Learn How to Master the Art of Marketing Yourself

Let’s face it. Most of us are not natural born salespeople. We generally prefer to go about our business, stay inside our comfort zone, and hope that others will automatically recognize our greatness on their own! Unfortunately, it usually doesn’t work out that way.
 
In order to land that perfect job or win that prized promotion over others, you must persuade others that you are the answer! You must know how to confidently talk about yourself, your skills, and why you are a better fit than everyone else. You need to become an effective salesperson of… YOURSELF! In my many mentoring sessions with young adults who are about to enter the workforce, it’s clear that most have no idea of just how important this is, much less how to do it!
 
The good news is that is that marketing yourself is a learned skill that even the most shy can master. So if you feel a little inexperienced (or uncomfortable) about putting yourself out there, here are some pointers to help you get started:
 

• Make a list of all of your strengths, qualifications, valuable experiences, and accomplishments
• Consider why they would be valuable to an employer
• Identify some personal stories that convey your attitude, unique achievements, and commitment to excellence (i.e. what’s an obstacle you’ve had to conquer in your life and how has it impacted you?)
• Be prepared to convincingly answer questions such as:
  • What value can you bring to the table?
  • What are your strengths and growth areas?
  • Why should we hire you? What makes you the best candidate?
  • What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishments and personal attributes?
  • What motivates you?
  • What are you passionate about?
  • What are your most significant professional qualifications?
• Understand what the employer is looking for (qualifications, etc.). Consider how your assets address their needs. Think of yourself as the solution to their problem. And, at a strategic time in the interview (usually after the recruiter has described the position), ask the following question, “How do you define excellence in this position?” Or, said differently, “What qualities do the most successful people in this position have?” Then, listen intently to their answer because they’ve just shown their hand for what they’re looking for! Then, find ways in the rest of the interview to show how you embody those qualities. You’ve just aligned your strengths to their needs!
• Build a compelling resume that highlights your strongest accomplishments and competitive advantages
• Network with as many people as you can to receive endorsements and inside connections. These days, the overwhelming majority of job offers go to the candidate who had an inside advantage—another employee who went to bat for them.  
• During interviews, be personable, enthusiastic, confident but not arrogant, look your interviewer(s) in the eye, repeat their name(s), shake their hands firmly, listen intently, come prepared with questions indicating you’ve researched the company and position, ask for a business card, promptly send a handwritten thank you note, exhibit confident and engaged body language, be yourself, and smile. That’s all!

 
If you’re able to do the above, you can become successful at marketing yourself. Your ability to answer why you are the best person for the job is essential and not at all a sign of arrogance! Even if it might feel that way.  
 
If someone asked you why you’re the best person for a job, would you be able to answer it with confidence, conviction, and humility?