Applying for a job and promoting yourself. That can sometimes be a challenge. Even for the most seasoned person. The idea still persists that this might come across as arrogant, that it involves overestimating oneself, or that it causes irritation in the hiring party or recruiter. But if you really want the job, you must show, or prove, that you possess the required qualities. The question, therefore, is how you, as a marketer for example, can use the well-known 5 Ps to your advantage.
Product
The product is the position. Attached to the position are job requirements that address functional skills. To what extent do the job requirements align with your job specifications? It is important to address the job requirements yourself during the application process and indicate what you have to offer. What experience and knowledge do you have regarding specific job requirements? You can certainly state this, but a recruiter, for example, would like to see proof of it. If you remain within the same industry with your application, that is a plus. However, if that is not the case, look for the relationship between your industry and the new industry. This can sometimes be very enlightening. But above all, ensure that you can provide evidence for specific aspects in advance.
Place
It may be important that you have always worked in the same region or that you are nationally or internationally oriented, respectively. It can be decisive if you are flexible in this regard. At a regional company, the commute can be an important factor. At national and international companies, relocation may even be part of the job. The level of the position can also be a determining factor.
Price
The hiring party usually publishes minimum and maximum salary amounts. This is a determining factor in deciding whether to accept an application. Your current salary is known, and what you desire depends in part on your expertise. Check online what level you are at and what salary limits apply. This provides a basis for negotiations and ensures you do not run the risk of clearly overcharging. Ultimately, the price-performance ratio must be balanced for both parties.
If at all possible, do not bring up salary figures at the first meeting. This will only naturally come up once the recruiter or employer gets to know you better.
In the event that the starting salary is lower than the current salary, future prospects come into play. What are the growth opportunities if you start with a lower salary? And if you accept that lower salary, to what extent will you stay, because if a higher offer comes along, you could be gone again just as quickly.
The starting salary offered can be much higher. In that case, you should pay more attention to the job requirements, as more is likely expected of you.
Promotion
Promoting yourself without exaggerating, coming across as arrogant, or becoming annoying is of essential importance. Self-promotion is not about constantly stating “I am…. I do….”, but rather emphasizing what you find important or what you are focused on. By doing so, you shift the focus from the “I” to promoting the company. With this approach, you promote both yourself and the company without ever coming across as unfriendly.
Personal characteristics
This is a very important one. Usually, the first impression is a written one, for example, the application letter. Although some personality traits are distilled from this, they will become more apparent in a personal interview.
In written communication, the focus is primarily on writing style, language errors, sentence structure, clarity, efficient layout, etc. Often, an initial selection is already made based on these factors. If you fit the bill, a personal interview follows. During this interview, the first impression is of paramount importance. The beginnings of an opinion are formed within just a few seconds. This opinion is then refined over the following minutes. Pay close attention to how the recruiter or employer moves and speaks, and adapt lightning-fast. This also applies to the rest of the conversation without forcing yourself to do whatever it takes. The recruiter or employer will refine or adjust their opinion during the interview. However, bear in mind that the first impression is usually so decisive that it takes a great deal of time and energy to turn it into a positive one if it is negative.
