Career Tips from a PM (1/30) – Your value proposition as a professional is EVERYTHING.
If recruiters or hiring managers don’t understand who you are, what value you provide, and why matters to them, why would they want to interview you in the first place?
One of the most common reasons people go onto 100s, even 1000s, of applications without an interview is because the image they present to recruiters and hiring managers does not speak to them on an emotional level.
After all, we as people make decisions based on how we feel, not by what we think.
Often, the average resume reads off like a list of technical specifications. “I know X, Y, and Z coding languages.” “I’ve deployed 300+ new features with <1% defect rate.” I’ve taken some number of products from ideation to launch.” “I’ve generated $100M in net new revenue.”
Generations ago, that would have been great as most resumes were lists of roles and responsibilities. You would have easily stood out and gotten interviews.
But in today’s job market, that is no longer the case. It’s super common for resumes to have those metrics and measurable achievements. (Heaven help the souls whose resumes are still just lists of roles and duties.)
So, how do we stand out?
We communicate our value proposition in a way that RESONATES with our audience.
Don’t stop with your achievements, dial into why they mattered at all!
“I deployed 300+ new features…” → You freed up your users’ time to focus on more important things.
“I’ve generated $100M in net new revenue.” → You built a competitive presence by capturing 20% of the market.
My point is that you need to highlight the IMPACT your achievements had on the people involved and position it in a way that evokes EMOTION out of your audience; the same way products are strategically positioned to speak to their target audience and compel them to learn more.
And, here’s the best part: this isn’t limited to just your resume. You can do the same with your LinkedIn profile, and even when you connect and network with new people (*cough* your elevator pitch *cough*). Show people why you matter and don’t bury your value under countless metrics.
Your value proposition as a professional is EVERYTHING.
