There is a fundamental difference between your value proposition and your areas of expertise. Your areas of expertise pertain to what you have done, experiences you have gained over years. Your value proposition reflects who you are, unique gifts you possess. It is who you are which best describes to an employer how you would accomplish specific responsibilities of position offered.

As an example, let’s say you gained experience in a cash flow / cash management, or Treasury, type of function. As part of this position, you also gained experience working with bank executives, establishing important relationships with key personnel. These would be areas of expertise. Let’s say that as part of your uniqueness, or worth, you have great macro-vision, which is ability to see big picture. You also have an unusual ability to communicate which allows you to quickly initiate critical relationships with high-level executives. These abilities are part of your value proposition. It is your macro-vision and unusual ability to communicate that describe how you would fulfill a position as Treasurer.

Incorporating your value proposition in every aspect of your job search will set you apart and significantly improve your competitive stance in job market. You will find your next job faster and be in position to receive a much stronger compensation package. It is critical to your success.

Copyright © 2005 TopDog Group All rights reserved.

Your company will most likely attempt to retain you with a counter-offer.

A counter-offer represents company’s monetary sense of what it’s going to take to retain you as an employee. It will be fashioned as an offer difficult to refuse, and include a substantial increase in your compensation along with whatever other perks are deemed necessary to win you back. What should you do?

The answer can be found in reason you went looking elsewhere in first place. If you accept counter-offer, you will make more money, but in every other respect, your situation will remain same. You need to ask yourself if added income and perks will let you overcome whatever it was that caused your lack of fulfillment. Temporarily, you may be satiated, but you will most likely reach a point where you eventually seek a new position.

While it may be difficult to turn down a counter-offer, it may be your best option. The sooner you find yourself in a more fulfilling position, more creative and happier you will be.

Copyright © 2005 TopDog Group All rights reserved.