Happy new year! This is the time of year that many of us resolve to eat better, stop drinking coffee, or start exercising. We spend time reflecting on the past year and think about our decisions. We think about our goals and how to achieve them. This is the perfect time to think about your resume.
But don’t start writing yet. There are a few questions that you must answer first:
Who are you?
What is special about your point of view?
What value do you offer?
Whenever I begin working with new clients, the first thing I do is create a mission statement for them. Companies have mission statements. Non-profits have mission statements. A job seeker needs a mission statement too!
What I am really talking about is clarifying your sense of self. As a job seeker, do you know how to set yourself apart from the pack? Have you noticed what successful job seekers have in common? They all have clear messages and a clear sense of their value. They know exactly what they have to offer and have honed it to a concise phrase.
Writing a mission statement for a client helps me clarify her or his personal value proposition and give the resume an edge. A resume needs strategy and tactical precision to work. It requires clear vision. Beginning to write a resume without a developed mission statement is like trying to hit a baseball with your eyes closed.
So….open your eyes and start setting yourself apart!
I would love to hear any comments or thoughts. Better yet, write your mission statements below. Look for Part 2 of this series in which I will discuss real-world examples.
