Making the decision to start a job search can seem like a daunting prospect. If you've come across Qualified Finder, you're in the right place. We can make your job search as seamless as possible. To increase your chances of success, it's important that you recognise the importance of self-marketing and promotion. It’s one of the key things that you need to succeed. Even more so as the competition gets tougher, and the calibre of candidates increases year on year.

Before you begin your search for something new, it is beneficial to have in mind the types of jobs that interest you. As this job site caters for not just employed vacancies, but freelance, contract and consulting opportunities too, it makes sense to gain clarity on where you would like to be. There is of course the option to explore all types of jobs if you want to keep your options open. If this sounds like you, keep your job search broad but industry or job specific can help narrow down your search. Also take a skills inventory so you know exactly what you have to offer to a potential recruiter or business owner looking to hire. 

Perhaps you are a graduate fresh out of university looking to take on your first job, or maybe you're a creative looking to move into the world of freelancing. Whatever your circumstances, learning how to self-market and self-promote is essential. 

Some of the ways that you can succeed at self-marketing include: 

    • Regularly updating your Qualified Finder profile

    • Keeping your CV and portfolio up to date

    • Networking regularly

    • Being active on social media

    • Reading industry news and publications

Wherever you are in your employment journey, at the very start, in the middle or striving towards a director role, there are four main ways in which you can promote yourself: 

Qualifications - What do you have to offer. Do you have a relevant degree that meet the employers’ requirements? Did this qualification  makes you suitable to the job that you are looking for?

Skills and Knowledge- What are your key strengths? What skills and qualities  do you have that you can promote to potential employers that would be a good fit for the types of work you are looking for. 

Experience - Do you have the relevant experience for the job that you're applying for? If you don't how do you intend to gain this experience? Your career history should tell a compelling story of where you worked, what you did and who you helped. 

Achievements - Have you won any awards? Have you been recognised by your peers or industry publications? This is your chance to proudly share your contribution and let potential employers know of your successes. 

When it comes to self-marketing, there are a few key things to remember. Firstly, be confident in what you're promoting. If you don't believe in your own skills and abilities, how can you expect anyone else to? Secondly, be consistent. If you're going to be active on social media, make sure you are posting regularly and engaging with your followers. Lastly, don't be afraid to put yourself out there. The more people that you network with and the more places that you share your story, the more likely you are to find success. 

When reading job applications, business owners and recruiters will decide in a matter of seconds if you're a good fit for them. If they discard your CV, this could mean that your self-promotion efforts perhaps weren't as strong as they ought to be. 

Make sure that your CV is tailored to your audience and that it tells a clear story of your skills, experience and achievements. Remember to use industry specific keywords so that your CV can be easily found by those searching for someone with your skillset. 

Your portfolio is another key way to self-promote and market yourself. This is where you can really show off your talents and what you're capable of. If you're a creative, make sure your portfolio is up to date with your latest work. Include a mix of projects that you have worked on, both paid and unpaid, to show off the breadth of your skills. 

If you're struggling for ideas of what to include, take a look at some online portfolios for inspiration. Make sure that your portfolio is easy to navigate and that it represents you and your brand in the best possible way. 

Finally, don't forget the power of face to face networking. In a world where we are increasingly reliant on technology, there is still something to be said for meeting people in person. Attend industry networking events, meetups and conferences to rub shoulders with likeminded people and promote yourself and your business. 

Make sure you have plenty of business cards to hand out and that you follow up with any new contacts that you make. You can do this through social media or email if you prefer. If you're struggling to find networking events in your industry, why not start your own? This is a great way to build your brand and to meet new people. It can also showcase your skills in communication which is a great addition to your application. You can even list some of these notable events on your CV. They make great talking points for an interview! 

With a good understanding of self-promotion, recognition of where your strengths rest and the use of Qualified Finder, you're already ahead of the competition. 

Self-marketing and self-promotion are essential if you want to stand out from the crowd and be successful in your chosen industry. By promoting yourself effectively, you can make sure that you're always top of mind when it comes to potential employers. 

Small actions can add up to big results. In doing so, you will be putting yourself in a much better position to find the right opportunity. If you need any help or advice, we have plenty more resources on our website that you can use to further your knowledge of job search, CV writing or careers.