The advantage of a set of well-developed, broad skills (critical thinking, analysis, oral and written communication, “people skills”) is that they can be applied in many disciplines. The distinct disadvantage is that they don’t lend themselves to condensation to a simple label.
Some of us remember when a job search was conducted on paper: cover letters and resumes via snail mail to prospective employers. It was easy then to prepare communication tailored to a discrete audience. A letter to an insurance company would look different to the one you sent to a hospital, and so forth. The resume could be “targeted” highlighting information most likely to impress a specific recipient.
Now, everybody can see everything all the time, thanks to the internet. Job hunting is simpler, and more complex.
On LinkedIn, the best profiles include a simple tag line: CEO, engineer, consultant. My profile does not include such a line. I know I should have one, but what should it be?
In my recently resurrected search for full-time employment, I am struggling to reconcile valid but conflicting advice:
1) Don’t limit options with narrow labels if skills and experience are transferable.
2) Develop a “Brand”: a clear, consistent message about who you are, what you can offer, and the type of opportunities you are seeking.