Your Value Proposition: A Critical Component To Having A Successful Job Search

Your value proposition is a series of statements defining your worth. It is the value you bring to the table ? the skills, strengths, core competencies, marketable assets and accomplishments you can declare as your own. Your value proposition describes your uniqueness - your unique gifts. It is what differentiates you from the crowd.

Think about some of the statements you can make about yourself that reflect the skills, strengths and competencies you possess. What makes you uniquely you? What is your value, your worth? Begin to jot down some ideas. You might want to ask someone who knows you well what values they see in you. You may be surprised by what they say. Then begin to formulate the best way of stating this.

Your value proposition is the cornerstone for all self-introductory communication. It sets the tone. It's how you make your mark. It is how you describe yourself when you are networking, when you are conducting an exploratory meeting with senior management, and when you are interviewing.

Your value proposition should be used as your primary response whenever you are asked these types of questions:

? So tell me about yourself?

? How are you different from every other candidate?

? Why should I consider you for this position?

? How do you know you can do the job?

? Why do I want to get to know you better?

Your value proposition also becomes an integral part of your resume. It is placed at the top, so it sets the tone. It holds tremendous weight as a differentiating tool, swiftly setting you, and your resume, apart from the rest.

There is a fundamental difference between your value proposition and your areas of expertise. Your areas of expertise pertain to what you have done, the experiences you have gained over the years. Your value proposition reflects who you are, the unique gifts you possess. It is who you are which best describes to an employer how you would accomplish the specific responsibilities of the position offered.

As an example, let's say you gained experience in a cash flow / cash management, or Treasury, type of function. As part of this position, you also gained experience working with bank executives, establishing important relationships with key personnel. These would be areas of expertise. Let's say that as part of your uniqueness, or worth, you have great macro-vision, which is the ability to see the big picture. You also have an unusual ability to communicate which allows you to quickly initiate critical relationships with high-level executives. These abilities are part of your value proposition. It is your macro-vision and unusual ability to communicate that describe how you would fulfill a position as Treasurer.

Incorporating your value proposition in every aspect of your job search will set you apart and significantly improve your competitive stance in the job market. You will find your next job faster and be in position to receive a much stronger compensation package. It is critical to your success.

Copyright © 2005 TopDog Group All rights reserved.

David Richter is a recognized authority in career coaching and job search support. He has spent many years in recruitment, staffing, outplacement, counseling psychology and career management spanning most industries and professions. David founded TopDog Group in response to the needs of job candidates to have a higher quality of career coaching and support available on the Internet. David understands the mechanisms for success. He has formulated specific strategies anyone can use to secure interviews and receive offers. His extensive knowledge and experience sets David apart in this field, allowing him to offer a wealth of information and a vast array of tools, resources and strategies not found anywhere else. He has shown countless job seekers how to differentiate themselves and leverage their potential to the highest possible level, making a real difference in their careers. David holds both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology. David's website address is: http://www.procareercoach.com



A Look At Some Out of the Ordinary Jobs

What do you want to be when you grow up?... Read More

12 Steps to Targeting Success in Your Career or Job Search

Is your job search sagging? Are you still looking for... Read More

Recruiting on the Web Requires Special Record Keeping for Legal Purposes

by Lesli Peterson, Business Analyst, VCGwith Phil McCutchen,... Read More

Interview Preparation

The dreaded job interview is the Number 1 source of... Read More

175 Power Verbs and Phrases for Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews

While you're revamping your resume or cover letter or constructing... Read More

Discover What You Really Want To Do

Are you doing what you really want to do or... Read More

The Top 10 Reasons to have a Career Coach

Many people in the last decade have experienced for themselves... Read More

How ToTalk Your Boss Into Giving You A Salary Increase

* If you believe you deserve a salary increase, ask... Read More

Rekindling Passion for Work

Passion comes in many forms. I'm focused on the version... Read More

Are You Living Your Career Dreams?

Inherent within the human spirit is a desire for fulfillment,... Read More

Interview Tips, How to Get the Job You Want

Enter into a state of relaxed concentration. This is the... Read More

Nine Ways to Tell Youre Ready for a Promotion

So you noticed the new job board posting on your... Read More

Create A Rappin? Resume

(Percussion sounds emanating from who knows where while you listen... Read More

Career Job Satisfaction - Get Off the Treadmill - Exit Your Rat Race!

Get Off the Treadmill - Exit Your Rat Race!We can... Read More

Why You Should Never Complain About Former Bosses

You're at a job interview. You're doing great, answering questions... Read More

It May Be Time to Walk in an Employers Shoes

If you are in a job search and aren't receiving... Read More

Career Tips: How To Start A New Career

These days most people accept that jobs are not for... Read More

Job Interviews -- What Your Pre-Interview Research Should Cover

When you go in for a job interview, you're not... Read More

Signs of a Healthy Work Environment

There's no denying that a healthy work environment is a... Read More

How to Create a Great Electronic Resume

After creating the perfect resume, you then need to distribute... Read More

Are Your Intentions Clear in Your Job Search?

1. Do you REALLY know what you want?2. Do you... Read More

Using The Internet For Job-hunting

The Internet is a very useful tool for job seekers... Read More

Believe And Get Hired

Good things seem to come in bunches, especially in a... Read More

Handing in Your Resignation and Serving Notice

Have you made the right choice? Before deciding to resign... Read More

4 Tips for Making Successful Job Offers

The interviews are completed, the paperwork is all filled out... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language: