If you’re in the process of applying for an internship or perhaps your next role, then I’m sure you’re aware of how competitive the job market is. And it may seem that despite your best efforts, you just can’t catch a break. But the fact is that most of the people applying are probably just as qualified as you are.
If you’re a current student, it might hit home when you realize that most of your peers are just as bright and just as driven as you, if not more in some instances, and are currently receiving the same education. And for those who aren’t as motivated? Well, they’re really not your concern. If you’re able to acknowledge your peers’ strengths and competencies, it can help you focus on being just a touch above the rest. A detail that could make all the difference in securing that internship or job.
This goes even more so if you’re an F1 student. As hard as it may be, differentiating yourself may offer the best chance of having things work in your favor.
Tip #1: Determine how you add value.
Why should anyone hire you?
If a business is getting several similarly qualified applicants, what makes you stand out? It could be your experience, personality, or shared interest with your interviewer. And while all those things are good, they may not be an explicitly valid reason to hire you specifically. The best way to adequately prepare for landing that next role is to determine how you have and can add value.
If you can prove to someone that you can, in some way to add value by being on their team, then your presence is undeniable.
Tip #2: Effectively communicate said value!
Are you a quick learner? Proficient in a technical area? Or maybe you have years of hands-on experience? Great! Now is all that clear from your resume or your interview conversation?
Unfortunately, knowing how you add value is only half of it. If you can’t effectively communicate this to others, how can they give you the credit you’re due or even perform a proper assessment of your fit for the role.
I recall an instance where a colleague of mine mentioned to the team’s newest addition that they almost didn’t hire him. Why? Well, they didn’t realize he had so much experience!
It was only later, through anecdotes about prior roles and his efficiency and familiarity with tasks assigned, that he showed how much of an asset he really was. So why then was he even hired?
Well, for starters, there weren’t that many applicants. And they needed someone for the role as soon as possible because someone else had quit quite suddenly. And so, given the circumstances, they decided to give him a chance. Despite things working out, what if he had other interviews? What if there were no time constraints for the hire or the application process was highly competitive? Would he still have stacked up? Probably not. The fact is that he was able to add value, but the consequences of not communicating it could have been far worse. Plus, we can’t all depend on the odds of someone “giving us a chance.” From the employer’s perspective, it might be too costly to onboard someone without the needed skill set, causing you to miss that opportunity.
Tip #3: Get comfortable with tooting your own horn.
Whether on your resume or in a job interview, don’t sell yourself short. This isn’t the time to be modest. If you’ve put all this time and effort into learning about the company, tailoring your resume, or even networking, you have to make sure people understand why you would make a great addition to their team. How else are they going to know if you’re a hard worker or can learn new skills in record time?
I’ve heard people say that they “want their work to speak for itself,” and it’s usually because they are uncomfortable with talking about themselves or their achievements. But, while some may have the luxury of having others speak for them – I’m sure with time and experience you will get there – the vast majority, especially for those just starting out, are going to have to learn to up-sell real quick! If you believe your peers are just as bright and brilliant and talented, then, by all means, highlight how you might be better.
About two years into my career and I found myself having to interview for my next role – granted at the same company – but I recall my manager giving me one of the most insightful pieces of interviewing advice. She said, “don’t just say you you’re a quick learner, tell them that when you started this role you knew nothing about insert technical skill and now you’re highly proficient, having worked on several projects!”
To me, that was mind-blowing because I had never thought about it that way. She was absolutely right! A few months prior, I knew nothing – except the name – of this highly sort after skill that enabled various tools and platforms, in which I was now practically an expert – this might be a leap, but I just caught your attention. If someone uses that phrasing with me in an interview, then, of course, I would hire them over the ‘quick learner.’ And sure, the ‘quick learner’ might be better suited, but how would I know that if I don’t hear the toot?
Tip #4: This isn’t easy so, start small!
Obviously, this is a lot. Barely four tips in, and I tell you to not only create value but become an expert marketer!
This is no easy task, so start small, make a list of things you do well and perhaps highlight past scenarios that can attest to this. And if you’re still stuck or don’t know where to begin, then check out: 6 Practical Steps for Determining Your Value Add.
Tip #5: Don’t stop learning new things.
There are tons of courses, articles, programs, workshops, boot camps, subscriptions, and trainings for learning new skills and techniques. Taking the initiative to learn something new that you can highlight later is a great way to stay relevant and increase your marketability.
These learnings don’t always have to relate to a particular hard skill as you can find out more about leadership styles, resolving disputes, having tough conversations, or delivering bad news.
LinkedIn Learning is a great example of a platform where you can continuously learn new things while simultaneously letting your network know all about it!
Finally, I know there’s a lot of content out there about interviewing and job searching, so only listen to the one that might apply to you. Only you know your unique situation or where you fall in your career journey, so that what works and discard what doesn’t.
Best of luck to you!
