by Randy Place
Many of you detest the idea of having to sell yourself to an employer. Yet job search pros have discovered that using a technique called “creative problem solving” works like a magic formula.
What is selling?
Selling is creative problem solving. Even if you do some sort of analytic work and have never sold, you are already using creative problem solving tools on the job. Because that’s what sales is all about, you’ll have have no difficulty transferring your problem solving skills to a job search in general; interviewing situations in particular.
How to use creative problem solving during your search
Creative problem solving is a two-step process –
1.Discover the requirements of prospective employers
2. Then develop a presentation of your skills to fill those requirements
That’s all there is to he magic formula for selling yourself at interviews –
discover requirements + Develop a pitch to fill them = your successful interview presentation
Creative problem solving tools
To be creative doesn’t mean you have to be a Picasso. You create by taking an objective look at a problem. Creativity is problem solving. Just use your imagination to unite your skills to a prospective employers needs.
You’ll accomplish this by looking at each Interview as a problem to be solved. Any time you present your skills in a way that matches your prospects requirements, you are being creative whether you know it or not.
You can develop and flex your creative muscles with all aspects of your job search. Simply analyze your telephone, network, letter writing, or interview situations by asking yourself this question –
“What’s interesting about this problem and how can I help?”
Then watch the solutions unfold. You’ll also use your new resourcefulness on the next job to delight your new boss.
You can also use your creativity and resourcefulness while negotiating for a new job — the topic of tomorrow’s post on Your Career Service. In the meantime, read this article related to tomorrow’s topic.