In an economy that feels like it’s mass-producing professionals, how do you sell yourself?
You worked hard, got into your dream college and with the blink of an eye, it’s time to graduate. You wait keenly for the much-anticipated placement week with the hope that you stand out to your dream company and get the best package. You’ve got the grades, you’ve got the perfect resume, now you just hope.
Little do we realize that there are million other ‘yous’ going through the same grind, year on year. It’s intimidating.
How do you stand out and how do you convince your potential employer that you’ve really got what it takes?
It boils down to one word — authenticity.
“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” Brene Brown
There may be thousands of people graduating and vying for the same position, but there’s only one of you — and you’ve got to believe that. Rahul with the same grades and internships is not you. Your upbringing, your ideals, your sensibility and ideas for your future are yours alone, and in this day and age, that is what all employers are looking for.
While our grades and education can indicate our strive to consistently be excellent, our true sense comes from the smaller decisions we take every day to define ourselves.
Here are a couple of things you can be mindful of when you’re faced with making decisions especially in the realm of picking careers or deciding your way forward.
1. You don’t have to fit in
It’s something you’ve probably heard over and over again, but it’s true. You don’t have to please anyone. So long you’re doing right by you, nothing should matter.
2. Be kind
The way you treat people matters, even if they’ve not been the best towards you. This may seem confusing at first, but kindness and compassion go a long way when you start working in teams with a diverse set of people. If you’re kind and true to them, they’ll remember you beyond chai breaks at work.
3. Trust your intuition
That inner voice/gut feeling will be your best friend through life and trusting it is the best gift you can give yourself. Let it be your guide on right and wrong; it only has your best interest in mind.
4. Be open to experiences
Sometimes things may not go the way we wish they would, but being open-minded about different experiences will pave the way for new learnings that you wouldn’t even realize you’re meant to have!
Cautiously keeping these things in mind and learning from your own mistakes will ensure you’re on the right track to build the life you want. You’ll never feel like you’re all the same and that’s the beauty of being simply you!
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Footnote: While we as a business help students, placement cells and recruiters fill the process-driven gaps in the industry, we also believe that there’s a lot more to finding the right job/candidate. In an environment as competitive and volatile, not to speak for the pandemic itself, we understand overall growth and well-being are equally important. For, at both ends of the table, there’s a person first!
