Communicating your unique selling point includes uncovering the top relevant talent that makes you desirable and different than the other candidates. Aside from your resume, you will need to sell yourself and your brand in the job interview. Remember that you will have multiple unique selling points (USPs).
Whether you’re a real estate agent, executive administrator, librarian, sales manager, welder, business owner, construction superintendent, or lawyer, you need to convey what makes you unique and valuable to an organization. Setting you apart from the other candidates applying for the same position will be vital to receiving a job offer.
“The man who does not value himself, cannot value anything or anyone.”
― Ayn Rand
Communicate to the hiring committee the top reasons you are the perfect candidate for the position and why they should hire you. To rise above the competition, you need to know what differentiates you from all the others. In other words, you need to develop your unique selling point—call it branding, if you like.
Brainstorm with someone to determine what makes you impressive, incomparable, and distinctive. Know your skills and abilities to convince the company’s hiring committee of your worth when you are in that all-important job interview. Illustrate the benefits to the department or company for deciding to hire you. Identifying your top relevant talents should be done before you write your resume and cover letter.
How to Identify Your Unique Selling Points
If you aren’t sure of your unique qualities and skills, a great way to identify them is to write your resume and cover letter or create your LinkedIn profile. This is a situation where you’re forced to communicate your skills and qualities. The adjectives you come up with to describe yourself are qualities that make you unique. Your unique selling point or branding statement should encapsulate your biggest strength or accomplishment. Your branding statement should be your resume’s introductory statement, placed before your resume summary or profile.
Here are a few examples of unique selling propositions:
• “Highly motivated, results-oriented professional with 5+ years of hands-on sales experience within diverse, competitive sales environments.”
• “Certified safety officer with over ten years of detailed overseas experience working for a variety of oil and gas companies on both onshore and offshore projects.”
• “Veteran retail manager with a history of creating and implementing effective employee programs and initiatives generating higher sales outcomes and better employee performance.”
Recommended reading:
10 Executive Resume Writing Tips to Show Senior Leadership Qualities
Is Your Resume Grabbing Attention for the Right Reasons?
Toot Your Own Horn
Don’t be afraid to share the value you have to bring to the organization —this is when it’s essential to do just that. Tooting your own horn doesn’t mean you’re bragging. It’s sharing relevant information that success stories can back up to help the decision-maker.
When preparing for your job interview, list all the adjectives that best describe you and your achievements; next, tailor these traits and career accomplishments to the ones best suited for the available position. You have successfully discovered your unique selling point and are ready to impress your future employer!
Get your job search off to a flying start by reviewing our resume and cover letter samples to gather ideas for writing your own or analyzing our writing style.
Learn more about Candace Alstad-Davies by reviewing this about me page.
Need some writing help making a stellar executive cover letter, resume, or CV curriculum vitae? Take the time to review and order one of our resume packages or individual services.
Have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact Candace or call toll-free at 1 877 738-8052. I would enjoy chatting with you about any of your executive search needs.