Getting Past the Blind

I play Texas Hold'em every once in a while with our neighbors (no gambling going on, really... just for fun   ;-).  In that game there's a betting event every round involving the 'blinds'.  The blinds serve as an ante in the game - 'money' you pay in order to have access to play the game.

It's similar to a job search: There are certain antes that will get you a seat at the table: having the right credentials, having the right experience in the right industry, knowing someone on the inside.  These antes will get you a seat at the table, but they don't necessarily mean you get to play.

So what increases your odds of actually getting to play, i.e. get hired?  One thing that can help is knowing exactly what makes you an exceptional candidate, what sets you apart and differentiates you from all the other competition.  In the game of job searching, it's called Personal Branding.

I could spend pages and pages writing on Personal Branding, but for now I’m going to have you focus on just a few items to get you started:

First, identify how you are different from your competition, because you ARE different!  You have a unique combination of skills, strengths and experience and you need to communicate that. 

Second, narrow down the above: what single problem can you solve better than anyone else?

Third, go find the organizations and companies that have that problem and engage in a conversation.

So pay attention to the blind, the ante, that’s what is going to get you NEAR the table you want to play at.  But what’s going to get you a seat at the table and an invitation to play is your Personal Brand.  Start today.

Brenda