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6 Tips for Job Seekers To Articulate their value

Reading Time: 7 minutes

In today’s job market and corporate environment, it is not enough to simply sell a product or service. It is equally important to sell yourself to advance in your career. However, “selling yourself” is not simply a matter of “talking yourself up.” Rather, it involves effectively communicating your personal brand and unique value in a way that demonstrates your worth as a quality candidate who can add value. Here are six valuable tips for effectively communicating your value.

Table of Contents

Lead with your soft skills

When employers first meet you, they encounter who you are as a person, not just what you know or your academic credentials. To effectively communicate your value, start by leading with your soft skills. Soft skills are personal attributes, attitudes, and character traits that define your personality and general disposition.

Highlighting soft skills when applying for a job is important for several reasons:

  • Firstly, soft skills, also known as interpersonal or people skills, are highly valued by employers as they are essential in building strong relationships and effective communication within a team or organization. These skills include things like adaptability, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and communication, and they are often difficult to teach or learn through formal education or training. Therefore, if you can demonstrate that you possess strong soft skills, you may be more likely to stand out from other applicants and be considered for the job.
  • Secondly, many employers today are placing greater emphasis on soft skills when hiring new employees. This is because they recognize that while technical or hard skills are important, they are not always sufficient for success in the workplace. Employees who possess strong soft skills are often more adaptable, better able to work with others, and more effective at handling difficult situations. Therefore, by highlighting your soft skills on your job application, you may be more likely to appeal to employers who are looking for well-rounded employees.
  • Finally, highlighting your soft skills on your job application can also help you to differentiate yourself from other candidates. In a competitive job market, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd, especially if you have similar qualifications or experience as other applicants. However, by highlighting your soft skills and showing how they have contributed to your success in previous roles, you can demonstrate your unique strengths and abilities, and increase your chances of being hired.

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Highlight YOur Technical expertise

While soft skills are important, recruiters also want to know that you can actually get the job done. To communicate your value, highlight your specific occupational skills, knowledge, and expertise, as well as your prior experience. These “hard skills” are technical knowledge or training that you have gained through your career or education. They demonstrate your proficiency in areas where prior knowledge and skills are essential and show that you can execute the roles and responsibilities of a specific job.

Highlighting your technical skills when applying for a job is important for several reasons:

  • Firstly, technical skills are often a requirement for many jobs, particularly those in STEM fields or other specialized areas. Employers want to hire candidates who have the technical skills necessary to perform the job duties effectively and efficiently. By highlighting your technical skills, you demonstrate that you have the knowledge and experience required for the job, and you may be more likely to be considered for the position.
  • Secondly, highlighting your technical skills can show that you are up-to-date with the latest technologies and tools in your field. Many industries and professions are constantly evolving, and it is important for employees to keep up with these changes in order to remain competitive. By demonstrating that you have the necessary technical skills, you show that you are committed to staying current in your field and that you are able to adapt to new technologies and processes as needed.
  • Finally, highlighting your technical skills can help you stand out from other candidates. In today’s job market, it is not uncommon for there to be many qualified applicants for a single position. By showcasing your technical skills, you can differentiate yourself from other candidates and demonstrate why you are the best fit for the job. This can be particularly important for positions where technical skills are a primary consideration, such as in software development, engineering, or data analysis roles.

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Be adaptable and willing to learn

In today’s rapidly changing world, it is important to be adaptable and willing to learn. Employers want to know that you can adapt to new situations, learn new skills, and keep up with changing technologies and trends. By demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow, you can communicate your value as a flexible, forward-thinking employee.

Demonstrating adaptability and the ability to learn when applying for a job is important for several reasons:

  • Firstly, many industries and professions are constantly evolving and changing, and employers need employees who can keep up with these changes. By demonstrating that you are adaptable and have a strong ability to learn, you show that you are capable of adapting to new technologies, processes, and ways of working. This can be especially important in fields like technology or healthcare where advancements are occurring rapidly.
  • Secondly, many jobs require employees to work on a variety of tasks and projects, often with tight deadlines. Being adaptable and able to learn quickly can help you to be more productive and efficient in your work, as you will be better able to handle new challenges and tasks as they arise.
  • Thirdly, many employers value employees who are proactive in their learning and development. By demonstrating that you are adaptable and have a strong ability to learn, you show that you are willing to take on new challenges and take responsibility for your own learning and development. This can be particularly important for positions with potential for growth and advancement, as employers want employees who are motivated to continually improve and grow their skills.
  • Finally, being adaptable and having a strong ability to learn can help you to stand out from other candidates in the job market. In a competitive job market, employers are often looking for employees who can bring unique skills and strengths to their team. By demonstrating your adaptability and ability to learn, you can show employers that you have the potential to be a valuable asset to their team and can help differentiate yourself from other candidates.

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Network and build relationships

Networking is an essential part of building your personal brand and communicating your value. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and build relationships with colleagues and mentors. By expanding your network and building strong relationships, you can gain valuable insights into your industry, learn about new job opportunities, and build a reputation as a valued member of your professional community.

Focus on results and outcomes

Finally, to communicate your value, it is important to focus on results and outcomes. Employers want to know that you can deliver tangible results and add value to their organization. Focus on the results you have achieved in previous roles and use specific examples to demonstrate your impact. By demonstrating a track record of success, you can communicate your value as a skilled and effective employee.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a job seeker or an employee seeking to advance in your career, it is important to communicate your value effectively. By leading with your soft skills, highlighting your hard skills, knowing your unique value proposition, being adaptable and willing to learn, networking and building relationships, and focusing on results and outcomes, you can differentiate yourself from other candidates and become a highly valued member of your organization.

How to Showcase Your Personality at a Job Interview​ When it comes to job interviews, showcasing your personality can be just as …

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Dave Crumby

I have spent the last 10 years supporting companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies to find and the best talent around the world.  

During this time, I have:

✔️ Scanned and reviewed more than 26000 CVs.

✔️ Conducted over 7000 interviews.

✔️ Secured new jobs and promotions in 20 countries across 3 continents.

For the past 4 years I have been developing best practices and solutions to help good people optimise their career branding for great careers. 

Are you interested in working with me?

Email me today.

Best of luck,

Dave Crumby

Your Career Optimiser | Certified Leadership and Management Consultant

Winner of Most Supportive Career Branding Service 2022

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