Saturday, January 29, 2011

Self Marketing Mix

     A large part of beginning any job search is based on what you, the seeker, want.  Are you looking to be a part of a large firm, or a small business?  Are you looking for an opportunity for promotions, or a title that you can call your own for a longer amount of time?  But a job search involves so much more.  In order to be successful and happy in your new placement, it is also important to take time to reflect on your values, your personal goals, and your dreams.  The marketing mix can help job seekers take time to understand these different parts, and find efficient ways to display your unique characteristics.

     The place is probably one of the first things people thing about when they begin a job search.  Do I want to try something in another part of the country or world?  Or would I rather stay in a place that I am comfortable and familiar with?  Obviously, this decision is critical in order to move forward in the search process.  The location of your future job can also have an effect on whether or not you need to start searching for a new home, or a new mode of transportation.  For example, if you live in the city, you can rely on public transportation, but in the country, you may need to think about financing for a vehicle.
 
     The price is also another important aspect when considering a new job.  Are you willing to work for less in order to outdo your competition?  Or have you set on a minimum asking salary, within reason, to be able to pay off bills and loans?  This may also have an effect on the place you choose to live due to financing and the funds that are available to you.  I would expect price to be one of the more difficult aspects of job searching.  Not only do seekers have less control over their pay, but the subject is rarely brought up in the first initial meeting(s).  Many people find it difficult and rather uncomfortable to talk about.  Therefore, it is important that time is taken to really figure out what your reasonable goals are, financially, and be able to voice those opinions and concerns with your future employer.

     The product in this case, ourselves, is rather straight forward.  This includes the relative basics of a general interview.  What is our background experience?  What kind of degree(s) have we received; and from which school(s)?  Are we able to present ourselves in a professional manner?  This may involve the language we use throughout the interview, to the way our resume is organized.  In this assignment, I believe the product aspect and the promotion aspect work hand-in-hand.  So, lets address some of the subjects that could be included in the promotion category.

     The promotion is quite possibly the most crucial aspect in any job search.  It is also, for the most part, entirely in your control.  This is a seeker's chance to show a potential employer that they are the right candidate for the job.  With this, we must be sure that we come prepared, and be able to successfully and efficiently promote ourselves.  This may include our background, and previous experience(s), but it can also include our strengths and the variety of things that we can bring to the table.  In my opinion, this is the part that requires the MOST thought and reflection.  How do we want our employers to view us?  Is it the type of job that would rather have me portray a comical and laid back self?  Or should I promote my professionalism and attention to detail?  The promotional aspect seems to give us a second chance at describing who we are, and lets us, in a way, control the way people see us- to a certain extent. So, when you're ready to begin searching for that new job...I suggest you spend the most time looking in the mirror and reflecting on the promotional aspect of the marketing mix.

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