Communication
and self-promotion is as important as the skill you possess
Rita's
interview seemed to have gone just fine. She appeared to have
presented her skills competently to the Vice-President (finance).
Her resume indicated that she was the right person for the job.
Yet she was not selected for the post of finance manager. So what
happened? According to the VP, Rita was quiet and rather withdrawn.
She
failed to show any kind of interest towards the prospective job.
As a result company finally chose someone with less talents, but
more enthusiastic and confident. The moral of the story; communication
and self-promotion is as important as the skill you possess.
The
first thing an employer looks for is the ability of the potential
candidate to communicate effectively and enthusiastically. Here
are some tips on how to improve your communication skills--
Be Flexible: A must!
A good communicator is one who can express him/her self clearly
right across the organisation structure. The key to effective
communication is flexibility. You should also be able to identify
an opportunity to communicate. More importantly, deal with different
situations and personalities accordingly. For instance, getting
into details with somebody who likes bare-bone facts, would be
inappropriate.
Don't blow your own trumpet but let them know
Who ever told you self-promotion is in bad taste? It's imperative
to possess strong persuasion skills. This could explain why two
people with similar backgrounds find themselves in different career
positions. Learn to sell your skills. How else will your prospective
employer know what you are capable of?
If you think that hard work and talent speak for themselves, you
need to get your thoughts updated. Perhaps it is true in the context
of the academic world, but the corporate arena requires certain
amount of persuasion to move ahead.
Ask and you shall….
Merely being intelligent, hardworking, and loyal is a thing of
the past. Now you have to make a conscious attempt to push yourself
into the limelight. Don't assume your superiors will recognise
your interests, capabilities and achievements. If you want something,
ask for it!! It's important to put your feelings into words.
Don't
be modest about your achievements. Live up to that of which you
are capable. However, do not overplay your cards. Self-promotion
should not change your personality or principles. Neither do you
have to resort to unethical promotion techniques. Emphasise your
capabilities, communicate well.
