Sell Yourself to Get Your Dream Job

Even the most modest job applicant to learn the delicate art of self promotion. When you're job hunting, you're the product, and the market is stuffed with talented people vying for what's often only one open position. When the only thing a recruiter has to judge hundreds of potential hirees is a stack of resumes, yours has to stand out. Now is not the time to be modest. Here are a few tips on ways to sell yourself in a professional manner:

1. Always use active language.

Get to the point right away. What did you do at your previous jobs? Start your sentences with a specific verb: increased, improved, founded, maintained. Focus on your actions and how they affected your previous companies.

2. Get specific

Numbers serve well to describe exactly what impact you've had on an organization. Did you decrease spending? Give a percentage. Did you deal with an impressive number of clients per month? How many? Numbers help break up the text in a resume and give value to your accomplishments.

3. Use the job posting as a guide

Tailor your resume so that your skills align with the needs of your potential employer. Take the traits they are looking for, search your work history for traits that align, and put these front and center. If they're looking for someone who can manage a team, start each previous job explanation with your management skills and the successes you've found. Remember, your resume is your foot in the door--use it to its best advantage. Be truthful (don't over-embellish!) but be proud of your work history and don't hesitate to let your pride show.