Marketing yourself is selling. It is selling your experience, strengths, accomplishments, attitude, and what you can do for the company. Even if you are working with a recruiter, YOU are the one to communicate clearly where you’ve been, what you’ve done, and where you want to go. Whether you are searching for a position or vying for that promotion, the process is the same. If this idea of marketing/selling yourself is uncomfortable, consider the seven points below.

1) Realize and sharpen your skills.
What skills are specific to the position that is desired and/or required? Are they technical skills (programming, etc.) or transferable skills (organization, management, budgeting, etc.) that can transfer to any industry? If the position you desire requires different or more depth to the skills that you currently have, take action! Read books, take classes, attend seminars, volunteer and take lead positions, find a mentor and/or coach.

2) Review your experience and list your accomplishments and strengths.
What are the major accomplishments in your career to date? These accomplishments can be in your professional life as well as volunteer activities. Quantify those accomplishments wherever possible. What are your strengths? What comes naturally to you? What have you been told by your supervisors, peers, family, and volunteer organizations that you are good at? This is not a time to worry about boasting, this is a time to be realistic about those skills for which you have specific examples.

3) Do your best wherever you are.
You may not be in the position you desire, however, mastering that position and its responsibilities will get you noticed. And if you are unemployed, searching for a position, don’t give up or get discouraged. Become the best job seeker there is, uncovering as many job leads as you possibly can.

4) Get yourself noticed.
Go the extra mile, do the things that no one else wants to do, when your manager asks for volunteers, be ready. After the interview, write a Thank You note immediately (the old fashion way – not email!). Speak up…no one will bite you!

5) Have your target in sight.
What do you want to do? Are you clear and realistic on your career expectations? Know what you want and go for it! Whether seeking a position or promotion. Be specific.

6) Be prepared.
Be organized, develop good time management skills, delegate whenever possible, do your research; know your priorities (personally and professionally). If you are unemployed, have your ‘Marketing Package’ with you at all times.

7) Most importantly – have a good attitude!
Develop a reputation of a positive, can do, my glass is half full; make lemonade out of lemons kind of attitude. You will gain a reputation of someone who is reliable, dependable, and resourceful.

If you are searching for a position, your ‘Marketing Package’ should include the above - PLUS:
- A dynamic resume
- Cover letter – specific to the position you are applying for
- Research the salary; are your expectations in line with the current market?
- Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and transferable skills
- Practice interviewing, with someone, out loud so that your answers will come easily in an interview
- Be persistent and diligent in your search
- Prepare, prepare, prepare!!!