Resume Writers' Insider Tip: Value Proposition FreeDigitalPhotos.net
August 7 2012

Resume Writers' Insider Tip: Value Proposition

There are plenty of great resources available to help job seekers write their value proposition. Today I’m sharing the strategy I use when I create a value proposition for almost any client. Value propositions are important because you’ll use it in your resume, your networking, and your interviews. It is the answer to the question: “Tell me about yourself?” It is often (if not always) located at the top portion of your resume and outlines why an employer would want to hire you. Here’s a sample:

What you’ll need BEFORE you start crafting your value proposition

  1. A target position
  2. Your target industry
  3. Two-three words that describe you
  4. Action words (verbs) that describe how you’re going to help the company

OK, now that you have answered the questions above, let’s give this a try using an example.

Example 1

  1. Target position: Community Manager
  2. Target industry: Marketing Communications/ New Media
  3. Two-three words that describe you: social, authentic, loyal
  4. Action words (verbs) that describe how you’re going to help the company
    - engage & mobilize target audiences
    - inspire action
    - share stories

Now put it all together and you have the beginning of a value proposition for your target position!

Final Result – Example #1: Authentic and socially savvy community manager crafts and shares business stories that build, engage, and mobilize target audiences.

Want to try another one?
Example 2 

  1. Target position: Vice President of Human Resources
  2. Target industry: Canadian Market Leaders
  3. Two-three words that describe you: Decisive, innovative, forward-thinking and hard-working
  4. Action words (verbs) that describe how you’re going to help the company?
    - direct planning and policy development
    - communicate effectively
    - engage staff

Final Result – Example #2: Decisive and innovative HR leader directs and facilitates organization-wide planning and policy development for Canadian leaders. Eliminates ambiguity and communicates vision while effectively engaging and inspiring staff at all levels.

Remember: your value proposition is all about addressing the wants and needs of the employer. The more you can use words that describe how you meet the employer’s search criteria – the better your chances of being selected as a candidate.

So there you have it – my secret to creating a value proposition. Let me know if you need any help creating yours.

For this post, WetFeet thanks our friends at Fresh Transition!

About the author: Maureen McCann is an award winning master resume writer and Canadian Career Strategist who provides tailored career advice to C-level executives, managers, and professionals by providing leading edge services to improve your writing, online and interview presence. She has been interviewed as a career expert for the Globe and Mail, Toronto Sun and Chris Lawrence’s syndicated myFM radio show. Connect with Maureen on Twitter and on the web: http://www.mypromotion.ca/

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