Daily Biz Solutions

By David M. Love II, Director, Stanton Chase International

With today’s job market as competitive as ever, standing out from the crowd is vital to landing that next position.  With so many people unemployed right now and looking for work, most hiring managers are inundated with resumes.  So just how do you get noticed by a hiring manager or recruiter?  How can you be the standout from the thousands of people trying to get their foot in the door?  It’s actually easier than you think – but sadly many people miss out on the obvious. 

Here are some important tips on marketing oneself that will always help differentiate you from the crowd: 

-Develop your own personalized “elevator” speech.  If you don’t have one, get one.  If you have one, make sure you are prepared to deliver it at a moment’s notice.   

-Always carry a business card.  You never know where you might run into the person who will offer you your next job, or offer you that big deal you’ve been dreaming about.  And always ask for the other person’s business card.  

-If initially talking with someone over the telephone, always ask for the person’s email address.  This is very important so you can follow up with a thank you note or contact them with additional information. 

-Dress appropriately, even on the weekends as well as when traveling beyond normal
business hours.  That’s not to say you can’t be comfortable and dress down on the weekends, but that 12 year old shirt with all the holes in it isn’t going to leave a good impression on anyone.

-Call first thing in the morning to at least several prospects and let them call you back during the day.  When trying to reach someone who has a very strong gate keeper, try reaching the person at 7:30 in the morning or after 5:30 in the afternoon, as they may pick up the phone themselves.

-Read newspapers and clip information that pertains to prospects and send them congratulations, etc. to keep in touch. 

-Individualize your bio and cover letter based on the company/potential area where your background may likely hit a potential need/opportunity in the targeted company. 

-Ask for referrals from colleagues, former employers, and professional contacts, including search professionals whom you know.  

-Ask for letters of reference, which can be used in the future with other potential employers.  Keep these in a safe place as you’ll never know when you might need them again.

-If your spouse/significant other is an asset, include the person whenever possible. 

-Join and participate in organizations where you can network both online and in person.  This is very important regardless if you are currently employed or not.  The more people you know, the better.   

-Whenever someone contacts you asking for a favor, RECIPROCATE.

-Use the Golden Rule with all people, and especially with persons of influence who may be of help to you. And do not abuse the relationship.

-Personally follow up with “thank you” notes to those with whom you have contacted for assistance, as well as those whom you have an opportunity to discuss a potential opportunity.

-Once you take a new position, make sure you advise and thank those whom you dealt with in the process. Who knows, they may well be your next employer, assuming they know where you have landed.

-Continually update your “Rolodex.”

Whether you are employed right now or are looking for work, keeping these tips in mind is sure to be helpful in all your employment endeavors.  These are all important tips to remember even if you have job security right now, because incorporating just a few of these steps may even help advance your career. 

David M. Love II is a director in Atlanta, Georgia for Stanton Chase International, a retained executive search firm. The 450-member organization conducts local, regional and international executive search campaigns for many top companies worldwide. Stanton Chase currently has 67 offices in 41 countries. There are 12 offices in North America.  David has been an executive search professional for more than 25 years and has successfully completed searches for a large number of clients at the Board of Director level, as well as senior executive positions.  For more information, visit www.stantonchase.com or email David at .