Selling Yourself To Prospective Employers

Barbara Gradet (L), JCS Executive Director, and Ronald Attman, JCS Board President.

Wherever in the US that a large number of Jewish people have settled and grown, you can also be sure that the generosity of this group of citizens also glows. Through the Associated: Jewish Community Federation Of Baltimore, JEWISH COMMUNITY SERVICES (JCS) extends a helping hand into our area and offers social supports for people in need, regardless of religious affiliation.

For those who need a helping hand while searching for a job, JCS offers a Career Center, which provides assistance in the job search process. Some of these services include career assessments, job coaching, resume services, and vocational rehabilitation. Among the online services is included a blog about the job search process. Recently, there was an article about making an impression on potential employers.



Although many of us, who have worked for an employer, may believe that we know what employers are seeking, JCS Career Center has the advantage of experts who serve as liaisons between employers and job candidates who utilize these services. So, taking advantage of this knowledge, what do they believe employers are seeking?

*Likeability - JCS account representative Lauren Harrison places this characteristic at the top of her list. She said, "It all comes down to chemistry and connecting with the employer. Positive energy and a smile go a long way." It's almost like match-making, seemingly, that special connection that tells an employer that there is a fit with this candidate.

*Experience - This is something that many employers seek, your background in working in a similar, if not the same, area. In any case, the career experience contains skills relevant to the job that employers are seeking to fill. According to JCS representative, Lisa Cohn, experience may even take priority over education.

*Positive Work Values -  This is often referred to as a work ethic. What values does that person display? Some of the most valuable are flexibility, responsibility, friendliness, professionalism, and diplomacy.

*Excellent Track Record - What has been your reputation when working for other employers? How long have you remained with an employer? It certainly doesn't look very good when you've been hopping from job to job.

*Organization Fit - This is the match between the person and the company. If a company is investing and committing to a job candidate, then they usually appreciated someone who is interested in moving around the company, committed to being trained in other areas, and interested in moving up in the company.

*Well-Rounded - A person who isn't just focused on the company but has other hobbies and interests, or is active in the community, is highly desired. Communities need volunteers, board members and committee members, so companies are interested in those who bring the company's name out with them, when they engage in these activities.

*Special Skills - Included would be such things as security clearance, certification in CPR (not just for health care workers), fluency in other languages, willingness to work other shifts, and proficiency with computers and social media. According to JCS representative Michael Epstein, any of these characteristics can bring you into top consideration.

*Focus And Drive - Having your own career and educational goals, separate from the goals of the organization.

Although each workplace is different, JCS representatives offer these characteristics as a good starting place when thinking about what an employer is seeking. At the least, these suggestions can give you some ideas about how to market yourself during your own job search.

Winners of Employer Partnership Awards, 2014-2015.

By the way, for employers in the Baltimore region, JCS representatives would like to get to know you, too. They are inviting you to come to STRICTLY BUSINESS, a networking and awards breakfast, on April 5 at 7:30 to 9:30 AM at Woodholme Country Club.

Keynote speakers for Strictly Business.

Thanks for information provided by Robyn Geller's blog post on Jewish Community Services: http://www.jcsbaltimore.org/2016/work-wonders/making-an-impression-on-potential-employers/; and the above links.

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