A client asked this question the other day, and it calls for a blog post. Indeed, what you do with your strategically written resume is as important as preparing career documents that set you apart from the competition.

Take a moment to reflect on your ‘personal brand’ or, simply put, what and who you are. This includes being aware of and articulate about your career focus and interests, your personality, ethics, soft skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership style.

What are some of the words your colleagues or supervisors have used to describe you? What are you commended on in the workplace? All of this – you in person, on paper, and online – has to be consistent. Think of your ‘brand’ as a larger concept that extends beyond the resume.

Your marketing tools as a job seeker include:

• your social media presence
• your resume and cover letter
• your comportment in person
• your professional development

Social Media Presence:

It is no secret that hiring professionals will check your social media profiles.

1. Optimize your LinkedIn profile with the target audience (colleagues and potential employers) in mind.

2. Participate in professional online groups and be strategic about the content you share (on personal and professional channels).

3. Treat everything you put in writing as public. Be authentic and keep your target audience in mind: is the content you are about to share useful and worth their time?

Your Resume and Cover Letter:

1. Your resume should be easy to skim, have enough white space and a clear structure, and focus on measurable results.

2. Avoid long bulleted lists and dense text.

3. Present your most essential results; quantify them.

4. Trim general descriptions of duties and tasks.

5. Write your cover letter to address employer’s key requirements.

Your Comportment In Person:

1. It should be in line with your presentation on paper and in social media channels – professional, credible, and focused on delivering value.

2. Show your knowledge of the market/industry and offer examples of how you have met the needs of previous employers.

Your Professional Development:

1. Review the content you create and/or share, new tools you learn to work more efficiently, new skills you develop based on the advancements in your field, and the things you love about your work that inspire you.

2. Professional development also includes your knowledge of how and where to look for employment.

A well-organized approach to presenting your unique professional value is an essential component of your career advancement. Take a moment to write down several action items for your next career move.

 

About the author:

Tanya Mykhaylychenko is a professional resume writer with a background in content writing, university teaching, and IT staffing. She is a member of Editors Canada and Career Professionals of Canada. For more information, please visit https://tm-editorial.com/about/.