How to Market Your Skills in Your Job Search

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This is a great read for upcoming graduates (anyone, really). So many students are not taught the importance of tailoring their resumes, cover letters, and even elevator stories for a particular employer to show how the student can meet that employer's needs. Particularly in this job market, students are not able to "mass-mail"--there is too much competition. Another way to differentiate oneself: Through highlighting and illustrating strong communication skills. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers 2001 report, verbal communication is the #1 most sought-after employability skill. Of course, this means that if five candidates have the same degree, the one who can meet the needs that this article notes--and discuss those needs in an articulate, insightful, congenial manner--will stand out. If college students are reading this, I recently blogged about how students can use professors to help them "spin" communication skills before graduation: http://bit.ly/f59RRU. Wonderful piece. I'm going to share it with my students. Ellen Bremen, M.A. @chattyprof

Ellen Bremen of WA 10:06AM April 30, 2011

Hi Curt, thanks for sharing this advice! It's absolutely true that when recruiters ask about your skills, they want to know how they're going to benefit the company rather than hearing about how great you are. When you're writing a cover letter, you should let him or her know what you're good at and why, but also how this will help the company if they hire you. It should be less about you and more about the company. Job seekers should definitely take your advice to heart.

Tony Morrison of TX 5:26PM April 22, 2011