…if only 30% of applicants remember to send a thank you note after an interview, it’s probably a good thing to send a note if you want to stand out and be remembered.
This is what I ask my clients all the time – what are you doing to differentiate yourself?
In a hyper competitive workplace with fewer jobs available, you need to market your strengths and talents so that you’re memorable. What are some other ways to keep your name in the frontal lobe of employers, potential employers and networking contacts?
- Be consistent in the way you present yourself. Your style is a form of armor, meant to enhance your strength. Treat your working wardrobe with proper seriousness. In Hollywood, marketing is more important than the actual making of the movie.
- Remind people you’re fabulous. Personal, handwritten notes that are charming and delightful to read are the best way to shout true style.
- Acknowledge your strengths and make sure other people recognize them. What’s so great about you? A lot. Keep tabs on yourself and toot your own horn.
- Know what’s going on in the world. Be the person that’s always generous with sharing information. Keep a Zagat’s restaurant guide at your desk.
- No one cares. About your lost glove, your weekend in the rain, your sister’s herpes flare-up. Only share news that will make someone laugh or shed light on something interesting.
- Don’t confuse a preemptive "I’m sorry" with good manners. Apologizing to everyone for everything undermines your credibility and confidence. When you’re expressing your point-of-view, take pride in it and just say it.
- Put your name on everything. On emails, use the feature that lets you personalize your messages with name, company, contact information. When giving information, write it on the back of your business card.
- Bluff. If you’re in a meeting and you’re suddenly lost, don’t admit your ignorance. As soon as the meeting breaks, decipher the jargon so you can speak the company’s language.
- Talk pretty to yourself. Experts believe that people who self-motivate with positive, proactive talk (the way you’d encourage your best friend) achieve far more than people who denigrate their abilities.
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