By now, we all know that they key to successful networking is marketing yourself. The tricky part is finding ways to market ourselves positively, without sounding smug or like we are bragging. There is a fine line between self-promotion and off-putting arrogance. If you cross it, you can risk losing a job opportunity.
It is important to find a way to get just the right balance, and many job seekers just aren't able get the hang of it. If you go to far, you will turn employers off and they won't want to hire you but, on the other hand, if you don't let them know your strengths, achievements and experience you may be missing a chance to impress them and demonstrate why you are the best for the job. In this day and age, you have to self-promote, so, it is important to keep it right in the middle.
So how can you show an employer how wonderful you are without coming off like a conceited jerk? Here are a few easy steps that can help you find a balance:
- Make your self-promotion more than just a great resume – People hire people the know, like and trust. While you want to bring attention to your specific skills and talents, the best way to promote yourself is being your best, authentic self when you are networking. Sincerity shines through, no matter the situation. Being yourself and genuinely connecting with people, listening to what they are saying and engaging with them on a real, personal level can make your marketing appear to be genuine rather than just bragging. If you try to be someone you aren't, any attempt at marketing yourself will just come off as conceit.
- Good Networking – When you attend an industry related event or networking opportunity, keep in mind that it is the quality of the contacts you make not the volume that counts. Don't make card collecting a game. When you make solid contacts, you actually build genuine rapport with people who want to be participating members of your network. It isn't enough that many people sort of know your name. The goal should be to engage with people, and build solid relationships. Then, you can ask them to help you market yourself by providing you with a genuine reference or job referral. Employers aren't stupid, and they can tell if you are someone who is full of themselves and just wants a bigger contact list without regard to actual relationship building.
- Be Yourself at an Interview – Granted, you may want to aim to be the best possible version of yourself at an interview, with the hopes of making a good impression. But still, don't try to be someone else. Either they will like you or they won't. The main thing is to let them see your wonderful, genuine self and let them know what you are capable of. By being sincere, your promotion will be taken as valuable information. Show them how great you are with your attitude and sincerity rather than just telling them how great you are.
The biggest difference between a braggart and someone who is simply promoting themselves is sincerity. When you approach marketing yourself as a chance to really connect with others and share information, you don't have to worry that it will be interpreted as egotism. And let's face it, in this day and age, if you don't promote yourself, who else will?
Are you looking for a job in Logistics? Be sure to visit LogisticsJobSite.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!