How do you show your worth to employers and clients when seeking new challenges?

When seeking new challenges, I show my worth to employers and clients by highlighting my achievements and demonstrating my skills. I start by creating a compelling portfolio that showcases my most successful projects and quantifiable results. During interviews or meetings, I share specific examples of how I've solved problems, improved processes, or contributed to team success. Additionally, I seek out opportunities to gather and present testimonials or endorsements from previous employers and clients who can vouch for my abilities and work ethic. By clearly articulating my value and backing it up with evidence, I effectively convey my worth and readiness to take on new challenges.

True story. The pandemic was plenty reason to stay at home, but zero revenue from me was depleting the family coffers. Something had to give; I needed to work. The skills, qualities and achievements that have added value to me as an client's writer are: exceptional listening skills (I'm also a counselor), precise writing, reliance on serious self-critique of my work, writing and re-writing as many times as the piece needs it. Writing pieces that make the wheels turn in one's head. I always try to KISS: keep it simple, Sam. The listening and paraphasing part of interviewing a client is integral to the quality of each article, long or short. I tune out the world and to assume the feelings, thoughts and path I'm being taken on.

You need to highlight what you are good at. The only way to do that is to make sure you are aware of your own strengths. You need to figure out how can you bring value to a team or a company.

Your value shines brightest when you solve problems! Identify your past achievements that tackled challenges and quantify the results. Speak their language! Tailor your message to showcase how your skills directly address the employer/client's needs. Confidence is key! Demonstrate a growth mindset and eagerness to learn in the face of new challenges.

To measure success as a writer is to be continually asked to write for the same client. What I offer is reputation management at every turn. When there's crisis managment involved, at a small company especially, I ensure speaking with upper management, because, they inevitably, need to answer to the public and reassure them that the wheels are still turning as they've always been. I'm disinterested in "vanity metrics" unless the company has an R & D rich in gathering both quantitative and qualitative data. Testimonials and word-of-mouth are critical; that's why we ask for them. My greatest award was The Signature Real Estate Companies "Unsung Hero" award. To me, a "back of the house" writer professional, it was a surprising award

There are many ways you could show the results you have had. Think about including visuals to your presentations. Depending on your industry, charts and graphs might showcase your results in the best possible way. In other industries, having a portfolio may be more conducive to showcasing your work.

The better you communicate what you can do, the more chances you get. Building rapport with possible employers opens doors to job opportunities and career progress. Practise your pitch/presentation before your interview and be ready to adapt it based on the rapport you build with the people who interview you.

For anyone in public relations/marketing, it's important to get used to the word "no," without taking offense. My best defense is to do my homework ahead of all my meetings, come prepared for the "no," and have persuasive reasons for my logic. I have a need to know what is desirable for the client; even more importantly, I need to know how their "frenemies" are working the same or similar markets with the same or similar products and services. Knowing what you're up against makes for a more even duel. How do I communicate my value proposition? I mention what publications have featured my writing, my pricing (which is very reasonable) and the edits I'm willing to make over time as the content evolves. And I listen to others intently.

You don't need many years of employment to learn and grow vocationally. Many times, it's those first couple of jobs you've had that have earned you a "good worker" badge. But you must always be willing to try new things at work, because it's this quality of being malleable, that gives you longevity in the workplace. I was lucky to have a mentor who promoted me twice while I was doing career development at a small, private university. She was the queen of transforming her skill set to match the university's endgoals. I learned the same from her. If you can find a mentor, consider yourself extremely lucky. Learning from mistakes is also key. It's the hard, but potent way toward better results in your work. Failure teaches us.

Learn as much as you can in your industry. Read, attend conferences, watch videos... It comes down to investing in yourself! Get a mentor, push yourself to become great in your field!

Your attitude says a lot about you. When you show enthusiasm, you bring a positive and energetic vibe to the group. It showcases to possible employers that you are not only passionate about your work but also a team player. Employers appreciate enthusiasm as it demonstrates your commitment to the job and your willingness to contribute to a positive work environment.

When I was a Freshmen Mentor, the private university I worked for had an experiential program that immersed students in different cultures. However, they had not accounted for students who, for various reasons, would be unable to take the accompanying trip. I initiated an alternative pilot program, writing the curriculum, selecting the eligible students, coordinating the travel and landmarks, and traveled with about 20 students who would otherwise be "left behind" on a wonderful trip focusing on Cuban culture in Little Havana, Miami, FL. I have to say this was a career highlight, because it was "my baby."

Being proactive is crucial in demonstrating your worth to employers and clients when seeking new challenges. Proactivity shows that you're not just waiting for opportunities but are actively creating them. This can be done by identifying potential problems and offering solutions before they even arise or by taking the initiative to start new projects that align with organizational goals. For example, if you notice a gap in the market, proposing a new service or product to fill that void can set you apart. Studies suggest that proactive individuals are perceived as more competent and valuable. It’s like bringing a Swiss Army knife to a meeting—everyone knows you’re prepared for anything, and they’ll wonder how they ever managed without you!

Being authentic is key to showing your worth because it builds trust and sets you apart in a crowded market. Authenticity means staying true to your values, strengths, and unique style, rather than trying to conform to what you think employers or clients want. For example, if you have a unique approach to problem-solving, highlight that as your strength. Research shows that authenticity leads to stronger relationships and long-term success. It's like being a rare, vintage car in a lot full of the same models—sure, the others might get people from A to B, but only you have that special flair that turns heads and wins hearts!

Don't try to be someone else because you think it will fit better with the work culture. You might get hired but it won't be a good fit for you. And, in the long term, you will likely want to leave that job.

To really stand out, you need to give more than what is asked of you. When you give more than expected, it shows how dedicated you are. It also proves that you're reliable and excellent at what you do, making a good impression on others.