Jan 12
22
New Grad Job Network and Knowing Your Skill Set
Once you are done with college and looking to break into your career, make sure you know all that you have to offer. A lot of graduates will sell themselves short, but not realize it. You may think that you need to make sure you sell you skills for the degree you obtained, which is correct. However, keep in mind, all those who went to college and had the same major, will more or less have the same skill set. So, you need to think of all you have to offer from other experiences in your life to make sure you get the most eyes on your resume.
Do you have knowledge of a job, a product, a process or a market… from work, hobbies, alumni relationships, research or suppliers? If so, it may be marketable.
Personality, of course, is just a word for that combination of traits that either attracts us to someone or leaves us unimpressed. More employment decisions are based on personality and chemistry than any other factor. For example: “He’s certainly professional and quick-thinking. I like him, and better yet, I trust him. He’ll fit in with our team. I need to get him into the firm.”
The perception of your personality has to do with your interest and enthusiasm. How many people get hired because they showed real interest? A lot.
Your transferable skills are marketable -
Identifying transferable skills is critical (e.g., organizing, group presentation skills, problem solving and so on). Employers place a premium on men and women who can move from challenge to challenge, handling assignments that draw upon skills.
Naturally, your experience can also be reviewed according to various “functions” that apply to most businesses, such as sales, production, accounting and human resources. All areas in which you have knowledge must be identifi ed. At the same time, you need to think of your experience in terms of “action words” that describe what you did, and then translate those activities into achievements, e.g., controlled, wrote, reshaped, etc.
Your leadership qualities are marketable-
If there is one quality you want to communicate, it is leadership ability. Experts say that leaders possess and communicate real convictions—strong feelings and principles that have grown with them over time.
Leadership is also attributed to those who create an image of operating at the leading edge… into new products, new services and new solutions. We expect our leaders to have the vision and talent to develop new things.
Another skill common to most leaders is their ability to assemble teams and motivate them to peak achievement. Often creative, intuitive and passionate, they project integrity and trust. If you have these traits, they should be marketed. Image, attitude and presence also play a role.