How to market your self-employment skills to the Job Market

Reader Question: 

I have submitted my resume for your review.  My concern is I have been out of the “corporate world” for seven years as a business owner in a field not related to my previous employment.  How do employers look at a job candidate that owned a business?  My career previous to owning my own business was in transportation as a Regional Sales Manager.

Recruiter Response:

Thank you for your interest in The SearchLogix Group.  In answer to your question “How do employers look at a job candidate that owned a business?” Basically, most employers are looking for the same thing, “skills required to perform the job available”. With that being said, there is a lot more involved besides experience and skills.  Hiring managers are interested in candidates that are adaptable, enthusiastic, dedicated, reliable and honest as well as someone who will make the company money.

One thing I would suggest you do if you haven’t already.  Take a few moments to read through your resume from a perspective future employer. Does your resume display any of the traits of the job candidate your future employer would want?  If all you have accomplished on your resume is to list your former jobs, awards and education, you probably haven’t addressed any of the needs the recruiter, human resources or hiring manager is looking for on your resume.  Be sure to add a few choice accomplishments, such as a suggestion that saved the company time and/or money.   Once you realize how much you have to offer, find ways to get the information to the perspective employers.

You basically have 5 ways to accomplish this

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter 
3. Letters of Recommendation 
4. The Interview
5. Follow-up Thank you letter

Once you have constructed a more informative resume package, it will give you greater confidence as you look for a new career.