Successful job search means demonstrating success

"On paper, my experience doesn't look great. As a project manager, I organize vendors and keep costs down. But in fact everybody wants me to run their projects! Even customers ask for me. Now I'm ready to embark on a job search. How can I communicate my value to a future employer?"

Three ways:

(1) Get it in writing.

When someone gives you a compliment, ask for a testimonial.

If you're self-employed, other entrepreneurs will understand what you need and why. In a corporate setting, you may need to explain a little more.

Ask for letters on letterhead, acknowledging specific achievements. It's not enough to say "Greg works hard and he's nice."

(2) Show the numbers.

"We came in 40 percent below budget on the Sherman project."

Don't lie or fudge. If you're *that* good, you'll have real numbers.

(3) Create a context for comparison.

"I was the only sales rep (out of 40 in the department) to achieve dollar goals for three years in a row."

Encourage your references to make comparisons, too: "We work with over 100 vendors a year. Linda is the only rep who takes the time to learn our unique needs..."

But...

Are you working on projects where your success cannot be documented? If you're doing more than the minimum to stay employed (and that's a judgment call), stop.

Don't quit and don't do anything to jeopardize your current position. Instead, focus on how you can become more marketable, so you can get recognized (and rewarded!) for your work in and out of the organization.