So what makes you so special?

Author Byline: Grace Kutney
Author Website: http://sweetcareers.blogspot.com

No, really, what makes you so special? And, I don't mean the fact that you can wiggle your ears or that you make a mean chicken alfredo - unless, of course, either of these talents are requirements in your chosen career field. What makes you special as a professional? What makes you stand out from the hundreds of thousands of other professionals out there, some of whom may be applying for the exact same positions to which you are applying?

Maybe you're wondering why it's even important to think about what makes you special. In my article, "Job Search in Tough Economic Times," I mention that it's not a good idea to blend in. You want current or potential employers to recognize your value - in order for that to happen, you need to not only recognize your value, but be able to articulate your value, as well. Knowing the ways in which you are special helps this process.

Many of us don't take the time to really stop and think about the characteristics that make us especially marketable. So, I challenge you to do so - take a moment to think about 3-5 specific characteristics, (i.e. personal traits, skills, knowledge or experiences) that make you special as a professional within your chosen career field. Keep in mind that many of your competitors, (fellow applicants), will likely have similar skill sets, educational backgrounds, or even work experiences as you. So, if for example, your education is a characteristic you've identified as making you special, be sure to think of the aspects of your education that may be different than those of other candidates. Did you work full time while completing your studies? Were you an active member of student organizations? Did you write a paper on a particular topic that might be of interest to potential employers?

Once you've identified your 3-5 characteristics, take a few more moments to think of examples that illustrate each one. Then, become comfortable talking about these characteristics. Yes, I mean out loud. These characteristics will eventually become part of your "brand." (I apologize, I know "branding" is a somewhat overused term, but I think the word really does fit in this situation.)

Then, as you write resumes and cover letters, as you network, and as you interview for positions, allow these characteristics to become something of an over-arching theme for how you market yourself. Of course, over time, re-evaluate these characteristics - you're likely to have developed new ones.

Hopefully, you've been told you're special; hopefully, you know that it's true. Now, my hope is that you can articulate why.

About the author: Career development professional with 10 years of experience in career advising. Specializes in working with undergraduate students with little-to-no work experience. Special interests include: international students, immigrant populations, parents transitioning back into the workforce, faith in the workplace, and Christian career counseling.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

BullsEyeResumes.com

by Marcia Robinson
(Philadelphia)

BullsEyeResumes.com is a subsidiary of The RayeMartin Group, a career management firm in the Philadelphia region. The company provides Resume Writing, Interview Coaching and Employment Training services. Principal consultant is Marcia Robinson who has been writing and training on career, workplace, employment and entrepreneurship issues for almost 10 years. She has more than 20 years experience in the Higher Education, Hospitality and Technology sectors. Her education includes Associate in Electronic Engineering Technology, BS in Business Management and MBA with emphasis in Human Resources Management.

Contact her at - mr(at)bullseyeresumes(dot)com
and sign up for the free monthly BullsEye Career eZine!

Career Lessons From a Snow Day

Author Byline: Grace Kutney - Career development professional with 10 years of experience in career advising. Specializes in working with undergraduate students with little-to-no work experience. Special interest in working with international students, immigrant populations, parents transitioning back into the workforce.
Author Website: http://sweetcareers.blogspot.com

Winter has arrived!! Earlier this week, my area received our first real accumulation of snow. As I looked out the window wondering when I'd have the time to shovel the driveway, I saw three middle school children walking in front of my house. "Be careful. Be careful!" I kept chanting in my head as I watched the three cautiously make their way over the icy sidewalk. That's when it dawned on me that job searching right now is not too unlike walking on a cold, snowy day.

It was rather blustery out; the children's heads were bowed and arms crossed, bracing themselves against the cold wind. All the while, the children kept their eyes fixed on the sidewalk, attempting to determine their next steps. Likewise, when the job market is cold, sometimes you just have to keep your head down - not in defeat, but in a posture of determination - forging ahead regardless of the cold slaps of rejection you know will come. Furthermore, you have to watch your step; be planful and thoughtful about the moves you make, and always be ready to alter your course when the need arises.

Back to the children walking in the snow. Two of them were wearing boots, while the third was wearing regular shoes (maybe sneakers). When it comes to job search, foot apparel is the equivalent of your skills, experiences and abilities. During any given time of year, having some sort of foot covering is important, but what you wear on your feet in the wintertime is particularly essential. Boots will keep you warm and will give you more stability and confidence as you trek through the snow. Likewise, your skills, experiences and abilities are always important aspects of the job search, but much more important during economic "coldspells." Solid experience and proven skills and abilities are like wearing a good pair of boots - they give you security, confidence and stability when the path you're walking is uncertain.

The little girl wearing sneakers was able to move along on the icy sidewalk, but she was much more tentative, periodically reaching out to balance herself on her friend's arm. Likewise, if you're heading into your job search with limited related work experience, (i.e. you're wearing sneakers on the snow rather than snow boots), navigating the job market will be especially challenging - but still possible. And, you'll likely benefit immensely from reaching out to your network of professional colleagues, (which is a good idea for any job seeker, but especially useful to those with limited experience).

After walking by my house, I notice the three young friends cross the street and head for the snow-covered baseball field opposite my home. Despite the cold, a lively snowball fight soon followed. This brings me to my last point. Though the job market is undoubtedly difficult, you can't allow the current economic climate to steal all of your joy. Find ways to make the most of the situation - perhaps by developing or honing skills, perhaps by re-connecting with colleagues, or perhaps by testing new career avenues previously unexplored. For all the challenges that winter can present, it also brings with it the joys of the holiday season, which in turn usher in the spring!

(For some practical tips on how NOT to let the recession become an excuse for not finding a job, read, "10 Ways YOU Stop Yourself From Getting a Job.")

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.