As the job search continually grows more difficult in our current economic state, many wonder how they will ever land that “dream job.” With fewer jobs to go around, being at the top of the totem pole is a must. The first step in reaching that top spot is by blowing away the interviewer and showing that you are the absolute best candidate for the job. According to Heather Mumma, a hiring manager for a small business in Illinois, the way to do this is not as complex as one might think.
July 14, 2013
Learn how to land a career you love
The answer is: you don't have to know. And you don't have to be Superman to deliver a job-winning answer to this question.
Here are three surefire ways to answer the "What makes you unique?" interview question that will impress your interviewer.
How NOT To Answer This Challenging Question
To come up with a great answer to this interview question, first you need to know how not to answer. The hiring manager absolutely does not want to know that you play in a band on the weekends, you can solve a Rubik's Cube in 30 seconds, or that you have a pet rat.
When interviewers ask, "What makes you unique?" the real question is: Why should I hire you? Or, why should I choose you over the other people I'm interviewing? That's what you should answer.
A personal answer may be interesting, but it won't help to convince them to hire you. All of your job interview answers should focus on telling them what they need to know in order to say, "You're hired!"
Think about what makes you valuable to have in this role and why it's valuable. Those are the qualities you want to draw attention to, and now is the time to brag about them. Ultimately, employers want to know how you will save or make the company money. Prove your value, prove you have a track record of saving or making companies money by being successful in past positions, and they'll absolutely want to hire you.
Here are couple of great ways to answer the uniqueness question based on things employers really care about—your background, your experiences, and your personality or soft skills (that pertain to the job.)
Explaining Your Career Background
Here's a sample answer of what you might say when responding to this question:
"My background is a little different from others in the field, which gives me a unique perspective that has allowed me to see solutions that are creative and resourceful. For example, I came up with X solution [tell what it was] to solve Y problem, and it worked out beautifully. [Use evidence in the form of numbers, dollars, or percentages that really highlight the success of your solution.]"
Sharing Your Previous Experiences
Here's an example of what you might say when responding to this question:
"I believe that my education in X [name your degree or classes here] combined with my work experience in Y give me an especially great advantage when approaching [a typical or critical problem this job addresses]. I draw on both to solve everyday issues and special challenges. For example, in [name a situation], I took [name the action you took] and got [name the results you got—again, in the form of numbers, dollars, or percentages if you can]."
Selling Your Skills Sets/Personality
If the job description or things the interviewer has said so far let you know that soft skills like communication or organization are important for the job, you can say something like:
"I believe I have exceptional organizational skills. In my last job, I created a new system for task assignments that streamlined our productivity and improved it by 20%."
This little bit at the end—"by 20%"—transforms what would be a good answer ("I streamlined our productivity") to a standout answer. It grabs attention and tells them exactly how much you mattered. Remember: in the job search, it's all about quantifying your work experience, on your resume and in your job interviews.
Overall Strategy In Your Career
If you have any experience or skills that would make you valuable in the role, now is the time to mention it. Worry less about "uniqueness" and focus on value. Add impressiveness to your answer and make them remember you by incorporating proof of how what you have is valuable, and describe it in terms of numbers, dollars, or percentages.
Next time you have a big job interview, try using these tips to answer what makes you unique. That second phone call could be coming faster than you think!
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This post was originally published at an earlier date.
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Many professionals have a LinkedIn profile but never update it, or fail to use it properly.
If you want to make the best use of your LinkedIn profile and open the door to new job opportunities, this is what you need to do to get noticed.
Use Keywords In Your Profile
When a recruiter searches for candidates, it often means using keywords like a job title, the name of an employer, or common terms and skill sets used in the field. If your profile does not appear with any of these keywords, it's not going to show up in search results.
Make sure your profile is updated with the proper keywords, including them in your sub-header (the headline right below your name), summary, description of work experiences, and under specialties. If you want to be thorough on keywords, also look at job postings you're applying to for common terms and phrases. It'll help build up your profile's searchability.
Make New Connections
The more relevant connections you have, the greater the likelihood your profile will show up. For instance, if your profile is connected to five other contacts the recruiter is also connected to, it makes your profile more favorable than someone with no related connections.
In addition, making new connections is just a good networking strategy. For example, if you're trying to land a job at a particular company, one of the best ways is to get a referral from someone in your network. Even if you don't have a direct connection with someone working at that company, there's a good chance that one of your connections does and could help make an introduction.
The larger your LinkedIn network is, the more options you have for your job search and overall professional development.
Obtain Recommendations
A LinkedIn profile with recommendations informs recruiters that you are active in the workforce and have the support of others that can vouch for your skills and talent. It also encourages recruiters to want to click on your profile to read further into your experience, skills, and talents.
It's not exactly the same thing as asking for professional references, but it gives recruiters some initial insight.
Have A Voice
When you stay active on LinkedIn, your profile will get in front of more contacts. Think about sharing relevant articles with your contacts, joining group discussions—particularly industry and job-specific ones recruiters comb through—commenting on shared content, and so on.
LinkedIn is also a great place to build your personal brand by creating your own content. Think about your professional experience and skill sets and use your LinkedIn profile to establish your authority around some of these experiences and skills.
The more interaction, the greater visibility your profile will have. Whether you come to rely on LinkedIn as another means to job search or not, the fact is recruiters are going to refer to it either way. It's a resource recruiters have come to rely on to not only make contact with potential candidates but also screen candidates. Make sure your profile is properly completed!
Are you struggling with your LinkedIn strategy (or job search in general)? Work It Daily can help!
By joining our career growth club, you'll get access to one-on-one career coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, online tutorials, and unlimited networking opportunities—all in your back pocket!
Check out our FREE resources page and Live Events Calendar.
Need help finding the right job?
Check out Work It Daily's Incredible Companies page to see snapshots of companies hiring. Work It Daily also highlights job opportunities on a daily basis on TikTok.
This post was originally published at an earlier date.
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A recent FlexJobs article has identified the top 10 red flags of a potentially toxic hybrid workplace. Here are the three biggest red flags we think you should keep an eye out for as you navigate remote and hybrid workplaces in your career moving forward.
1. There Isn't A Plan To Create A Functioning Hybrid Workforce Within The Company
The transition to a hybrid work model cannot be done overnight. It will take time and a lot of planning to effectively shift to a hybrid workplace, and companies need to realize this before they announce any major changes to how they do business.
A sign of a potentially toxic hybrid workplace is when a company has no real plan to create a functioning hybrid workforce. They are, essentially, just winging it. They made the announcement that employees can either work remotely or in the office, but there are no policies or procedures in place, and possibly no guidance available to workers. So, are they really committed to this change? Did leadership actually think this through? Have they considered how it will affect every single employee at the company?
If a company wants to effectively shift to a hybrid work model, they need to have a plan in place. Otherwise, the hybrid work environment could become toxic, impacting your job and career as a whole.
2. No Senior Leaders Work Remotely
Another red flag of a potentially toxic hybrid workplace is when no senior leaders work remotely. This may not seem like a big deal at first, but when you start wondering how you might be able to move up the corporate ladder in this type of work environment, it may become clear that there actually isn't a way for you to do that as a remote or hybrid employee.
If a company lacks remote or hybrid management, that could indicate you won't have long-term success at the company unless you're physically working in the office 100% of the time. Also, consider how much celebration, praise, and rewards remote and hybrid workers receive in comparison to in-person employees. If there is a big disparity there in favor of in-person employees, that's another indication of a potentially toxic hybrid workplace.
Your employer should always make it clear to you what your career path is within the organization. Although it is ultimately your responsibility as an employee, professional, and business-of-one to prove your value to the company and grow your career, if your employer isn't invested in your career and valuing you as an employee, that is a major red flag of a toxic workplace, hybrid or not.
3. Your Manager Doesn't Have A Solid Communication Plan For Remote Team Members
Communication is incredibly important in the workplace. It's even more important for remote and hybrid employees who aren't physically present in the office and lose that face-to-face communication with team members and other co-workers.
The final red flag of a potentially toxic hybrid workplace we think you should watch out for is if your manager doesn't have a solid communication plan for remote and hybrid team members. What digital communication tools will you be using? What are the communication policies and procedures? How much communication needs to happen in order to be an efficient and productive hybrid team?
A problem that could arise from not having a communication plan in place is remote and hybrid employees not being able to access information that's essential to their job and critical to their success as employees. If managers don't plan ahead with this concern in mind, the hybrid workforce could fall apart. It's already difficult communicating as a remote or hybrid employee, so your manager needs to have a solid communication plan in place, or else your work environment could become toxic.
With many companies shifting to remote or hybrid workplaces after the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a handful of red flags professionals should keep an eye out for in order to avoid a toxic work environment.
A potentially toxic hybrid workplace will typically exhibit the three red flags above. But it's important to remember that the transition to a hybrid work model is bumpy for many companies. Patience and communication are key for both employers and employees during this major shift. A change like this might be uncomfortable at first, but the future of work depends on it.
Dealing with a toxic workplace? We can help!
Check out our FREE resources page and Live Events Calendar.
Or, join our career growth club today and get access to one-on-one career coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, online tutorials, and unlimited networking opportunities—all in your back pocket!
If you want FREE career advice in your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily Dose!
Struggling to find the right job?
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The key to landing a job out of college is preparing for the job search process while still in school. Unfortunately, they don't always teach you about the job search process in school, so it's up to students to take responsibility for their future career. Here are some tips to put yourself in a position to land a job after college.
Be Thoughtful About Your Career Path
Do you know what the career options are for your degree? How competitive the industry is? What the average salary is for the type of role you're pursuing?
These are not questions you should be seeking to answer after graduation. These are all questions that should've been asked prior to declaring a major.
Research...research...research!
Knowing what you might be in for after graduation can help you with planning. You could meet with your advisor well in advance of graduation and look at potential internships and identify potential companies to work for, allowing you a head start on your networking efforts.
If you failed to prepare like this prior to graduation, you're not doomed, but you did put yourself at an initial disadvantage.
What If You're Unsure About Your Career Path?
Even after college, some people are unsure about what they want to do for a career. If you find yourself in this situation, don't panic.
You need to do an honest assessment of yourself and determine the valuable skills that you possess. Most importantly, ask yourself, "What are some of the things I love doing?"
Work It Daily also has resources that can assist you in your search. Our FREE Career Decoder Quiz will help you determine your professional persona. Knowing your professional persona will help you understand the skills you have that bring value to the job and what you find professionally and personally fulfilling.
In addition, whether you're a graduate or still a student, don't limit your opportunities to learn new skills.
Chances are you have interests outside of your course of study. You should be open to pursuing those interests. It could be that you're a health/science major with an interest in computers. Why not take some computer courses?
Interested in learning a trade? Electricians, plumbers, contractors, and auto mechanics are all in demand.
If you're still in school, you have an opportunity to take additional courses or decide on a double major or minor.
Options may be a bit more limited for recent grads, but there are always online courses, certification programs, or specialty course programs available. As long as you have a hunger for more knowledge, you should never stop wanting to learn. The more skills you have, the more career options are available to you. Options are important during the job search for recent grads.
Educate Yourself About The Job Search Process
School can't prepare you for everything, and most of the lessons people learn from the job search process come from real-world experience. However, there are some things you can do to prepare.
First, research as many potential jobs as you can before graduation and identify some potential companies that you would like to work for. Second, prepare multiple resumes tailored for the specific positions for which you're applying.
A recruiter needs to see the skills you have that apply to the position within the first six seconds of reading your resume. You should also prepare a disruptive cover letter where you really bring attention to yourself by telling a story about how you connect with the company.
The last thing you need to do is reach out and network. It's not enough to just send in a resume and cover letter and hope that you'll be contacted. Reach out to people in the company through LinkedIn and introduce yourself. Use the fact that you're a graduating student seeking knowledge to your advantage. There are professionals who enjoy the opportunity to mentor.
Even if these new connections don't translate into an immediate job, you've made your first professional contacts which could come in handy at some other point in time. Knowing how to do a proactive job search will serve you well throughout your professional life.
Remember, There's Nothing Wrong With Changing Career Paths
Sometimes you find happiness and success in a career field that you didn't go to school for. That's okay. Life happens!
For new grads, the goal is usually to find work in your field of study and it's great when things work out that way. But as the job search process goes on you may fall into a job that you weren't planning to and end up liking it. If the job makes you happy and there's room for growth, there's nothing wrong with keeping it. It's a personal decision.
This will be true throughout your professional life. You may end up working in your field, but, as time goes on, priorities and life circumstances change. You may develop new skills that draw you into a new career direction. The goal is to always put yourself in a position to succeed and sometimes that means making a change.
Preparation and keeping an open mind are the two common themes when it comes to the job search for recent grads. There are no guarantees for new graduates, so you have to be ready for anything. Hopefully by knowing what to expect, you'll know how to land a job after college and can land a job that matches your talents.
Need some help with the job search? You have options!
First, check out Work It Daily's FREE Disruptive Job Search Checklist.
Second, give yourself an edge with some career coaching by joining Work It Daily.
This post was originally published at an earlier date.
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All of that excitement built up for nothing. Once again, you lost out on a job because of an internal candidate. You thought you were so close, but now, you're back to square one. Frustrating, right?
Well, you're not alone with your frustrations. Thousands of qualified candidates get this upsetting news every day. Who can compete with internal candidates? You can, actually. You just need to play your cards a little more strategically.
If you want to get a job over an internal candidate, you have to act like one. Before you can do that, though, you need to understand the advantages internal candidates have over you. Here are a few...
1. They Know The Company Inside And Out
Internal candidates clearly understand the company's mission, values, beliefs, and goals. Whether they've worked there for a few months or a few decades, most internal candidates have been around a company long enough to know the inside scoop. This is a huge advantage because it allows them to position themselves effectively for the job in question.
What you need to do: Research the company. Before you even apply for this job, you should have a clear understanding of what the company does, how it does it, and what it wants to do next. You should also know the company's mission, values, and beliefs. That way, you'll be able to respond to the question, "What do you know about us?" with an informed answer.
2. The Company Knows How They Work
The people who work closely with internal candidates already understand how they work and interact with others in the company. They also have a clear sense of their strengths and weaknesses on the job. Employers already know what value these candidates bring to the table because they have a proven track record. As an external candidate, you must give them a clear sense of how your unique qualifications make you the best person for the job.
What you need to do: Clearly articulate your value. Show them why your unique experience and qualifications make you the best person for the job. Quantify your work experience on your resume. Oh, and don't be shy about sharing new ideas. As an external candidate, you have the opportunity to bring in a fresh perspective. Use it to your advantage!
3. They Have Personal Relationships Within The Company
Having the opportunity to work with and get to know people within the company is a major advantage of internal candidates. They already have established relationships with their bosses, peers, clients, and so on. People know them. People can vouch for them. If you want to beat out an internal candidate for a job, you need to be able to have those kinds of strong endorsements, too.
What you need to do: Network your way into the company. Knowing people within the company you wish to work can give you a major advantage over other candidates. Establishing those relationships can help you get referrals, recommendations, introductions, and even advice for applying to the job.
4. They Already "Fit" Within The Company Culture
Hiring new employees can be much harder than you might think for an employer. For example, hiring the wrong employee in a small company can completely destroy the culture, resulting in poor performance, miscommunication, and even people leaving (voluntarily or non-voluntarily). All of that disruption can cost a company a big chunk of change. So, now more than ever, companies are factoring in company "fit" when hiring new candidates. Internal candidates have already established themselves into their organizations. Bosses, co-workers, and clients know them. They're comfortable with them. They like them. They have proven they fit within the culture of that company. This is a major advantage when it comes to beating out external candidates for a different position within the company.
What you need to do: Show them you fit within their culture. People like working with like-minded individuals—people who "get" them. Not only does it help them form stronger bonds, but it also helps them work more effectively with each other. Sure, it's good to have your differences, but if you want to prove that you're a fit in a company, you have to show them you're part of their "tribe." You must show them that you understand them and you like how they operate so they feel comfortable letting you into their exclusive circle.
It's important to remember that not all internal candidates are lucky enough to have these advantages. Some simply aren't the best fit for the company. Others don't have a clear sense of the company's goals. However, if you can show an employer that you've worked hard to obtain these things, you will have a much better chance at the job.
Need help with your job search?
Check out our FREE resources page and Live Events Calendar.
Or, join our career growth club today and get access to one-on-one career coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, online tutorials, and unlimited networking opportunities—all in your back pocket!
If you want FREE career advice in your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily Dose!
Struggling to find the right job?
Check out Work It Daily's Incredible Companies page to see snapshots of companies hiring. Work It Daily also highlights job opportunities on a daily basis on TikTok.
This post was originally published at an earlier date.
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