By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Rosa E. Vargas
The job search competition is fierce. There is no way to deny that. All the career gurus are advising you to build your brand, get online, tap into the hidden market, launch a strategic job search campaign…but, have we failed to divulge you must be a superstar!?
With so many qualified professionals seeking employment, it is not enough you are competent, smart, and experienced. Nope, it is not. Your self-marketing must pack power, make a memorable impression, and ‘wow’ your prospective employers.
What makes one a superstar in the realm of job hunting and career management? A superstar
is…
1. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) = Know your industry’s ins and outs. Stay abreast of the latest (keep your finger on the pulse), so you offer trending knowledge and competitive skills, which cannot be easily found in someone else, and, certainly, cannot be resisted.
Many professionals become comfy in their zone and don’t seek to acquire new skills. Predict what may be needed in the future in order to remain center stage.
2. Confident = No matter how strong your job search tactics, your inadequacy and insecurity will be perceived. How do you build confidence? Work on being an SME and believe in your value. Plus, be courageous promote your talent. Moxie anyone?
So many job seekers make the mistake of not tooting their own horn (and those that easily do often shouldn’t). Know HOW you are brilliant. Ensure you can ‘emanate’ your prowess, and, ooh baby— let the world see your glow!
Enjoying this article? You could get the best career advice daily by subscribing to us via e-mail!
Enter your email address:|
3. Singing the Right Tune to Right Audience = This is where the topic of personal brand needs to be clarified. Many job seekers are now focusing on personal branding, but guess what— if your personal brand (reputation) is not aimed at the right audience or is not ‘beaming’ the right message, your personal brand equals — nada! Without the right message (super-stardom), you are one of many who just slapped on the “brand” label to a nothing-special candidacy; this, making your light as dim as the rest.
4. Packaged as a Star = Hey, listen, I am no Beyonce. I promise you that. My point is a polished online presentation, professional resume, attractive business cards, and elegant attire does matter! Sprinkle some stardust on your candidate packaging; twinkle with the right brand as a subject matter expert and with confidence at the right audience; and then gaze at how your super-stardom will star-struck all potential employers. As you radiate that special and bankable shine, someone will lasso you right into your dream job.
Did you enjoy this article? You can read more articles by this expert here. Also, check out all of our free webinars!
CAREEREALISM Expert, Rosa Elizabeth Vargas is a job search strategist who is Quadruple-certified as an (MRW) Master Resume Writer, (CERW) Certified Expert Resume Writer, (NCRW) Nationally Certified, and (ACRW) Academy Certified Resume Writer. Additional qualifications include job search coaching and social media consulting. She has been helping job hunters since 2003 as owner of Creating Prints Resume Service, leveraging an accomplished 10-year career background as a Leader/Senior Manager, which included interviewing, hiring, training, and building strong and competent teams. You can find her on Twitter at @resumeservice.
The photo for this article is provided by Shutterstock.