Are You Loyal, Honest, Hardworking, Dependable, and Responsible?

Do you own a dog? How would you best describe your canine? Perhaps you would pick words such as loyal and dependable, right? That's what my dog is, anyway -- loyal and dependable. I know that when I get home from work, she will be at the top of the stairs wagging her tail. And that's a great thing; puts a smile on my face. However, she is not a person...she is a loyal and dependable dog.

So here's a piece of random advice to ponder...please do not describe yourself to hiring managers as loyal, honest, hardworking, and dependable. I'll also add responsible to that foursome. Why not use those words, you may wonder? Given that so many people describe themselves with these particular words, they don't score you many points in the eyes of the employer. They've heard the words before. There is nothing new and different here. These words will not make you stand out in a sea of competition. These words will in no way differentiate you. These words will make you forgettable. (Thank you Simon!)

Imagine going into an interview and the HR Manager asks...."Now, please share with us some words that best describe you." Yup, the interviewer is waiting for you to offer up the same old tired words that the person before you and the person after you will spew forth. Next. And who does that really hurt? YOU, that's who. There's a better way.

Imagine sitting quietly with self and thinking of the job you would love to get. Imagine the words that would well describe the type of person the company would like to hire for that job. Imagine how you might help yourself get a job faster if only you would take the time to consider words that would best represent you, the product -- you, the brand. Words that are distinct, different, original, unique, and genuinely descriptive of the wonderful you in support of the job you seek. Should you take time to deliberate upon this, I don't think your new personal descriptors will sound too much like the words used to describe man's best friend. Are you loyal, honest, hardworking, dependable, and responsible?

posted by:billiesucher

Comments

[Paul]

Great article. Get buzz words that work for your personality and always make sure they relate back to YOUR contributions to the employer, and how that sets you apart from the competition. I've learned through my own job searches that just because a word sounds good doesn't mean you, as an individual, can pull it off.

[billiesucher]

Paul, how true! Just the other day I was reviewing a resume and asked my client about a particular word used in the document. They said "Oh, I saw it on the internet and thought it sounded cool." When I asked for an example, they could not come up with one...not good, especially if you're interviewing for a job you really want. Thanks for posting your comment!

- Billie

[Barbara Safani]

Awesome post, Billie! Employers expect you to be loyal, honest, hardworking, dependable, and responsible. That's a given. You need to go past that to prove what makes you unique.

[billiesucher]

Yes, Barbara, you phrased it perfectly -- "that's a given"! Thank you for your feedback!

- Billie

[Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter]

Woof!

Now with that out of the way, very well put. Although I think most job hunters are incapable of thinking of themselves as a positive brand, it is an eye opener for them when I do my version of this column and ask, "Do you like to present yourself as being ordinary or common?"

No one likes to think of themselves that way.

[billiesucher]

And what's really great is when job seekers do discover their brand, their value and find new ways and words to express it. That's the fun (and rewarding) part of helping others "see" that and "get" that. Thanks, Jeff, for your comment.

[Larry Lehmer]

Great post, Billie. As Barbara pointed out, those qualities you mentioned are the minimum expected of employees. Employers don't want average, they want the best their money can buy. Successful job seekers promise that, and deliver.

[billiesucher]

Hi Larry...absolutely, employers want the very best and it's a job seeker's job to figure out what their best is before they hit the streets. Thanks for your post!

Billie