Having the right skills and experience isn’t always enough to secure you that job you want. You need to know how to market yourself effectively to really get noticed. Good marketing is about establishing the needs of a company you have an eye on and positioning yourself to meet with their demands. You must offer the perfect package. Here’s how you can do that.

Know your target

Understand your potential employers inside out. Do as much research as possible to help identify the attitude of the company and the skills, personality, and knowledge they value highly.

Know your unique selling point (USP)

Understand your own USP, it could be your specialist training or a unique combination of experience and personal interests. Make sure your CV is updated with your current skills and recent achievements so you can act upon opportunities as and when they come your way.

Show a little personality

Don’t be afraid to add a little flair and a personal touch to your application. Depending on the industry you’re applying to, some employers are keen to see a more human side. Your interests, passions and personal skills will be part of the whole package, so don’t forget to market yourself as a well-rounded individual.

Stay informed

Keep up to date with any developments and news in the industry to ensure your knowledge is always relevant and well-informed. Keep your skill sets updated to stay relevant in your current job, this way you can also show your commitment to continued learning to a future employer.

Be social media savvy

Social media has made it easier to promote yourself. Social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter now give you direct access to uncover new opportunities. Networking will help you connect with your peers and others in the industry, and nurturing these connections will help you with your career growth. Go out and make those social connections, Choma!

By branding yourself, you become the asset. You are your own unique product and no one can take that away from you. Remember that if you’re hunting down your ideal job, you’ll need to prove that you are the ideal package deal for that role. Unleash your inner salesperson to really catch that employer’s eye. Goodluck, Choma!

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).