Look to Say It As Simply As You Can

The current difficult job market can make many a job searcher paranoid about just what wording to include on their resumé or to be part of the verbal pitch they use to present themselves.  This can lead to many approaches that are not optimal.  One may choose to use language that is full of a lot of jargon that is appropriate from your last job position or company, but which does not translate well at all to other employers.  Others look to zero their language in “exactly” to match the expectations of each perspective employer.  While certainly there is some merit in this, where it can become a liability is when it confuses the job searcher and as such they’re not speaking clearly and directly about who they are and what they are able to offer.  There are those who look to get everything out to the prospective listener at once, trying to include in everything they have ever done and offered, hoping that one or more of the key phrases catches the listener’s ear and they are able to pick you out as a perspective candidate that can help them.

We live in a very fast paced society.  Individuals absorb messages in sound bites and not in long, detailed, flowery speech.  This is particularly true when you are talking about a verbal introduction or when someone is reviewing several resumés at the same time.  Therefore, keeping your message both simple in its focus and crystal clear is a key component in getting those you want to receive your message to listen to you.  So, how does one go about this?

First take responsibility for the message you choose to deliver.  Make sure that you firmly believe what you are saying or putting into writing.  If you don’t 100% believe it, it is going to make it that much more difficult for you to deliver your message when speaking to others.  Another part of the responsibility is to make sure there is no interpretation left for doubt.  If your strength is that you are one of the lead sales and marketing experts in the field, say so directly.  There is always the concern that when saying things directly, it can be interpreted as boasting.  However, if it is indeed true, and you ultimately later in conversation or in written support can back it up with fact, figures and experiences that support your statement, it is just a plain expression of fact.  Your listener, if they’re looking for such an individual will be grateful for you making the initial contact so simple because you have piqued their interest by putting together an image of who you are and how they should perceive you.

Once you have taken responsibility, determine the most important thing that you want your listener or reader to know about you.  That should be the first thing that jumps out at them.  If you are a customer service representative, say you are a customer service representative.  Don’t provide a long involved explanation of duties you may have done on your last job.  There is time for that once they get to know you in more depth.  Once getting that first key item out, follow with the second most important thing you want them to know about you.  Ideally it is something that makes you unique or different from others that do what you told them in your first sentence.  Perhaps it is the way you go about your activity.  Maybe you combine a particular skill set with the ability to mentor others in it.  Again, with the two thoughts supporting each other, you are building a clearer picture of the person listening to you seeing you in a role.

Look to complete your first two thoughts with a couple of key accomplishments or facts that show you do what you do well.  If you can’t do this description in one or two sentences, you are getting way too involved.  If it is that impressive, you should be able to summarize it what some key facts or figures in a sentence or two.  In absence of having facts or figures, you can show with enthusiasm how well your group performed this type of work and for what period of time.  Finally, try to wrap up your thought with a statement that shows you are enthusiastic to speak to them further about what you can do for them and how your talents or services may be able to help them.