Don’t be a jack-of-all-trades. Be a Swiss army knife.
Employers are looking to hire someone to solve a specific problem. Instead of overwhelming them with your many talents, focus on a few choice ways in which you’re a good fit.
We all have a multitude of talents, and it’s tempting to point that out in job applications. I’ve seen quite a few cover letters that present sentiments like the following:
“Not only would I be a great data analyst, but I can write grants, have social media marketing skills, have had experience in human resources, and give great customer service—I can do it all!“
After all, who wouldn’t want a versatile, flexible employee who can pinch-hit for any position?
Two issues arise with this approach. First, the readers of this job application might not believe you. After all, who can be good at all of those things? Remember, the entire figure of speech reads:
Jack of all trades, master of none.
The second issue is that the hiring committee may feel overwhelmed with all of your offerings. The company isn’t currently reviewing your application for a grant writer, social media strategist, a human resources specialist, or a customer service agent position. They are just looking for a really good data analyst.
When an organization posts a position, they are trying to solve a particular problem. Your job is to show them that you would be successful at solving that particular issue.
The good news is that this is a really easy thing to change, and it’s mostly a matter of shifting your perspective. Instead of branding yourself as a jack-of-all-trades who can do anything, you need to think of yourself as a Swiss army knife. You have specialized skills that can be brought out to solve particular problems. If you’re applying to a grant writing position, you’ll detail all of your grant writing skills and experience (perhaps this is your can opener). In contrast, you’ll have a different version of your application materials for a social media marketing position (this might be the scissors).
This also makes things easier for the person who is reading the application. Instead of hoping that they will pick out the relevant pieces of your resume and cover letter, you are honing your offerings for a particular position, and showing the hiring managers that you are a really good match for that role. You’re going to help solve their problem.
It’s true that you may get this job and later learn that your other skills are indeed helpful and important for the success of the company. They might need someone to pinch hit and cross-train and help out in different areas. But companies often don’t know that they need that when they are hiring. While you are applying, it’s best to focus on what issue this position is meant to solve. Then, you can make a strong pitch for how you’ll do exactly that.
Want to talk about how this would work for your resume and cover letter? Contact me to set up a time to talk about your application materials, and how to implement this strategy in your job search process.
