Selling Yourself in 30-Seconds
Managing Your Job Search
Networking 101
September 13, 2011
Positioning Statements
 What is a positioning statement?
 Why is it necessary?
 How do I create one?
 Is it written or verbal?
 When do I utilize it in my job search?
 How do I know it is effective?
Positioning Statement
 Your positioning statement is used in conversations
throughout your search
 You’ll use it in networking meetings, on phone calls,
and of course, on interviews
 It is the response to the question, "Tell me about
yourself"
 Great opportunity to succinctly & positively position
yourself in the mind of the listener
 Written version in your cover letter and resume
 Becomes the basis for your summary statement
Positioning Statement
 Challenge yourself to keep your position statement
concise – under two minutes
 I suggest keep it under 30 seconds
 Key is to keep it positive and upbeat
 Structure it around the following categories:
 Profession
 Expertise
 Types of Organizations/Environments
 Unique Strengths
Positioning Statements
 Profession
 State your professional identity in the present tense
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“I am a marketing executive”
“I am an information systems manager”
“I am an accounting data entry professional”
 Create a vivid personal image by associating yourself
with your true profession or professional level
 Not necessarily your previous job title or organization
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Do not place yourself in a box
 Position yourself broadly
Positioning Statements
 Expertise
 State the competencies and skills that qualify you for
that kind of work
 HR Manager – discuss competencies in employee
relations, training & development, benefits
administration
 Information Systems Manager – competencies in
identifying and developing business solutions through
creative engineering and IT technology
Positioning Statements
 Types of Organizations
 Summarize the environments or organizations in which
you have worked
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Fortune 100 company
Large insurance company
Small consulting firm
Not-for-profit organization
 Include other types of activities, such as teaching,
participation on boards, or taking a leadership role in a
professional association
Positioning Statements
 Unique Strengths
 Articulate the qualities that help you stand out from
others in your field
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Exceptional problem solving skills
Unique & marketable technical knowledge
Other specialty or focus that sets you apart
Positioning Statements
 And Finally:
 Positioning statement must be you
 Practice, Practice, Practice
 Practice it out loud so that it comes out naturally and
unrehearsed
 Must be able to communicate “in the heat of the battle”
 Maintain a written copy with you
 Refresh as necessary
Positioning Statements
Positioning Statement Example:
I am an information systems specialist focusing on the
application of technology to business functions in the
areas of marketing, sales, manufacturing, logistics and
accounting. My field of experience is diverse. I have
worked with a Fortune 500 firm as well as a small
entrepreneurial business. My strengths include data
administration, strategic planning, data warehousing,
and relational database design, development and
implementation.
Positioning Statements
Positioning Statement Example:
I am a senior corporate officer with extensive expertise
in operational responsibilities, including P&L,
strategic planning and financial management. I have
been particularly effective in increasing profitability,
growing revenues and managing costs. My
organization showed solid incremental gains in
market share and still maintained operational
efficiencies. One of my strengths is building
management teams that value cross-functional
working relationships.
Positioning Statements
Positioning Statement Example:
I am a human resources director with 26 years of experience in
increasingly responsible human resources generalist positions at
corporate business unit as well as manufacturing locations, both union
and union free. I have extensive expertise in talent acquisition,
employee development, succession planning, business unit strategic
planning, labor relations and employee relations. My background is
diverse with a strong business acumen developed from assignments
with several business units of a Fortune 200 firm as well as a small
family operated business. My strengths include applying practical
human resources solutions to problem solving with individuals or
functional teams, aligning HR goals in support of business unit
strategies and employee career development.
Now Let’s Practice
Managing Your Job Search
 Strategies to Getting Organized in Job Search
 Set daily goals
 Set weekly and monthly goals
 Keep the big picture in mind, identify, define and
inventory
 Keep goals realistic
 Connect with other job seekers
Managing Your Job Search
 Strategies to Getting Organized in Job Search
 Balance, add things to your schedule that help you
personally
 Journalize, make lists, take notes
 Keep your fingers off the panic button
 Celebrate the Day!
Managing Your Job Search
 Considerations for your job search:
 Take action – this is your full time job
 You have to find the opportunities – they will not find
you
 Start with effective position statement, resume and
LinkedIn account
 Network – family, friends, neighbors, professionals
 Limit internet time – too comfortable to think you will
find your next position through the internet
 70-80% of positions are never advertised
Managing Your Job Search
 Considerations for your job search:
 Attend professional seminars – network with employed
 Keep organized – electronic files, hard copy files,
To Do / To Call notebook, activity log
 Maintain calendar – fill the schedule
 Quiet location to take calls
 Get out of the house – maintain normal schedule
 Early morning network meetings
 Exercise, stress release method
 Keep your family close and informed
Networking 101
 Networking is simply talking with people,
exchanging information about any number of
topics from the mundane to the very serious
 Networking is about understanding relationships
with people you already know and developing
new relationships
 Networking is still the most effective method for
gathering helpful information from contacts to
assist you at every stage of your career and
definitely when in a job search
Networking 101
 Networking should not make you cringe
 Is not only for extroverts
 Anyone can network – it takes preparation,
planning & an investment in time
 Is challenging, but a critical step in the job search
process
 You will have a chance to practice at the upcoming
Discover HOPE Here workshop on November 2
Networking 101
 Benefits of Networking in Job Search
 Get your message out
 Gather marketplace information
 Accumulate detailed information on your target
organizations
 Get advice and ideas
 Locate sponsors or mentors
 Get referrals
Networking 101
 Benefits of Networking in Job Search
 Get your message out
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The more people who know you are qualified and available,
the better the chances that the information will get to the
right person at the right time
People who have this information - and have also been
impressed by your interest and enthusiasm - are likely to help
you spread the word.
 Gather marketplace information
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The more information you gather on your target market or
company, the more effective you are likely to be in your search
Networking 101
 Benefits of Networking in Job Search
 Accumulate detailed information on your target
organizations
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Research is vital to a well-executed job search
Best source will be talking with people
Find significant common ground with people who are (or have
been) employed in an industry or company of interest
 Get advice and ideas
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Showing someone your list of target organizations and asking
for their ideas and suggestions about which ones to pursue
can be a very effective networking technique
May result in introductions to people inside target
organizations.
Networking 101
 Benefits of Networking in Job Search
 Locate sponsors or mentors
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In the networking process, someone may takes a professional
interest in helping you succeed in your job search
Networking contact would like to see you join their
organization in order to strengthen it
 Get referrals
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A referral is an introduction to a new contact
Increases the size of your relationship network and your
chances of early success
Referrals also make new meetings easier to arrange
Networking 101
 The SMART Approach When Networking
 Summarize your message – positioning statement
 Marketing plan – describe your marketing plan and
provide a copy of your company target list
 Ask questions – about organizations on your target list
and their issues, strengths and people
 Referrals – ask for introductions to others who might be
able to assist in your search
 Trade information – networking is a two-way street
Thank You & Questions