As you begin to search for a job/career keep in mind that you are responsible, at each step of the process, for marketing yourself. In a sense you are a product and the way you present this product to others can have either a positive or negative impact on your success.
The marketing of any product is generally more successful when there is a personal positive contact with potential customers. Similarly, don’t depend on sending out letters and resumes to market yourself. Personal contact with potential employers and sometimes even contact with employees in a place where you would like to work can help you to better market yourself.
The following provide some tips in marketing yourself.
Always present a positive image of yourself.
Remember that anything you give (for example: resumes, cover letters) to a potential employer creates an impression of you. Keep that impression professional. Let people know that you care about the work you do, even if the only example they get to view is your resume or cover letter.
Understand your skills/abilities and interests (see YOUR STRENGTHS) and use any opportunities you have to let others know how you could use your strengths to help a company/business
Research any companies you are applying to and refer to some things you know about the company in any communications you have with them
First impressions are important. What can you do to create a positive, professional first impression?
Always prepare for any interviews (see INTERVIEW SKILLS).
When you are presenting your skills don’t forget to mention personal attributes (such as team-player, strong initiative, good listener, etc.) as well
Ask yourself, “Why should this employer want to hire me?” (and have a practiced answer to such a question that is under one minute in length).
When applying for a specific job position research what is expected in this position (the company may even have a job description you could look at) and be aware of the salary range that is associated with such a position.
Visualize being successful in obtaining the job you are looking for
Sometimes a job may appear when you are not even actively looking. Be ready to take advantage of opportunities when they arise, even if unexpected.
Be both committed to achieving success and be persistent in your attempts to find it.
Learn from your mistakes and value and ask for feedback from employers you have approached in looking for a job.
If there are no jobs available that match your personal profile attempt to convince an employer that if such a job became available you would be the right person to hire
Remember that the final impression (see LASTING IMPRESSIONS) you leave with a potential employer may be as important as that first impression you worked so hard at. There may be times in which you are not successful in obtaining the job you applied for but the lasting impression you created was so strong that the employer contacted you as soon as another job became available.