Create a Self-Marketing Plan

To start your job search process, it is important to create a self-marketing plan. Just like starting a new business, you need to determine your target audience, identify your unique attributes and selling points and look for effective ways to promote yourself by delivering a powerful proposition. Located below are a few tips on how to effectively market yourself to potential employers: Take Action – Post your resume to general and niche job sites that are targeted to your industry or location. Consider a resume distribution service to more effectively target key employers and improve your chance of getting noticed. Let People Know You Are Looking – Reach out to new and former contacts to inform them you are searching for a new career. The more people who know you are looking for a job, the better chance of finding a great job opportunity. Go the Extra Mile – Create an online career portfolio that incorporates your resume and other relevant career-related information to distinguish yourself from other candidates. Also, prove to potential employers that you are serious about your job search by getting a background check, which will save them valuable time and money. Create a Unique Brand Identity –Identify your strengths and capabilities that distinguish you from other candidates, and then effectively communicate these attributes to potential employers in verbal and written correspondence. Reinforce your unique selling point throughout your job search to convey the value you will bring to each organization. It’s OK to customize your message based upon your audience. Attend Networking Events - Join industry associations and attend career fairs to build connections and network. These events allow you to interact with professionals who may have a job opening in their company, or are aware of a job through their network of contacts. Networking is a powerful marketing tool. Protect Your Reputation - Review any social sites that you have subscribed to, in order to be sure that you are presenting yourself in a positive manner. Employers will review these sites and you will want to make a good impression. So, its important to protect your online reputation.