The résumé is the most widely recognized job search tool; although many job seekers don’t realize that it is a marketing tool. However, it is not the only one that is essential to your search. Here are nine tools you should consider using to increase your effectiveness.

Résumé

The résumé highlights relevant skills, specific accomplishments, and related experience. It includes dates of employment and job titles. While its stated use is to get the attention of hiring managers much of the real value comes from the process of developing it. When carefully researched and developed it is an excellent tool for building self confidence and preparing for interviews.

Executive Bio

This is most commonly used in business to highlight or present key executives to clients, stakeholders, or the media. During a job search the Executive Bio can be used to position an individual as an expert in a particular field or create a sense of equal footing when networking. It presents you as a fellow professional and doesn’t scream job seeker.

One Page Highlights Sheet

This is great way to present a snapshot of your expertise. It may include titles which reflect your level of responsibility, selected accomplishments, and key companies for whom you have worked. It can be the perfect solution when a résumé would be too

Networking letter

There is no better way to bring the people in your personal and professional network up to speed on your career aspirations than through a well-crafted networking letter. The purpose of a networking letter is to connect with and update friends and colleagues and encourage them to support you in achieving your goal. Once they are aware of your job search they can connect you with decision-makers, make you aware of opportunities that have yet to come on the market, make a personal introduction, call a colleague on your behalf, or provide background information on specific companies or industries.

Cover Letter

Cover letters accompany your résumé when you can’t. They introduce you to your potential employer. Effective cover letters identify the position you are interested in by referencing the job title and the requisition number. They add value to your résumé by highlighting your specific qualifications as they relate to the position for which you are applying. There is no such thing as a good generic cover letter! If it is generic, then it isn’t effective.

Article

Writing an article on a topic about which you are very knowledgeable positions you as an expert rather than a job seeker. When accompanied by an introductory letter it can be an effective door-opener when a résumé isn’t appropriate. This combination can also be used to set you apart from the crowd when everyone else sends a résumé!

Reference List

Your references can make or break you. Wise job hunters put a lot of careful thought into their choice of references. Who should be on your reference list? Those individuals who respect you, have an appreciation for your contributions, are approachable, and easy to reach. The possibilities include former managers, clients, vendors, co-workers, direct reports, and professional colleagues. Ask yourself, “Who is articulate, sincere, and can speak credibly about me and my work?” These are the people you want to represent you to a potential employer.

Portfolio

When people think of a portfolio they most commonly associate one with an artist or design professional. In fact, it makes sense for professionals in other fields to create a portfolio and use it to sell your value during interviews. Examples include a marketing professional who compiled samples of his program marketing materials and a college administrator who created a portfolio that showed off student housing facilities and recreation programs.

Leave-behind

This is among the least used yet most effective marketing tools at a job seeker’s disposal. The leave-behind is an item of interest and value to the interviewer. It might be an industry article you recently read, an article you wrote, a matrix for introducing new products, or a solution to a problem facing the hiring manager. It has multiple purposes from setting you apart from other candidates to positioning you as an expert and the clear frontrunner.

Copywrite. Mary Jeanne Vincent