It amazes me, but 90% of jobseekers aren’t able to quickly articulate what’s unique about them as a candidate.
It’s not as complicated as it may sound. For example, a sales executive has to be good at selling, right? So just saying you’re an excellent closer doesn’t differentiate you from the rest. However, being an excellent closer with an advanced ability to present high-level technical solutions or being an excellent closer with an ability to train, mentor and motivate team members may help. I use the initial phone call to uncover each client’s value proposition and the summary section to define it.
Having a strong summary shouldn’t be understated, but the really important part for the jobseeker is being able to articulate in 30 seconds or less what makes you a better candidate than the other 150 people with similar experience and education who applied.
Practice your pitch early and often – in the mirror, literally on an elevator, in the car on the way to work or to the grocery store. It’s a tough job market out there so it’s integral to know what you’re GREAT at and be able to express it.