10 Ways To Create Real Value For Your Future Employer

Creating real value is essential for standing out to potential employers.

Why, you ask? 

Great question!

There are 4 reasons why showing your value is CRUCIAL:

1. It shows your practical competence. 
2. It builds trust and confidence in you.
3. It shows your initiative.
4. It demonstrates your ability to contribute in the future.

Here's what you need to do:

Select and execute on several of these actionable ways you can demonstrate your value.

1. Develop and Showcase Relevant Skills

• Pursue Continuing Education: Enroll in courses or obtain certifications that are directly relevant to your desired role. Show off those certifications on social media.
• Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Regularly read industry publications, attend webinars, and participate in professional development opportunities. Post these to encourage discussion!

2. Gain Hands-On Experience

• Volunteer: Offer your skills to non-profit organizations or community projects.
• Freelance Work: Take on freelance projects that align with your career goals.
• Internships: Seek internships, even if they are unpaid, to gain practical experience.

3. Create a Portfolio

• Document Your Work: Create a professional portfolio that includes examples of your projects, case studies, and testimonials from previous clients or employers. Post this on your LinkedIn profile to make it easy for people to see your work.
• Showcase Results: Highlight specific achievements and the impact of your work with quantifiable metrics.

4. Build a Strong Personal Brand

• Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date, complete with a professional photo, a compelling headline, and detailed descriptions of your experience and skills.
• Engage on Social Media: Share industry-related content and engage with professionals in your field on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. 

5. Network Effectively

• Attend Industry Events: Participate in conferences, workshops, and meetups to connect with professionals in your desired field.
• Join Professional Organizations: Become an active member of relevant professional associations or groups.
• Reach Out To Relevant Professionals: Seek out power-brokers in your desired industry. Be strategic about finding people who are 3+ "steps" ahead of you and have the job you want. These are the ones who will be most willing to provide insight and engage. ***Share your case studies and project proposals with them (see #7 below).

6. Show Initiative and Leadership

• Lead Projects: Take the initiative to lead projects or contribute significantly to team efforts in your current role. If there isn't time to do this in your current role, highlight how you've done this in your previous role(s).
• Mentorship: Offer to mentor or coach less experienced colleagues or peers.

7. Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

• Case Studies: Prepare case studies that demonstrate your ability to solve industry-specific problems. Show them off! Put your problem-solution process on your LinkedIn profile for the world to see. Remember: there's no point in doing it if nobody sees it.
• Project Proposals: Develop and present project proposals that address challenges or opportunities relevant to potential employers. This goes hand-in-hand with #5: Networking above.

8. Enhance Communication Skills

• Public Speaking: Improve your public speaking skills through courses or practice sessions.
• Writing Skills: Develop strong writing skills to effectively communicate your ideas and achievements. Give yourself "homework" to practice. Look up challenges in your desired field, write blog posts/LinkedIn articles/posts that detail your response to them. You'll only improve with practice!

9. Engage in Continuous Learning

• Online Courses: Take online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning to stay current with industry developments.
• Certifications: Earn certifications that add value to your resume and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth. (BUT- Don't spend money on anything until you know you NEED it for your next job.)

10. Provide Exceptional Customer Service

• Customer Feedback: Collect and showcase positive feedback from customers or clients you’ve worked with.
• Client Testimonials: Include testimonials in your portfolio or LinkedIn profile to highlight your ability to provide exceptional service.