Marketing Yourself in a Tough Economy

I live in Indiana, one of the states hardest hit by the unemployment crisis. Not only am I bombarded daily with unemployment statistics and stories about layoffs and closings, I personally have many, many friends and acquaintances who have recently lost their jobs. When asked for my assistance or guidance on finding a new job, the key piece of advice that I can offer is this: identify and pursue opportunities that are based on your strengths. In other words, don’t rely solely on available job listings to determine your options. You need to identify and pursue opportunities that you seek out based on your knowledge and expertise.

You should first make a list of target industries that you would like to work with. Then, within that list, research the companies in your area that are providing these types of services. Next, catalog your strengths and interests which will best benefit these companies. I recommend that job seekers write a bio sheet in addition to their resume. A resume outlines where you have been and what you have done, which is important. However, a bio talks more about what makes you unique and “expert.” Be prepared to market yourself by demonstrating to your target organizations what you can do to make them a better company.

How will you present yourself at the meeting you set up with these companies? Well, some suggestions are:

• Confidently outline your areas of expertise
• Summarizes your key accomplishments from your last job
• Be prepared to present specific ideas for THEIR business
• Include both ideas that will produce immediate results and those that will take some time but could yield greater rewards

Make sure that prospective employers know what you are bringing to the table. You are not just another person out of work and looking for a job. You represent a valuable asset that they can’t afford to pass up. You need to demonstrate to a potential employer that you have skills and talents that will benefit them and make their company better. Hiring you is not so much about them providing you with a job as it is about you providing them with an excellent employee and a valuable asset!