Marketing yourself & making connections are key to a successful job search

by Stella Shepard

Miriam Briggs, MBA, has more than 25 years of experience as a Marketing Consultant in the local and national business world. She is the co-founder of Briggs & Briggs Marketing Services in Monticello, PEI.

She provided strategies and tips in a Marketing Yourself and Making Connections workshop hosted by PEI Connectors.

“You need to tell your story and not think of it as bragging,” says Miriam. “The difference between bragging and marketing is to back up your results and specifically describe the skills that enabled your success, rather than simply stating you are the best person for the job.

“Marketing is talking about the values and accomplishments you bring to the table. Employers are looking for people who can show how their skills can contribute to their business.”

She suggested creating a one-minute elevator pitch that tells something about yourself with the goal the person will ask for more information and continue the conversation.

“The elevator pitch should have a strong introduction, which is key to having the conversation go well. Include your profession or position, your role, skills, and achievements.”

To help you pull your story together, she suggests doing an inventory of your experience and skills for each job and volunteer position you have held. “Convey your strengths and soft skills by making notes of your previous jobs listing your responsibilities, the skills set you used and the results, which could be getting a degree, certifications, license, awards, promotions, and more.

“When networking, you can also add to your story personal information such as passions and volunteering.

“If you are asked what you do, instead of saying, for example, you are a server at a restaurant, it would be better to say you excel at offering dinner specials, drinks, and desserts to accompany customers’ meal selection, getting their order correctly to the chef, and providing service with a smile. Also add any other examples of how your work has led to positive results.”

Marketing tips

• Have a resumé ready
• Practice a personal introduction
• Review the company website
• Follow the company on social media, which is sometimes more up to date than their website
• Practice with a friend three questions to ask when networking

“After the interview, it is really important to follow up with an email within 24 hours, thanking them for their time, saying it was a pleasure to meet them and learn about their company or organization, and to express excitement about the possibility of joining their organization or company. Also, include a short summary of the most important ways you can contribute to the company.”