Today’s business climate is more competitive than ever, with people jostling for the best jobs in town. How then can you set yourself apart from the rest of the job-hunting herd?

By Peony Lim

Many organisations want people who know what they want and how to get it. They seek those who want to win and are willing to work out a way of getting there. Peony Lim, manager of Robert Walters’ Sales & Marketing division shares some insight as to how you can market yourself as a winner in the job market.

1. Put on your sales cap

Think of yourself as a sales person whose livelihood depends on the sale of your product, in this case you are tasked to market and sell the best product you have – you. That is what searching for a job is all about.

The most effective marketer knows how to position his/her product and tout all its benefits relevant to the needs of a buyer. Similarly, to close the sale and wow the employer, you need to expound on the benefits of the product – your strengths, work experience, industry knowledge, contacts, skills, abilities and successes, and quote examples that matter most to the company’s objectives or vision.

Relevancy is the key word, even if you are seeking to work in a new industry. It is important for you to critically evaluate the key transferable skills you possess, which will add significant value to potential hirers.

2. Be a networking guru

Actively participate in local and international business or industry forums to expand your network of contacts, and gain access to invaluable information through the exchange of market updates, insights and commentaries that take place between members.

Network aggressively, but stay focused. Attend various business and social networking events to increase your profile, and contribute actively to these platforms by sharing your success stories, interesting case studies or market insights.

Be aware of market and industry trends so that you can build your strengths in the hot areas of specialisation, or discuss issues intelligently with potential employers or other contacts you have made at networking events.

3. Know the company inside out

One of the best ways to stand out in the pool of job-seekers and impress potential employer is to show them your knowledge of the company and industry. Make it a personal mission to find out as much as you can on the companies you are keen to work for and do as much due diligence as you can on its senior management, history, products, services, successes, significant projects, partners and most of all, its competitors.

Demonstrate your commitment and sincerity by asking concise, focused and clear questions about the company. The employer will see you as someone who is keen, proactive and really serious about the job and organisation. Such an approach can help to establish your credibility and increase your profile above the other candidates.

4. Moving forward

Many tend to focus too much on presenting past job responsibilities instead of showcasing prior achievements and accomplishments to prospective employers. One of the secrets to marketing yourself is to use your previous work experience and successes to convince potential employers that you possess the knowledge, expertise and skills that their company and industry need to help move them forward.

Instead of relating what functions you were responsible for, share how well you have performed in that role. Tweak your resume to highlight successes rather than merely listing past responsibilities. By doing so, you come across as a forwardthinking visionary and result-oriented candidate.

5. Work with a Reputable headhunter

Specialist recruitment consultants from reputable search firms can help highlight your most compelling transferable skills and build a strong case for you to hirers. When you work with head-hunters, you will also receive invaluable career consultation and advice, as well as professional coaching to help prepare you for interviews. A good recruitment consultancy can open up new career opportunities in the fields you desire, and provide a multitude of potential jobs from the high profile organisations or new industries that they represent.

6. Testimonials and referrals

Testimonials and referrals are an excellent way for you to market yourself. If there is anything more powerful than self-marketing, it would be having someone else endorse your personality, capabilities and performance. Third-party speak is extremely powerful as it takes on an objective stance and gives you high credibility. What makes testimonials and referrals so believable is that you are no longer blowing your own horn, but having other people do it for you – willingly.

Start saving letters, emails and written comments from your colleagues, superiors, friends, clients, customers and business partners that compliment your work efficiency, professionalism, contribution, skills and abilities, or anything that is highly positive and reinforces your strengths.

Use your testimonials as success stories when meeting prospective employers or list them down as quotes in your resume. They serve as a strong summary of your accomplishments without appearing to brag, and give hirers a quick snapshot of your profile.

Business and social networking events are ideal platforms for referral-building, as they often provide you with the maximum number of contacts, leads and other opportunities.


Peony Lim is the Manager of Robert Walters Singapore - Sales & Marketing division, focusing on specialist placements in the areas of marketing, branding, sales and communications.

DID: 6228 0241
Email: peony.lim@robertwalters.com.sg
Web: www.robertwalters.com.sg

Robert Walters is a leading global recruitment consultancy, specialising in placing high calibre professionals into permanent, contract and temporary positions at all management levels. The Group specialises in the accounting, finance, banking, engineering, IT, legal, sales and marketing, human resources, and secretarial and support fields. Robert Walters’ blue-chip client base ranges across multinational corporations covering all market sectors. Established in 1985, Robert Walters has built a global presence spanning five continents with 35 offices in 15 countries. It employs over 1450 staff worldwide.