Resume Writers' Insider Tip: Value Proposition

There are plenty of great resources available to help job seekers write their value proposition. Today I’m sharing the strategy I use when I create a value proposition for almost any client. Value propositions are important because you’ll use it in your resume, your networking, and your interviews. It is the answer to the question: “Tell me about yourself?” It is often (if not always) located at the top portion of your resume and outlines why an employer would want to hire you. Here’s a sample:

What you’ll need BEFORE you start crafting your value proposition
 

1. A target position
2. Your target industry
3. Two-three words that describe you
4. Action words (verbs) that describe how you’re going to help the company

OK, now that you have answered the questions above, let’s give this a try using an example.

Example 1
 

1. Target position: Community Manager
2. Target industry: Marketing Communications/ New Media
3. Two-three words that describe you: social, authentic, loyal
4. Action words (verbs) that describe how you’re going to help the company
   - engage & mobilize target audiences
   - inspire action
   - share stories

Now put it all together and you have the beginning of a value proposition for your target position!

Final Result – Example #1: Authentic and socially savvy community manager crafts and shares business stories that build, engage, and mobilize target audiences.
Want to try another one?

Example 2
 

1. Target position: Vice President of Human Resources
2. Target industry: Canadian Market Leaders
3. Two-three words that describe you: Decisive, innovative, forward-thinking and hard-working
4. Action words (verbs) that describe how you’re going to help the company?
   - direct planning and policy development
   - communicate effectively
   - engage staff

Final Result – Example #2: Decisive and innovative HR leader directs and facilitates organization-wide planning and policy development for Canadian leaders. Eliminates ambiguity and communicates vision while effectively engaging and inspiring staff at all levels.

Remember: your value proposition is all about addressing the wants and needs of the employer. The more you can use words that describe how you meet the employer’s search criteria – the better your chances of being selected as a candidate.

So there you have it – my secret to creating a value proposition. Let me know if you need any help creating yours.