Strategically and authentically talking about your career history. Finding the words for what makes you unique.

My 5 Key Tips Shared on Beauty Talent Talk’s LinkedIn Live Event

On Thursday, I presented at a LinkedIn Live Event hosted by Premier Executive Recruiting where I talked about making strategic career moves. What does taking a strategic approach mean? I broke it down starting with how we communicate about ourselves and our career experience.

Whether introducing yourself to someone new at work, networking or interviewing, inevitably you will have to “introduce yourself”. Most people go with a chronological breakdown highlighting the companies they worked for and job titles they held. This answers the question. Tactically. Factually.

What if you answered it strategically? How would it change?

Here's 5 points I shared on the webinar that can take you from chronological to strategic and help you find new, compelling words to authentically tell your unique career story.

1. The Human Connection Hook

Start with your personal mission statement, which is the “why” behind your work. How do you add value to the world through the work you choose to do? How did you end up doing what you do and what makes you stick with it? Sharing your passion for why you are involved in this industry, company or service creates a connection with like-minded people. In the beauty industry, that I have spent my career in, most of us find ourselves in the work because many of the products, especially skincare can really help people, especially if they are trying to solve a skin problem or just look good, feel good, and confidently face the world. Stating with your passion for why you have chosen and stayed doing the work you do, can create a connecting moment where you share an authentic moment about who you are as a person and what drives you.

2. Point of Difference

Know yourself…really well. No one has walked in your shoes, with your exact career path. What is your unique combination of skills and experience that (just like in marketing a product) represents the advantages and perspective you bring to the table above and beyond other people that may hold similar titles on paper. Your point of difference is also about the difference you have made through your work. What was your impact…how did your work transform something or approach something in a new way?

3. A Match

Matching your experience to a next career move is key. This holds true even when introducing yourself to new people in your current role. People want to know why your experience, knowledge and strengths qualify you for the work. I’m sure you have hear or even been the one to think “Why did so and so get that job!” Whether moving internally, seeking a promotion or a new job, the person that hires you will be looking for you to match up to the job description of what they need. All talent searches and hiring managers are looking to solve a business need with talent. They have businesses to build, strategic planning that needs to happen, and specific work that needs to be done that only a very specific person would know how to do. How are you that person?

4. Clear & Concise Communication

Nailing your story in a nutshell or elevator pitch is not easy, but it is strategic. The higher you go in an organization, the more clear and concise you need to be…in business and so it goes for presenting yourself. What’s your headline about what you are capable of bringing to the table?

5. Networking

One thing that hasn’t changed is networking to increase your visibility. When you have your new strategic communication approach, you can try it out with networking. Who can you connect with that you can share your story? If seeking a new job, staying resilient and always finding that next person to talk to about your aspirations will be your Marketing Plan. Networking is the way to get your message out. In applying for jobs, there can be a lot of let down. It’s highly competitive. Recruiters are overwhelmed. They can’t and don’t answer back sometimes. It can feel like you are ghosted. Inhuman.

Just forget all that, and keep going.

Be the antithesis of this, be human and make even more connections where you authentically and proudly talk about how you came to do your work, what makes you unique and the value you can bring to the table.

Powerful Question 031:

How will you strategically approach your next career move?

Action Step: In business, we are always building “Strategic Business Plans”. It lays out the mission/objective, key strategies (usually in 3-5 pillars) and the details of a communications and marketing plan. I often work with clients to help them build their Career Strategic Business Plan. When you put pen to paper, clarity comes. And so does authenticity. Your unique story comes to life and then it rolls off your tongue seamlessly and confidently. When it comes time to “introduce yourself”, your mind can call up these slides as a visual reminder to clearly and concisely present yourself, strategically.

To watch the full 30 minute webinar on Making Strategic Career Moves, click here.

Topics also included:

Aligning your skills and experience to job opportunities | the 80/20 rule

Positioning yourself as the solution to an employer’s challenges

AI powered tools that can help tailor and professionalize your resume

Tips on what I look for in a candidate, as a hiring manager

Paid Subscribers, keep reading for a guide on 7 key slides that can get you started on your Career Strategic Business Plan.