Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash
“Oh, wow! Thank you for catching that, I would never have realized this without a second set of eyes. You’re a lifesaver!”
Have you had this experience? You’re working with someone on a project and they see things that you don’t, and vice-versa. This is a literal “good catch.” But what about you as an individual, are you as good of a catch as the one your team member discovered? “Now, that person would be a great catch, would be a huge addition to the company.” Do you give your employer and potential employers that same feeling? These thoughts need to be associated with your work and your candidacy.
So how do we make sure you are the value-add every team should look for? First, we recommend NOT focusing entirely on the intangibles. Your core technical skills should be the basis of what speaks the loudest. Teams need a doer and an “action artist.” Difference makers are the ones that create the most value. This is not to say we completely ignore self-confidence, motivation, and responsibility. We simply want your actions to speak the loudest.
Knowing what you are good at, and continuing to develop these attributes, is paramount. If it's project management or product development, then figure out a way to improve in those areas. If you aren’t constantly asking how you could be better and implementing a strategy, then you are falling behind. You are losing your luster.
Know exactly how and why you’d contribute to a team. Pinpoint precisely what you do best and write it down. Then become even better at that one thing. Become the best at it. Harness it, and become known for it. At the right time, you can then speak to this strength and speak intelligently on exactly what you can and will contribute to a team. Step onto the soap box and let the world know this is what you do and this is what you WILL do. Citing examples from your past becomes easy. In addition, highlighting wins relative to your core skills is how you attract employers. THIS IS WHAT MAKES YOU A CATCH!
Be honest about what you lack and what you can develop. Don’t overstate what you aren’t good at and undersell where you thrive. Not being the person for this...or that, makes you approachable. The intangibles previously mentioned round out your “catchability.” Do not make them the primary focus, make them part of your story. Sometimes the hardest part of being a great catch is accepting not everyone’s hands are strong enough to hold you. Be your own you, be a catch.
Written by: Rob Scherer, Vice President at Hunter Crown, LLC
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