How to Market Yourself in a Skills-Based Job Search
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
The job market is evolving, and traditional hiring methods are shifting. Instead of relying solely on degrees or past job titles, employers now prioritize practical skills and relevant experiences. This shift toward skills-based hiring presents a major opportunity for job seekers to stand out—if they know how to market themselves effectively.
1. Identify and Highlight Your Transferable Skills
Many skills can apply across industries, but they’re often overlooked when job seekers focus too much on specific job titles. Instead, emphasize the skills that make you a strong candidate in various roles.
How to Do This:
- Analyze Past Experience: Think about the challenges you’ve solved in previous jobs and how those skills transfer to new opportunities.
- Match Your Skills to Job Descriptions: If a job asks for “project management experience,” highlight times you’ve led initiatives, even if your title wasn’t “Project Manager.”
- Showcase Soft Skills: Employers value adaptability, problem-solving, and teamwork just as much as technical expertise.
2. Use Technology to Prove Your Skills
With employers relying on skills assessments and AI-driven hiring tools, you can gain a competitive edge by proactively showcasing your abilities.
Ways to Leverage Technology:
- Take Skills Tests: Platforms like CodeSignal (for tech jobs) or Vervoe (for a mix of skills) provide assessments that prove your expertise.
- Optimize Your Resume for AI: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Use job-related keywords and focus on skills rather than just job titles.
- Complete Personality or Behavioral Assessments: Some employers use DISC or Hogan tests to evaluate culture fit—consider taking one in advance to understand how you’ll be perceived.
3. Craft a Skills-Focused Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Many talented candidates miss opportunities because their resume doesn’t align with a skills-based hiring approach. Instead of listing only past job titles, highlight the abilities that make you a strong fit.
How to Update Your Resume & Profile:
- List Core Competencies First: Instead of starting with work history, include a “Skills” or “Key Strengths” section.
- Use Achievement-Based Language: Instead of “worked in marketing for 10 years,” say “created and executed successful marketing campaigns that boosted engagement by 30%.”
- Make Your LinkedIn Profile Keyword-Friendly: Recruiters search for candidates using specific skills—ensure your profile includes them.
4. Build a Targeted Job Search Strategy
Rather than applying to every job you see, focus on companies and roles that align with your skills.
How to Do This:
- Create a Skills Inventory: List your top 10 skills and find roles where they are in high demand.
- Network with Purpose: Engage with industry professionals and join online communities in your field.
- Keep Learning: Stay competitive by earning certifications or taking courses related to your industry.
5. Position Yourself as a Problem-Solver
Employers want candidates who can add value and solve challenges. Whether in interviews, networking, or applications, frame your skills in terms of the results they can deliver.
Ways to Stand Out:
- Use Stories: When discussing your experience, highlight specific problems you solved and the impact you had.
- Customize Applications: Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job, focusing on how your skills meet their needs.
- Be Proactive: Instead of waiting for job openings, reach out to companies that interest you and showcase how your skills can help them.
Final Thoughts
A skills-based job market means more opportunities for job seekers who know how to market themselves effectively. By emphasizing transferable skills, using technology to showcase your abilities, and strategically positioning yourself in the job search, you can stand out and land the right role.
Start today by updating your resume, refining your online presence, and proactively targeting opportunities that align with your strengths!
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2025
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS Career Advice globally because he makes many things in peoples’ careers easier. Those things can involve job search, hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, as well as advice about resolving workplace issues.
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 3000 episodes.
You will find great info to help with your job search at my new site, JobSearch.Community Besides the video courses, books and guides, I answer questions from members daily about their job search. Leave job search questions and I will respond daily. Become an Insider+ member and you get everything you’d get as an Insider PLUS you can get me on Zoom calls to get questions answered. Become an Insider Premium member and we do individual and group coaching.
Schedule a discovery call at my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us to discuss one-on-one or group coaching with me
What Employers Look for When They Read Your Resume
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