Identify your unique value proposition before applying for a job

Many candidates focus only on updating their resumes, writing compelling cover letters, and preparing for interviews when they apply for a job. Not a lot of professionals take the moment to pause a little and think about their unique value proposition before doing any of these. While these steps are essential, overlooking the crucial element of finding out your unique value proposition will make you fade into the background during a job search.

Understanding what makes you stand out from other candidates will significantly improve your job search strategy. So, what exactly is a unique value proposition during job searching? And how can you define yours before applying for a job?

What is a unique value proposition?

Your unique value proposition is the combination of skills, experience, and attributes that differentiate you from other job seekers in the job market. This is what comes out in your answer to the employer's question, “Why should we hire you over someone else?” during an interview.

Your unique value proposition must only focus on specific strengths, achievements, and accomplishments that make you an asset to an employer. It has to highlight your unique talents and how they're aligned with the employer’s needs. Defining your unique value proposition will help you tailor your job applications to any position that you prefer and also give you the confidence you need during interviews and networking.

Why must you identify your unique value proposition before applying for a job?

Understanding your unique value proposition will help you stand out within a competitive job market. As employers receive hundreds of applications for a single job, your unique value proposition will set you apart from the competition. You can also align your job applications better with the employer's needs when you understand your unique value proposition. Not just that, identifying your unique value proposition will help you boost confidence during interviews. More importantly, finding out your unique value proposition will help you negotiate a better salary during the hiring process.

How to identify your unique value proposition?

Let's discuss how you can identify your unique value proposition in three simple steps.

1. Self-assessment: Identify your strengths

Start by evaluating the skills, experiences, and qualifications that differentiate you from someone else. Ask yourself questions such as:

• What professional accomplishments am I the proudest of?
• How have I added value to previous employers?
• What are the skills that have helped me excel in past roles?
• What kind of feedback have I received from colleagues, managers, and clients?

We recommend creating a list of both your hard skills and soft skills. This will help you get a clearer picture of your strengths.

2. Analyze your past successes

Then, you should review your past work experiences and identify instances where you made a significant impact in the workplace. Did you:

• Increase revenue?
• Lead a team to success?
• Improve efficiency?
• Solve a major challenge?
• Develop new strategies?

These examples will help you shape a compelling unique value proposition while providing concrete evidence of your contributions to past employers.

3. Understand the employers’ needs

It does not matter how strong of a unique value proposition you have if it does not align with what employers are looking for in your industry and profession. Therefore, one thing you must keep in mind is the employers’ needs. Research your industry and target profession before you set down your unique value proposition in stone. You can read job descriptions and refer to company websites to do this. Identify common themes in the qualifications that employers seek within your industry and profession.

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