What is the best way to market yourself in a job search?

[slayer315]

I find myself next to a lot of competition for the jobs I'm qualified for. How do I stand out?

[Shae]

I can tell you what I have tried in the past and what worked for me.If you've just started looking for work then ensure that your covering letter and CV is concise, to the point and neat to look at. I found it always helps to follow up on job applications, if for nothing else, to find out why you were not successful, that applies to after job interviews as well. If you've been looking unsuccessfully for a while it helps to play the numbers game. In other words, write a knock out speculative letter perhaps offering a work trial period for them to try you out before committing to hire you and send to as many companies you're interested in. If you're particularly keen in working for a specific company then find out the name of the recruitment head and turn up at their offices to see the person with your CV. I have actually got given several interviews this way, I was told they liked my personal touch of hand deliverying my own cv. Also consider applying for jobs you had never considered doing but could be interested in. You'll never know what possibilities could be on the horizon...You can also try more unusual approaches like singing your cv and putting it on You Tube,one guy did this and whether it got him a job or not, I am sure it got him noticed by prospective employers. Good Luck!

[qman31500]

Shae is on to something. Marketing yourself in a job search starts with a clear understanding of the value you bring to job opportunity.

From there, you have to hone and refine your resume. If someone keeps asking you, so what's your main talent or area you do best, you may be sharing too much on your resume. Remember to put on those things that you do best, but also the key things they're looking for...and nothing else. Don't overwhelm someone with your background.

Now it's time to push the job search into high gear. Your resume is important, but work your network. In fact every day, make it a point to enhance or nurture relationships. Your social network is untapped gold. Treat it well and it will treat you well.

One radical approach is to offer your services for free for a period of time. Don't do this without being clear what you'll accomplish in a defined period of time. Also, be clear how they will evaluate you during the "freebie time" and more importantly, if you perform well, if there's a potential job in it for you. I knew a management consultant who did this and worked quite well.

Blessings my friend.