Blog Post: Sharing Your Gifts

In celebration of a day of gifts and giving, I want to share with you a way that all of you can showcase your gifts and talents when seeking employment.

Do you often ask yourself, "I need a job, but what can I do?"  Perhaps a better approach would be, "I have a gift, and how can I use it to help others?"

As you are all aware, the economy, the job market and the competition are all tough right now.  Typically, when people apply for a job, they highlight their background and experience in their resume to match the job description.  They want to get past the initial screening process and secure an interview.  However, to land your dream job, you need to get in the final group of candidates and reach the top of the list.  To do so requires a change in your perspective. 

The employer is looking for that one person who can not only fill a new or vacant position, but can also solve one of their biggest challenges.  Therefore, you must stand out above the rest - you need to sell yourself.   Apply for a position as if you are the answer to THEIR problem, and not that they are the answer to yours.

The first step is having a clear understanding of what you have to offer - your strengths and talents.  Taking a personality type assessment can help you gain perspective on your own strengths and what occupations will allow you to utilize those strengths.  There are many assessments in which to choose, and selecting one can be overwhelming.  The two I prefer are the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) and True Colors® assessments.  Both will provide you with valuable information about how you prefer to interact with people, take in information, and make decisions.  These are helpful tools when selecting a good job fit.

Another resource for job hunting is the book StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath which outlines 34 different strengths and talents.  By taking an online assessment (an access code is included in the book), you are provided a Profile Report and an Action Plan Guide that highlights your top 5 strengths along with job search strategies utilizing your strengths.

You may know what types of occupations attract you; however, assessments can help reveal a list of occupations you might not have ever imagined.  Assessments not only provide you with information about your strengths, but can unlock your job search potential by opening doors to new opportunities.

After you have outlined a list of jobs of interest, research the companies who are hiring.  What are their biggest challenges?  What are their long term goals?  What is their mission, their vision and what are their values?  What strengths, talents and gifts do you have that will fit into their company profile and may help them overcome their biggest challenges?  You are an investment to an employer, and they need to know that their investment will give them a return (ROI).

The next step is to believe in yourself.  Selling is not easy, especially when it's yourself.  Many find it difficult to boast about their successes.  You must change your mindset and look at your application as a proposal: "This is what I can do for you."

Just remember...get creative and be memorable.  Share your gifts and they will serve you well.

Kay Fontana, "The Grandcoach," is a certified coach with a master's in Educational Administration and a bachelor's in Elementary Education. With over 20 years experience in the areas of teaching, training, mentoring and coaching combined, her company, Coaching For Quality, "helps baby boomers overcome the challenges of raising grandchildren."

Kay is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and a member of the ICF Greater Phoenix Coaches Alliance. You can visit her at www.CoachingForQuality.com or contact Kay@CoachingForQuality.com for more information about personality type assessments.