How to Position Yourself in the Job Market

Positioning: This classic marketing term is perhaps the single most important element of your job search marketing campaign. Positioning yourself means identifying how employers see you as a potential employee. The key questions to ask yourself are: What makes me different from the other job seekers? How will I improve the company? How will I increase its profits?

If you do not come up with your own answers to these questions, then the employer has no idea how hiring you will benefit them. This is perhaps the number one mistake I see in job seekers today. They have no idea how to position themselves in the marketplace. Their résumés are merely a listing of jobs rather than a list of accomplishments. In interviews, their responses are dull and convey no relationship to the job in question.

Here's a couple of examples to help you create your own positioning statement.

Example Positioning Statement for a Technical Support Specialist

"My value to [ insert company name] is my five years of information technology experience. I am adept at technical support and troubleshooting computer problems. My technical knowledge will help reduce call waiting times and improve the image of your technical support center."

Example Positioning Statement for a Sales Manager

"I will increase your revenues by mentoring your sales staff in effective selling techniques and by forging relationships with key decision makers in your target market."

I also like the way the writers over at AdvantageResumes.com position their clients. Check out these resume samples for executives. Look at this example. Notice how instead of the traditional "summary", they break out the first page into BRAND, ROI and VALUE statements.

The BRAND statement is particulary powerful;

"A visionary and ethical rainmaker, I propel triple-digit advances in growth and revenue through the conception and building of new businesses and new products. When I build a business I do what I say and I do it the right way - without micromanaging - to deliver spectacular results and winning teams."

Wow! That is the way to sell yourself.