Declare your career intentions

Ask a typical job searcher about what kind of work they are looking for and you often get a bland, ambiguous answer. “Something in project management.” “Administration.” “Finance.” And let’s not forget the worst answer of all, “Anything. Really, I will do just about anything.” Vague responses are like limp handshakes. They make you forgettable. In today’s job market, you cannot afford to be forgettable.

One of the most important things that job searchers can do to be more memorable and to focus their job search is to learn to communicate more effectively about their professional experience, goals and passions. It may seem simplistic but there is power in being able to express one’s career goals and expertise in a concise and compelling manner. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.”

Professional summaries have a similar effect. When we have the courage to declare our career intentions, we set in motion a much more effective and focused job search. Unfortunately, too many people downplay their introductions and fail to effectively communicate about their work and goals.

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Some people are shy and reserved. Some want to avoid sounding cocky or overly confident. Many people offer vague professional introductions because they truly don’t know what kind of work they want. And then there are those job seekers who try to cover up their needs and desires because they don’t want to seem pushy. We often imagine that we will find work more easily and quickly if we keep our options open. In fact, quite the opposite is true. By trying to appear open and flexible we can come across as uninterested or desperate.

A professional summary should let people know the types of positions that interest you, the industry you are targeting, the specific skills you want to use and a few details to illustrate your level of expertise. It is also good to add a dash of passion for the work you do. The trick is to keep the tone conversational and natural rather than stiff and robotic. Your introduction need not be spouted out in one big monologue. Consider your summary a guidepost to the talking points you want to include as you navigate your career.

From networking all the way through the interview process, a clear and compelling professional summary can keep job searchers grounded and focused. Our contacts will be better able to share leads when we are clear about what we want and what we have to offer. It takes less time and energy to target our resumes and cover letters because we are only applying for positions that match our clearly defined goals. And in the interview, our summary provides the basic outline when asked, “Tell me a little bit about yourself.”

Most importantly, when we have the courage to be clear and forthright about our goals, others can sense the enthusiasm we have for our work. Lest you doubt the power of a professional summary, consider all the billions of dollars spent each year on radio spots and television ads. Marketing and advertising are effective. In today’s job market, candidates are learning to market their own skills and abilities. The problem is that creating a memorable professional summary is not necessarily easy.

Marie Zimenoff, principal of A Strategic Advantage, and a certified career management coach and nationally certified résumé writer, offers the following advice for creating a powerful professional introduction: ?First impressions are formed within three seconds! Although what we say is important, our attitude and body language are even more critical.?

“When approaching a networking contact or interviewer, job seekers need to take a deep breath, smile and focus on the other person. This helps cut down on the negative self-talk and doubt that most of us experience in a new situation. Our greeting should convey genuine curiosity and excitement to learn more about the other person.”

“Don’t use a rehearsed elevator speech. It comes across as just that – rehearsed! And it builds a wall between us and the other person. If we focus on listening, asking good questions and sharing small bits of information, we can build a connection, which is our ultimate goal.”

Zimenoff adds, “One of the biggest turnoffs I hear from professionals is a fact-filled information dump full of titles, companies and years of experience. Share what you do in language anyone can understand and, better yet, connect in some way with the other person. If you are in transition, keep it positive and future focused.”

Zimenoff also recommends job searchers stay focused by continuing to pay attention to how their skill set meets employer needs. “Creating strong statements about how our skills differentiate us and unique stories that prove these skills is the first step. However, if those stories don’t hit an employer’s pain points, the message will not have any pull.”

According to Zimenoff, “This is why asking good questions while networking and interviewing has power – it gives a job seeker the opportunity to check their assumptions and reframe their brand to speak to the employer’s needs. Then we are better equipped to share the specific skills and accomplishment stories that demonstrate how we can be the solution.”

By creating a polished professional summary, we can begin carving a niche for ourselves. When we state our goals out loud for the world to hear it drives a stake into the ground. We commit more fully to a particular path. We become empowered. As you offer up details about yourself, give people a chance to feel the passion you have for the work you do. It is often thought that people may forget what you say but they will never forget the way you made them feel. People will feel your passion and they will remember that you took a keen interest in them. In today’s job market, it pays to be memorable.

Carrie Pinsky is a Fort Collins-based career and HR advisor. She can be reached at carrie@pinkskywriting.com.