We are living in challenging times right now; the issues that we face on a daily basis within our workplace are changing and so if we want to continue to attract employment opportunities that exist in this competitive market then we must also change. 

For the first time in a long time it is a “buyer’s market”, employers are now having the luxury of being able to choose from a large pool of applicants and the best jobs will increasingly go to those who know how to package and promote themselves “strongly” 

Having the right skills, experience and capabilities to do the job, is no longer enough.  In order to compete you need to build more career muscle, and offer a personal package that has “strength”, attracts interest and clearly communicates the benefits you can bring to an organisation. 

Here are ten tips that will help add weight to your employment package;

•  Be clear about what you want or are trying to achieve.  So you know where to target your energy and how to tailor your message.
• Know what you can do.  Understand the value you can bring to others and be able to communicate it strongly and confidently.
• Understand the market you are operating in.  Do an audit of your skills, experience and capabilities so you know your strengths and weaknesses and how they can be of benefit in your industry.
• Be informed.  Know the issues, trends, players in your industry so you can speak the same language and strengthen your profile.
• Upskill at every opportunity, continually add to your skill portfolio.
• Have a compelling resume to offer.  Spend time on creating a resume that not only describes what you can do – but sells the benefits that you bring.
• Use social networking sites as an online promotional marketing tool to promote yourself and as a support mechanism for your resume.
• Network.  Create long term business relationships that provide mutually beneficial support, guidance, contacts and potential future employment opportunities.
• Dare to be different – those who strongly differentiate themselves from the pack will get noticed first.
• Research and prepare.  Take the time to understand a potential employer’s business and key drivers so you can pitch your skills to compliment their business objectives.

 Building career muscle won’t happen overnight, it will take time, focus and preparation but like someone working out in the gym regularly, with a long term training plan – the results will be worth it.