Are You Loyal, Honest, Hardworking, Dependable, and Responsible?
Do you own a dog? How would you best describe your canine? Perhaps you would pick words such as loyal and dependable, right? That’s what my dog is, anyway — loyal and dependable. I know that when I get home from work, she will be at the top of the stairs wagging her tail. And that’s a great thing; puts a smile on my face. However, she is not a person…she is a loyal and dependable dog.
So here’s a piece of random advice to ponder…please do not describe yourself to hiring managers as loyal, honest, hardworking, and dependable. I’ll also add responsible to that foursome. Why not use those words, you may wonder? Given that so many people describe themselves with these particular words, they don’t score you many points in the eyes of the employer. They’ve heard the words before. There is nothing new and different here. These words will not make you stand out in a sea of competition. These words will in no way differentiate you. These words will make you forgettable. (Thank you Simon!)
Imagine going into an interview and the HR Manager asks….”Now, please share with us some words that best describe you.” Yup, the interviewer is waiting for you to offer up the same old tired words that the person before you and the person after you will spew forth. Next. And who does that really hurt? YOU, that’s who. There’s a better way.
Imagine sitting quietly with self and thinking of the job you would love to get. Imagine the words that would well describe the type of person the company would like to hire for that job. Imagine how you might help yourself get a job faster if only you would take the time to consider words that would best represent you, the product — you, the brand. Words that are distinct, different, original, unique, and genuinely descriptive of the wonderful you in support of the job you seek. Should you take time to deliberate upon this, I don’t think your new personal descriptors will sound too much like the words used to describe man’s best friend. Are you loyal, honest, hardworking, dependable, and responsible?
Article by, Billie Sucher and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.
