JT Talks Jobs: Stop thinking like an employee
Q: I feel like the only jobs I get offered are beneath me. I went to school. I want a job that challenges me. But the jobs I really want don't ever respond to me. What should I do? — Ella
It's time to stop thinking like an employee and start thinking like a business-of-one. Let me break down for you why this mindset is crucial for winning in today's job market.
Think about it: You're a service provider selling your skills and expertise. Just like any successful business, you want to upgrade your clientele to those who appreciate and value what you offer. This means learning how to market yourself effectively so employers see you as a premium provider. But it doesn't stop there — once you land the job, you need to deliver in that relationship so they never want to lose you.
Ella: Why isn't the traditional way of job searching effective?
Here's the problem: We were never taught in school how to look for work properly. So, most people default to this commodity-driven approach. You know the drill — scour job boards, apply for posted positions, and compete against hundreds (or even thousands) of other applicants.
In this scenario, you all look the same to employers. You're just a bunch of apples, and they're picking the least expensive one that'll give them the most value.
If you want to be truly valued and get what you deserve, you need a totally different strategy. Instead of competing with the masses, you need to stand out. This means:
Believe it or not, how you answer interview questions says a lot about how you perceive yourself and the value you'll provide. I talk endlessly about your UVA — your unique value add. You have to convince employers of the outcomes and benefits of working with you. Show them why you're the must-have candidate, not just another nice-to-have option.
J.T. O'Donnell is the founder and CEO of the job search career coaching platform Work It Daily. She is on a mission to help workers of all ages find career success and satisfaction. Visit workitdaily.com to submit your questions.
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