What's your career story? -- Career Center Blog

The Seattle Times Company

August 18, 2010

What's your career story?

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By Michelle Goodman
NWjobs

Looking for a new job? Then you should be able to fill in both blanks below:

What sets me apart from other candidates is ________________________.

Prospective employers should care about this because ________________________.

Can't do it? Not to worry. A free workshop on Mercer Island this coming Monday evening can help.

[Photo by austinevan]

In "Creating Compelling Stories," career coach Curt Rosengren will teach you how to complete both sentences in a concise, compelling way, whether you're informally networking or interviewing for a new position. The idea is to let employers know what you have to offer that others don't -- and to convince recruiters and hiring managers why they'd be wise to hire you.

Of course, having the right skills is only half the battle. As Rosengren points out, you also need to show employers your excitement about the job in question -- and how your skills and passion for the position meet their needs. For that reason, Rosengren will teach you to:

Get a clear picture of what needs a company is trying to fill with a particular job opening.
Pinpoint and hone relevant anecdotes from your work history that you can use in interviews to demonstrate how your skills have paid off for past employers.
Convince employers that your skills and passion for the job meet their precise needs.

The workshop will be held from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. on Monday, August 23, at the Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 SE 24th Street, Mercer Island. More information on this free workshop and its leader can be found here. To register, email Cheryl Landes.

Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide." E-mail Michelle at mgoodman@nwjobs.com