My Friend Joe, and How to Find Your Competitive Edge - Part 2

Last week I told you about my friend, Joe, who is a derivative accounting professional specializing in hedge funds. He has no problem finding a job because his area of specialty is in such high demand in his field. His highly sought after career niche is his competitive edge.

So how can you find your competitive edge?

Here are some additional ways:

1. Make sure your qualifications match as closely as possible to your desired job position. 

So many people make the mistake of applying for positions that they are not qualified for and then wonder why they are never contacted. Don’t eliminate yourself from the competition right from the start – make sure you have similar qualifications to be considered in the first place.

Ask yourself - what competencies and credentials are usually required for someone working in my targeted position? 

If you’re not sure, an easy way to figure this out is to read job descriptions on job boards and want ads.  Look to see what qualifications the ideal candidate should possess, and then compare these qualifications to the ones you have to determine how you measure up. 

2. Beef up your credentials if necessary.

If your qualifications fall short, you may decide it’s time to go back to school and get a higher degree, certification, or specific training in your industry.  Or, if certain experience is required, perhaps you can get that experience through a volunteer position. 

Keep in mind that very often practical experience is just as valuable as a degree, so you may not need to go back to school to get an advance degree.

3. Elevate your expertise to the level of excellence. 

Are there any awards that you can win? Any special certifications or degrees that you can obtain that shout that you’re an expert in your field? Prospective employers are very impressed by these “pedigrees.”

4. Find your unique brand.

So, what’s so special about you?

Why would employers want to hire you over candidates vying for the same job?

The answers to these questions will help you to define your particular brand. If you’re wondering why you need to brand yourself, think of it this way -

If you went to the supermarket to buy a box of cereal and all of the boxes of cereal in the aisle had the exact same plain brown packaging with only the word “cereal” written on the box, - how would you decide which box of cereal to buy?

Marketing experts know that in order to get your attention, they need to convey a product’s unique selling proposition – the value of that product to the consumer. The same is true for job applicants. If you can convey what you can offer that the competition does not, then you’ll get hiring managers to notice you.

And,

Once you figure out your unique brand, you can express this on your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and other marketing documents.

 5. Make sure that you have a resume that will entice prospective employers to call you in for an interview.

Your resume is usually the first opportunity a prospective employer has to “meet” you and get to know a little bit about you. If you don’t grab their attention at this critical juncture, you’ll be designated to the reject pile and essentially be out of the running before the race begins.  

Acquiring a competitive edge can be the most important aspect of increasing your chances of being hired and accelerating the hiring process.

Be sure to find yours.