Assertiveness is a skill that must be cultivated over time. For some people, it is incredibly difficult to express what they really want to do. They are held back by societal expectations or the desire to please a friend or family member, and as a result, they miss doing what they really should be doing with their lives.
You don’t want to let that happen to you. It is important to be able to know what you want and go for it. Having the guts to admit that you truly want to do something is half the battle. Some jobs are very difficult to attain, and you have to have a lot of backbone in order to stand a chance of achieving your dreams.
For instance, if you want to be an actor, you are going to have to face a lot of rejection. You need to have the confidence in yourself to get up and brush yourself off after someone tells you that you are not good enough. If you are applying for a position in a job with a lot of competition, you need to be prepared to defend yourself and show how qualified you are. Everyone faces challenges throughout their lives, and how you deal with them is a great mark of your character.
Just as important as speaking up for yourself and your abilities is learning how to say no. People will take advantage of you if they have the chance, and you need to be prepared to stop that from happening. Time is your most valuable resource, so don’t squander it on things that don’t matter. If other people are always making demands on your time, take a step back and inform them where your priorities are.
Developing assertiveness is not an easy task, but it is very worthwhile if you want to truly make the most out of life. You need to have the courage to stand by your convictions and go for the gusto. You may have to upset some people in the process, but if they are that upset by you doing what you feel called to do, they weren’t really worth keeping around anyway. Life is short, so you should not waste any time on things that aren’t important.
When you apply for an employment position, it is likely that other applicants with similar experience have applied for the same job. As employers sift through piles of resumes, they will likely only remember the ones that stand out in some way. It is important for job applicants to construct their résumé in a way that attracts positive attention. One way to accomplish this is by creating a cover letter and résumé that assertively, fully and appropriately explain your skills, strengths and relevant experiences. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while putting together or editing your resume.
Sell Your Strong Points
While many people are uncomfortable with talking about their strengths or assets, employers are looking for confident applicants who have a realistic understanding of their capabilities. You are the only one who can inform the employer that you are a diligent worker or an innovative problem solver. Don’t shy away from addressing the characteristics and skills that make you a good fit for the position in your cover letter. Include relevant capabilities in job descriptions on your résumé as well.
Provide Examples
Since the employer is relying on you to give an accurate assessment of your strengths, it is helpful to provide specific examples of past work experiences that illustrate these abilities in your cover letter. Mention an advertising campaign you led or a time when you resolved conflict in the workplace. These examples are often not included in cover letters or résumés and having them in yours allows you to rise above the competition.
Offer All Relevant Experience
Some individuals searching for a job make the mistake of only offering examples of former employment that is directly similar to the position for which they are applying. Think creatively when choosing which employment experiences to include on your résumé for a particular job. Perhaps the time management skills that you acquired while working with children make you more qualified for the position of office director. Be sure to include the relevant skills in the description of your job duties.
Strategic Formatting Choices
For the most part, there is a standard resume format for each field or type of position. It is advisable to follow these basic guidelines, so the employer will easily be able to navigate the document. However, you can make various stylistic choices that will emphasize important material. For example, high achieving college undergraduates searching for employment may want to bold their GPA so that the employer will notice their successful academic record. Italics or spacing can also be used strategically to highlight information that may otherwise not be read carefully.
Take Initiative for the Next Step
Employers report being impressed with employees who take initiative to move the job application process forward. One way to do this is by ending your cover letter with a promise to contact the employer in the near future. This sends the message that you are motivated and serious about pursuing this opportunity.
Understanding the Trait of Assertiveness
Being assertive in the workplace can be beneficial for both the company and the employee. People with an assertive personality often have strong communication skills and self-confidence. Job positions that require face-to-face interaction with customers or clients can be performed efficiently and effectively with these types of skills. Assertive individuals often display a caring personality while showing others respect and being attentive to their needs while modestly requesting the same in return.
Assertiveness is not what you do, it’s who you are!
Shakti Gawain
Passive people are often afraid to say no to others while people with assertive personalities do not typically have a problem with refusal. Assertive individuals can often clearly explain the justification behind their choices although rationalization is not essential in many cases. Assertive individuals often know how to explain their actions and decisions to others with confidence and respect.
The Benefits of an Assertive Personality During the Job Search Process
Individuals with an aggressive personality often come across as offensive or hateful. Assertive personalities can effectively express feelings without coming across too harshly. A person who clearly communicates their wants and needs during an interview with a potential employer can demonstrate to the interviewer that they have the skills that may be necessary to do the job effectively.
An assertive personality can even be exuded on a resume. Accomplishments and personal achievements should be listed to market the skills of the writer and how those achievements can benefit the company they are seeking a position with. A potential employer will be dissuaded by a resume that implies the company is inferior to the applicant. The employer is more likely to call the applicant who can clarify what the applicant can do for the company and how they can do it efficiently.
What Employers Like About an Assertive Employee
Individuals who apply assertive techniques in the workplace are often the most proficient and productive. They often have the ability to provide constructive criticism without offending anyone. In turn, they are also likely to receive criticism from others without getting offended. Honesty is a characteristic that can be invaluable to many employers. Assertive personalities typically have the ability to avoid conflict while remaining candid and respectful to others.