Sell yourself with some extra confidence when job hunting (From Gazette)

Sell yourself with some extra confidence when job hunting

11:15am Monday 23rd February 2009

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WHEN looking for a new job, it can be hard to know what to aim for.

Set your sights too high, and you could be heading for serious disappointment.

But if you are only applying for jobs which are on the same rung on the career ladder as your current position, it could be you are selling yourself short.

Unsuccessful applications and knock-backs at interviews can be extremely disheartening and may cause you to lower your expectations, but they do not mean you should forget about moving upwards at all.

We all suffer from the occasional crisis of confidence, but by taking just a little bit of positive action, you will soon realise you have a lot to offer.

Instead of looking at the job ads and reeling off a list of abilities you do not possess, try to identify the skills you do have, as this is what you need to concentrate on when selling yourself to your potential employer.

Consider the jobs you have done previously and make a list of all the attributes which were necessary to keep things running smoothly.

Perhaps the easiest way of listing these skills is to put everything into different categories.

* Practical skills: This can cover a variety of things from operating certain types of machinery, to keyboard skills and competence with software packages.

* Organisational and development skills: Seizing upon a good idea and developing it further is an excellent skill to have, as is the ability to organise numerous tasks.

The application should include anything which suggests you can manage your time effectively, and perhaps the time of others, too.

* Dealing with information: If you can keep accurate records and have a flair for figures, this could be vitally important to any business.

The ability to interpret numerical information correctly and explain it to others is a valuable skill.

* Dealing with people: Whatever job you eventually get, it is more thank likely you will be dealing with other people.

The ability to support co-workers, or encourage and motivate them is invaluable to any organisation and you should not hesitate to mention this to prospective employers.

Taking a look back at the list, you should have a clearer picture of what your strengths and weaknesses are.

The list should also be a good indication of any areas which need work to make you a more rounded employee, so think about how to develop those qualities.

You should now be in a much better position to look at the job ads and select and reject positions according to your skills-base. Jobs you may first have thought were out of your league could appear more attractive now.

Remember not to limit yourself to one area or industry.

Many of the skills you have identified are probably transferable skills which can be used across a wide range of positions.

So, next time you spot a job ad which appeals to you but seems unsuitable, think back to the bank of skills you already have within you.

With a bit of positive thinking and ambition, you may surprise yourself.

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