Job Search Tips for Older Workers

Six Strategies to Sell YOU!

By: Patricia Dorch

It’s essential you distinguish yourself from other candidates in your industry. Carefully evaluate your skills and identify what makes you different. Use strategies to prepare for your next interview and position you for the close – the job offer.

1. Personal Branding. Personal Branding is one of the most powerful tools for achieving career success. If differentiates you so you can “stand out” from others in any job market.

2. Selling YOU. When you prepare for an interview think of yourself as a service you want employers to purchase.

·        Make a list of your strengths, weaknesses and include an anecdote or example that showcases your strengths.

·        Your strengths reveal why you are valuable to the employer.

·        Provide examples that illustrate how you used your strengths to achieve goals.

·        Discuss strategies you used to improve weaknesses and what you learned.

3. Unique Promise of Value. Ask yourself what can I do better than anyone else? What value and experiences can I deliver that is unique to me? What successes can I bring that add value to this position? Research the company, review the job description and make a list of your important attributes that correspond with the job description, values and vision of the company.

4. Problem-Solver. Most employers will ask you how you solve problems. Do not underestimate the importance of this question. Use past experiences and successes to show how you are an effective problem-solver.

5. Power of Social Networking. Leverage the power of Social Networking by establishing an online presence. Share your expertise and position yourself as an expert in your field by starting a blog. Write articles and submit them to industry websites. Make a name for yourself – brand difference.

6. What’s In It for Me? What can you do for an employer that hires you? What’s in it for them? Clearly communicate strategies you would implement to manage change, problem-solve, lead others and accomplish goals.

Interviewing takes practice - just as you would prepare to make a presentation to a group of people use the same effort for each interview. Rehearsing what you will say out loud will build confidence and allow you to make revisions. The interview goal is to “sell you” and your unique value to get hired.

Copyright © 2010 by Patricia Dorch. All rights reserved.

Patricia Dorch is the CEO of EXECU DRESS a Business Image and Career Consulting Company. Patricia is a forward-thinking innovative Career Speaker and Strategist – Author of career book: Six Figure Career Coaching Advice: The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Success. Get hired today! Visit: http://www.jobsearchskillsandtips.com Follow me on http://www.twitter.com/tipsforjobs