates and marketing experts.
1. Product definition
It is hard to put yourself in the frame of mind to sell yourself. Think of yourself as a product and tailor your application with benefits and special features that would make a potential employer want to buy.
2. Don't be shy
If you separate the skills and capability from the individual, it will help you be less bashful when you promote yourself to prospective employers. It is a problem for lots of Brits. "We're not good at self-promotion," says Peter Appleby, managing director of career consultants, Appleby Associates.
3. Pick your audience
Build a hit list of employers who will be interested in your particular skills and experience. Do not forget to contact professional institutions and regional bodies. They will have useful intelligence on local employers and be less guarded than a company's HR department.
4. Get personal
Clara, a marketing manager looking for her next move up the ladder, decided to meet marketing directors in the flesh. A little flattery goes a long way and when Clara called she asked for advice, not a job. "A surprising number agreed to meet me and a personal recommendation led to a job".
5. Be forward but not arrogant
You need to sell your wares, but choose your words and tone carefully. It is important "to avoid sounding boastful when reflecting your strengths", says Mike Warren, director of Proteus Consultancy. For example, you could say: "I have a reputation for writing outstanding code" rather than "I am the best programmer in my team".
6. Network at home
Networking is one of the most effective ways to find a job, and that goes for graduates and mature jobseekers. But, you need to be choosy. "Think rifle shot, rather than scatter gun," says Linda Whittern, director of Careers Partnership. "Start off with family and friends who will work hard on your behalf and stick to a list of 15. You need to be able to keep on top of your communications."
7. Use your budget well
Every marketing campaign has a budget and job hunting is no exception. But your resource is likely to be time. It is easy to be "busy" looking for jobs, but is your activity yielding any worthwhile results? When replying to job ads, stay focused and apply only to those companies that offer the right 'fit'.
1. Product definition
It is hard to put yourself in the frame of mind to sell yourself. Think of yourself as a product and tailor your application with benefits and special features that would make a potential employer want to buy.
2. Don't be shy
If you separate the skills and capability from the individual, it will help you be less bashful when you promote yourself to prospective employers. It is a problem for lots of Brits. "We're not good at self-promotion," says Peter Appleby, managing director of career consultants, Appleby Associates.
3. Pick your audience
Build a hit list of employers who will be interested in your particular skills and experience. Do not forget to contact professional institutions and regional bodies. They will have useful intelligence on local employers and be less guarded than a company's HR department.
4. Get personal
Clara, a marketing manager looking for her next move up the ladder, decided to meet marketing directors in the flesh. A little flattery goes a long way and when Clara called she asked for advice, not a job. "A surprising number agreed to meet me and a personal recommendation led to a job".
5. Be forward but not arrogant
You need to sell your wares, but choose your words and tone carefully. It is important "to avoid sounding boastful when reflecting your strengths", says Mike Warren, director of Proteus Consultancy. For example, you could say: "I have a reputation for writing outstanding code" rather than "I am the best programmer in my team".
6. Network at home
Networking is one of the most effective ways to find a job, and that goes for graduates and mature jobseekers. But, you need to be choosy. "Think rifle shot, rather than scatter gun," says Linda Whittern, director of Careers Partnership. "Start off with family and friends who will work hard on your behalf and stick to a list of 15. You need to be able to keep on top of your communications."
7. Use your budget well
Every marketing campaign has a budget and job hunting is no exception. But your resource is likely to be time. It is easy to be "busy" looking for jobs, but is your activity yielding any worthwhile results? When replying to job ads, stay focused and apply only to those companies that offer the right 'fit'.
Related Tags: job search, find a job, career search, job tips, career tips, market yourself
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Ideas For Finding a Nanny Job
Looking after the welfare of children is a very important job. The role of caregivers in the present - What There is to Know About a Temp Agency
A temp agency is a place were skilled office workers can go to get work. There are a number of diffe - Discovering the Many Ways a Temp Agency Can Assist in a Down Economy
When out of money and unable to find work, often times can look hopeless. However, for many who have - Careers That Require Financial Responsibility
Keeping your finances in order is important for any adult, but if you want to work in certain career - What You Need To Know About Resumes And Cover Letters
If the ways of getting employed is composed of steps, the first task would be to come up with an imp - How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting Hired
In trying to get a job, the person that you are going to impress, aside from your would-be boss, wou - Tips on How to Get Hired in a Flash
Unemployment rate all over the world is undeniably huge. But, the bigger problem that professionals - Tips and Techniques on Finding a Job Quickly
There are three ways on how you can get employed at the soonest possible time- that would be, knowin - Securing Your Lifetime Starts Now
If by the time you're 30 and you still don't know what you want to do with your life, it should alre - Occupational Therapy Jobs For a Career in Nursing
Occupational therapy jobs are undertaken by individuals who are willing to engage their skills in he
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Hollow Eyes Are Not Dark Circles Under The Eyes
Many people of all ages complain of dark circles under their eyes. The phrase "dark circles under th - Career As A Hairstylist
Hairdressing is an art that involves arranging hair for aesthetic purposes, participation in formal - Life After West Point Military School
West Point exists to educate and train Cadets who are commissioned as Officers in the US Army upon G - Work Experience In Fashion - How To Get A Great Opportunity In Fashion Work
Work experience in fashion can be one of the most challenging positions to find. It's a simple equa - Tips for Job Hunting in Today's Market
In order to be competitive in today's job market, you must stand apart from the competition. Just h - Who are the EMTs
You'll find them at Denny's. At least I always do. Denny's, Coco's, Perkin's; any all-night restaura - Hiring A New Assistant?
More and more small businesses and even larger companies are turning to virtual office assista - You Too Can Start an Independent Record Label
It's no big secret, the trick of how to start a record label definitely involves some cash and most - Increased Salary with a Medical Degree: Consider the Options
Physicians are probably one of the highest paid professionals in the world. They make a lot of money - 5 Steps to Becoming a Virtual Assistant
Here are 5 steps that I went through in becoming a virtual assistant. These aren’t official by