Have you identified your career super power?
A job search can be tough, and it’s much more like a marathon than a sprint. It’s important for job seekers to understand this in that it will allow them to make the most of opportunities that arise along the journey. While it’s important to create great jobs search tools (such as a resume, cover letter, elevator pitch, LinkedIn profile, etc.) and build an effective job search strategy, one element could hold the key to success. It’s your career super power! Have you identified yours?
I have a business background that influences my work as a career advisor. One concept rooted in business that I think is important for my clients to understand is USP – unique selling proposition. That is essentially the thing or things that make you uniquely qualified for a position. It’s something that will set you apart from the competition. It can be a skill you have in a certain area, specific knowledge or expertise you possess, or a benefit you can deliver like no one else. It can be innate or learned, and in many cases it’s connected to your passions and talents.
This can also be considered your career super power. Think about what makes you uniquely qualified for your target job(s), then make sure you are able to communicate that message to potential employers. And like a super hero, understand how can you swoop in and deliver value in a way that is helpful to employers and unlike anyone else. You may not have a magic lasso like Wonder Women, but you are a natural when it comes to connecting with others and building relationships. Have you considered how you can leverage that within a client relations role? You may not be able to fly like Superman, but you are a whiz with technology and speak the language of a country where a potential tech-giant employer is opening a new office. How can you show them you can be an incredibly valuable employee that can utilize your skills to advance their business? Keep in mind that even though you may have talents and self-perceived super powers, for them to count they must be valuable to an employer. They must be relevant to your role, at the company, and within the industry.
So take a minute to consider your skills, talents, and passions. Ask others (family, friends, and co-workers) what they think your career super powers are, as perception is reality and you need to have a realistic view of your skills and talents. Consider your most significant professional achievements, identify what allowed you to gain such success, and determine if specific skills or actions are worthy of being deemed a super power. Once you’ve identified what sets you apart from others, infuse language about these super powers into your career tools and strategy so potential employers will recognize the value you offer. Given your career overall is a journey, think about what you have to offer now and also what would be helpful for you to possess in the future. Then find ways to build those skills or gain that experience. Cultivate your powers so you will continue to move forward. You may not wear a cape, but by identifying and leveraging your career super power you can propel yourself to a level of professional success that you never thought possible.
