core messages in job hunting

Core Messages

A Core Message Is

A presentation of your skills, strengths and abilities.

Relative to the needs of the employer. A way to differentiate yourself from the

competition. Targeted, Individualized for each company or

industry. Specific.

How to develop a Core Message

List your strengths, skills, education, experience, accomplishments, and abilities. Put the items most needed by the employer first. Cross off any that are irrelevant.

It is nice that you can cross-stitch portraits, but it does not matter to an Accounting Firm.

Though it may matter if you want to work in an Arts/Craft Store. Pick a manageable number to present.

Teens or inexperienced workers may only have 3 or 4. Executives or highly trained people may have 7, 9, or 11.

Make your Core Message relevant to the prospective employer.

Imagine Imagine you are the Owner or Hiring Manager.

Write down the things you would want in an employee.

Research Read the targeted company's webpage and/or

Facebook. Ask

If you can visit the company, simply ask someone “What kind of person are you looking for?”

See if you have a networking contact.

Now you have a strengths, abilities, etc. list & a what the employer needs list...

You can put all that information together into a Core Message

Tweaking the Core Message

Don't forget the competition. If you have a certain skill, certification, or

accomplishment (perfect attendance, sales award), this is the place to mention it. Again, if it is relevant.

Be specific. “Dependable and hardworking” won't sell.

Perfect attendance 2010-present President's Sales Club, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

How to use the Core Message

Your Core Message flows through the process-Application, cover letter/email, interview.

Energizer Bunny...He just keeps _______and ______

That campaign stopped running a long time ago, but older readers know that that the Energizer Bunny just keeps going and going.

And so does an effective Core Message. But not in an inflexible, robotic way.

Think of a Core Message as an outline or guide. These are the 'High Points” you are going to return

to through the hiring process. It helps people relax, and stay focused-”On message”.

Here is a simplified example

Employer-McDonald's They want

A counterperson. “You’ve got enthusiasm, responsibility and drive” From

their webpage. The local Manager needs someone who will show up, be

on time, and stay off the dang texting/phone.

Simplified example, page 2

The Candidate (Let's call her Kylie) Core message of:

Recent graduate, with good grades Perfect attendance the last two years of school. Energetic, moves from task to task quickly. Can set goals and work toward them. Experienced with babysitting and taking care of children.

How to use a core message

Apply online at McDonalds.com. Upload a resume that shows responsibility and goal

setting. There is a box that says “Additional information”

All the OTHER teens left this blank. Kylie takes 30 seconds, and types “I am responsible, and

appreciate the lessons I have learned while babysitting multiple children (responsibility).

How to use a core message, cont.

Let's assume Kylie's core message resonated, and there is an opening. They call for a brief telephone interview, and ask a few questions:

Q-“Why do you want to work at McDonald's?”

A-”I am an energetic person who likes to work at a quick pace.” (From the Core Message).

Q-”Are you a Leader or a Follower?”

A-”I have shown responsibility and leadership as a Babysitter. I think if you are going to be a good leader, you have to be a good team member, too, and learning that would be one of my goals.”

How to use a core message, cont.

A strong telephone leads to a face to face interview:

Q-“What is your biggest weakness?”

A-”This will be my first job. I don't have a lot of experience, but I have been responsible in my babysitting, and perfect attendance at school.”

Q-”We have a lot of applicants. Why should we hire you?”

A-”Because I set goals, and work toward them. I am responsible, and have great attendance. My grades were good, which shows that I know how to learn and work hard.”

Why Core Messages work

Kylie determined what her strengths, abilities, and skills were. She Imagined, Researched, and Asked (IRA) what the needs of the employer were.

By comparing needs vs. strengths, she found an effective Core Message.

She then presented this message consistently through the application, telephone interview, and face to face interview process.

Thank you, good luck, and best wishes.

If you would like more detail than can be in a slideshow, please visit my blog at:

www.thejobsguy.blogspot.com