Why You and Not Someone Else? Communicating the Value of You

bcbsm

| 2 min read

The number one thing recruiters want to hear from potential intern candidates is not necessarily what you’ve accomplished, but how you completed the various projects, events or campaigns on your resume. Unfortunately, most candidates miss the mark when presenting this information. During the upcoming Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA) Michigan Chapter’s first annual Student Conference, Stefanie Thornton, director, Talent Acquisition at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) will share what makes potential candidates stand out among the hundreds of applicants. Your Personal Value Proposition, Communicating the Value of You will teach college students how to leverage and present the information on their resume during an interview or internship fair in a way that resonates with hiring managers. Her tips include: Be interested and be interesting. Having an extensive list of previous experience or a degree doesn’t guarantee a position at any company. Showing your interest in the company, its values and its mission can make a bigger impact. Don’t forget to discuss how you have executed on those passions in the past. Show off your passion. Most skills can be taught, and most employers expect you’ll need some on the job training. What can’t be taught is the drive and passion for what you’re doing every day. One of the easiest ways to demonstrate this is by pointing to your previous experiences and projects and showing an honest interest in future opportunities. Revamp your objective. Instead of a generic initial statement on a resume, find a way to creatively use this space to show what makes you different and how your passions and interests align to the job. This is the first thing a recruiter looks at, so critically think about the story you want to tell. Share the details. Many students during internship fairs or interviews are afraid to state specifics in the hopes of appealing to more opportunities. This is doing a disservice to you and your abilities. Detailed answers portray a stronger understanding of your background and your strengths. Ask the right questions. Instead of asking what positions a recruiter has available, start with ‘here’s what I have to offer’ and follow it up with specific examples. Also, have a list of smart questions prepared for the recruiter to show you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested. For more information about ALPFA’s Student Conference, please visit michigan.alpfa.org. Interested in internships at BCBSM? Check out our Careers Page for details and upcoming events. Photo credit: Texas A&M University--Commerce Marketing Communication

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

7 Comments

C
Carly Getz

Jun 12, 2015 at 6:35pm

Hi there – we agree that it can be very difficult to communicate creativity and passion via resume. We love this article that gives many examples of turning the traditional resume objective into an outstanding branding statement. http://www.careerealism.com/boring-resume-objective-branding-statement/

A
Alice

Jun 11, 2015 at 12:50pm

How about some samples of these revamped resumes? Portraying passion on a resume and aligning with a mission is not easy, and students don't necessarily learn these skills in school.

C
Chavonn Hussey

Jun 11, 2015 at 1:32am

Great suggestions Stefanie. Thanks for sharing.

A
Anne Gaertner

Apr 7, 2015 at 7:15pm

Great tips for students! Showing my passion has never failed me.

J
Jeff Minjie He

Mar 28, 2015 at 7:09pm

These are very helpful suggestions. Thank you for sharing

MI Blues Perspectives is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association