As an exercise, I will search job boards to see what the trends are in the minds of the hiring community. The language they use, the buzzwords, the different titles used to describe what is often the same thing and also to remain on top of the transient world of job search. It is a fickle one and for some reason, the hiring community wants to constantly re-invent it’s own wheel.
Not sure what drives this thought process, but it’s definitely a real phenomenon. The consistency is the change. Human Resources were always the place that managed the hiring process. Recruiters were the people that found the appropriate talent. HR still manages much of the process, but now we have it categorized and compartmentalized. The same hiring functions come in several flavors now. Talent Acquisition, Talent Acquisition Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Talent Acquisition Director, Director of TA, TA Generalist, TA Coordinator, TA Partner. At the end of the day – we are all on one page doing the same thing – trying to find the very best talent we can that satisfies the needs of the client. We still need to match talent to task. Whether it’s internal or you are an outsource provider, the mission is to source and deliver the best available.
There in lies the big question. Defining ‘the best’. What do you have that can label you as someone without equal? What are your differentiators? A common question now is, “what makes you unique?” It’s a difficult question to respond to. I believe what makes someone unique is their ability to admit that they are, in fact, not unique. Being adaptable, being smart, being insightful and fearless of change are certainly qualities worth noting, but definitely not unique. They are qualities worth having – but again, not unique. However, I do think they are differentiators. With rare exception – is anyone truly unique? We’re all different and that alone makes us unique. There are people that are just ‘special’ and it’s recognizable pretty quickly. They just STAND OUT! Doesn’t insure they are the person of choice – but they have something exceptional and we need to always consider that as we think about a career path and/or a candidate for the job.
What is it that distinguishes you from others? It’s a calculation of qualities. The passion for success, having the ambition and drive to navigate through a career with an open mind, being agile, adaptable and not resisting change are differentiators. Expressing yourself openly, intelligently, knowing how to communicate, having the LLC (Low Learning Curve) and being what I call, a student of the room. That, by my definition is someone that listens and processes really well before responding. Can you anticipate? Can you remain calm when the stuff hits the fan? Can you adapt to the situation as it changes? Can you think on your feet? Can you take ownership on yourself and the projects you work on? Can you manage time efficiently and effectively? Can you get things done?
What are your differentiators? What makes you different? What makes you a person of exceptional quality? Do you have the ability to offer smart, practical ideas of value that lead to solutions? What makes you special? Think it through and make sure you brand yourself appropriately. Make your story compelling and make sure it’s worth listening too.