So much emphasis today is on the ‘added value’ or ‘value added’ that we can bring to the job. Truth be told – it is important to have AV and more important to make sure the hiring community sees it. And remember, it’s up to you to make them recognize your added value.
This all comes down to the story you are able to tell about yourself and how you present it.
How do you do this? By talking in the ‘first person’. After all, this is about you and what you have accomplished in life. Junior or senior – you must talk about you and the success you have experienced. That will be interpreted as ADDED VALUE.
When you are fortunate enough to land the first job or make a transition into something new, you must exhibit an eagerness and a curiosity that speaks in a volume that is not too loud, but audible enough to be heard. In other words, be subtle – but be in the mix. Volunteer to be involved with the department. Try and get your head around what needs to be done and step up and try and either be a part of doing it or be the one that volunteers to take charge and do it.
All of this becomes an opportunity to create and develop new relationships. You expose yourself by engaging your strengths and your confidence and that will certainly be seen as adding value.
Strength is a quality people recognize immediately. It is a sign of self-assurance. Mental strength illustrates ‘what it takes’. It exhibits necessary tools to be decisive and a take-charge quality. Even at a junior level, it still shows some courage.
As a more senior level position – your ability to demonstrate agility to be responsive is an influencer that people observe and see as a ‘trust’ factor. You earn trust in the workplace – you are well on your way to success.
These are the intangibles that cannot always be reflected on a resume – but they are added value and you must be narrative in the way you make this clear to the hiring community. In your words and your voice – you make your AV known.
It is mental nutrition that brings value. It adds value to the cultural diet for all of those around you.
Give it a good think before you apply for a job, go on an interview or reach out to people for help in your quest to make a career change. Don’t just rely on the resume and experience. Know who you are and know what your added value is and bring it on.