Let the Bells Ring Out

Special offer, special deal, or special delivery are words that we see emblazoned on products everywhere. Why would advertisers go to that effort to make their product seem special to us? Because we’ve been raised to respond to the word 'Special'. A few examples are special occasion, that special someone or in that special place and time.

Before I send clients out to apply for a position or job, I encourage them to come up with five key reasons why their product is special and stands out from the rest. Why would an employer pick them over the other hundred or more applicants? It is YOUR five key reasons as to why you’re special that will have them offering YOU the position.

I will ask my class, "If you were an employer, would you hire you?" The general response is a resounding YES! On occasion, I will get someone who says, "No way, I’ve worked with me before and I don’t like the effort I put in." After that outburst of information the rest of the class gets a pretty good idea as to why that person is unemployed. If your answer was yes, then why, why would you hire you? Is it because of your work ethic, your training, your dedication, initiative, drive, history of success or your outstanding attitude? Whatever the reasons are, it is your job to convey that to the employer or interviewer. If you’re like many of the chronic unemployed or underemployed and have trouble selling or promoting yourself, I have three words for you: GET OVER IT! If you don’t sell yourself, who will?

I’m not saying that you should be as blusterous as the genie in those Bugs Bunny cartoons who, whenever he burst from his lamp, would start proclaiming "Let the banners fly and the bells ring out, I’m here. It’s too good to be true but I’m here!" But you will have to sell me on something because if you don’t, the person behind you in line will and they’ll walk away with the job. Better to err on the side of overconfidence than shyness. Would you buy a product the seller was reluctant to say anything good about? Remember, the job may not go to the best qualified, or best person for the job but it will go to the person who did the best job of selling themselves.

Larry Arrance has facilitated workshops for over 4,000 job seekers and career changers. He has personally guided hundreds through the development of powerful marketing tools in their quest to gain employment. During his 12 years as an employment coach and facilitator he has helped clients that ranged from those who were just entering the market, the long-termed unemployed, professionals making major career changes, and victims of restructuring. He is one the part of the three amigos, specializing in career and job search advice. http://www.threeamigosonline.com.