So, you’re thinking about changing careers or simply looking for a better version of what you’ve got now and are stumped about how exactly to ‘sell’ yourself into the job you want? Don’t stress, you really only need 3 things!
LinkedIn profile (recruiters live and die by it)
Portfolio/Website (no matter what your line is!)
Resume (yes, still)
Yup, it’s true. Whether you are a career changer, freelance maven, corporate rockstar, or newbie grad, you need sales collateral. Whaaaaaa? Yes, sales materials. That’s exactly what these things are and, if used correctly, can do most of the job hunt work you hate doing!
If you’ve got all three of these buttoned-up - recruiters will call you. If you have none of these, and a super-fulfilling career in a company not owned by your family please email me and tell me how you got there (seriously). For the rest of you - you need to get set up to sell yourself ASAP.
Where do you start? With your story.
Before you slap together a profile, format a google doc, or whip up a website - you need to start with a clear story of who you are, where you want to be, and why you want to be there. Most people treat their resumes as a list of past job descriptions. What you should be doing, is using them to tell your story. To outline why you’re the perfect fit for that bigger, better job.
Gather a list of 5-10 bullet points that highlight your unique value, impressive stats and skills you want to build on. Use these “Story Bullets” to build out your summary, job history, and ‘about me’ pages. Your LinkedIN, resume and website need to be cohesive and work together. Using the same wording for your summaries on each will not only save you time but help you form your personal sales pitch.
Look at your bullets and focus on the ones that a recruiter hiring for the “next big gig” you want would be searching for. Don’t focus on the job you want out of - show that you’re right for the next level up.
For example, Jack, of Beanstalk fame, might have the following bullets:
• Co-Founder of Giant Slayers Inc (which sold for $45 million farthings)
• Deep understanding of the gold-egg market
• 62% rise in used-cow sales within two years
• First to market with singing harp services app
These could be summarized as: “I’m a marketer with six years of in-depth experience in multiple markets including golden eggs, harps, and cows. My experience in multi-channel campaigns, campaign management, and technology development has given me unique insight into the giant-slaying arena.”
Now, for his job history sections, Jack should list his absolute best/biggest accomplishment or ‘story bullet’ as his first. Again, highlight the skills and accomplishments that will appeal to the hiring manager you’re gunning for - don’t just rewrite your current job description.
A portfolio for creatives is a 100% must, but it can be invaluable to all types of professions.
What’s the first rule of story writing? Show, don’t tell. Well, a website lets you ‘show, not tell’ your skills. For many people building a website feels intimidating, but it can be a simple templated site, hosted on a free or low cost service.
That’s it. Just three things. Now, if you’re ready to build your sales packet gather these together:
• 5-10 Story Bullets
• Concise, compelling summary
• Job history info
• Professional-ish picture of yourself
• LinkedIn account
• Resume template
• Website account
There are a million ways to trick each of these out, but if you’re just getting started here is a bare basics checklist for each:
LinkedIn:
• Photo
• Summary
• Contact info
• Job history (with key bullets featured)
• Skills listed
Portfolio/website:
• Photo
• Summary
• Contact info
• Links to social accounts
• Links to relevant content (blogs, creative works, case studies)
• Link to resume
Resume:
• Summary
• Contact info
• Job history (focusing on key bullets but with more complete skills/accomplishments listed)
• Skills section (highlight those most useful for the job you are going after)
Not sure what your next job should even be or what you actually want to do for your career? Check out the info on my course where you can finally figure out what work will make you happy!
Yours in “sell it baby!” goodness,
EBS
