This is a topic we discuss with alumni when they are wondering why they aren't getting the response to their resume, online profile, networking conversation or interview that they expected. It is one thing to believe in yourself, it is another to convince someone else of your strengths and abilities. You know that you are good, but does the prospective employer?

Within the first few seconds you need to give them a reason to read or listen further. This "core message" should then be supported by evidence that demonstrates your strengths, skills, knowledge and/or experience.

If you are having difficulty grouping the tasks you performed into skills, take some time to analyze them. For concrete exercises, visit our Virtual Career Center at www.uiaacareers.org. Select "Identifying Transferable Skills" option under the "Career Choice" tab. These skills would then become your core message and your accomplishments would become the evidence.

Another strong resource for identifying skills and refocusing on these strengths is the assessment and book: Strengths-Based Leadership by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie. The assessment groups strengths into four leadership themes of executing, influencing, relationship building and strategic thinking. It advocates that we should each focus our energy on utilizing these strengths because we will be more successful, more productive and happier. Once you have identified your strengths (core message) you can then focus on related results and outcomes (evidence).