The Career Corner presents issues and questions posed by job seekers engaged in today's churning marketplace. It is updated on a monthly basis.

The new normal! The economy is stagnant to tanking, the sub-prime mortgage mess is entangling homeowners, banks and Wall Street investment firms, and the stock market is producing sustained gyrations and major concern amongst shareholders. Gas prices are rising. Main Street is experiencing a crisis of confidence and spending is flat if not weakening.

All of this makes looking for a job or contemplating a change even more difficult. You cannot “wing it” when waging a job campaign. Because you have been successful, you may think that looking for a job is no big deal. In a great economy, you may have been very marketable. In today’s reality, with increased layoffs, you really have to have the tools to be competitive.

Dear JVS,

Rumors have been circulating of a forthcoming merger of my company into an out-of-state corporation. I’ve started interviewing. I have excellent management experience and a variety of skills but I don’t seem to be connecting. What are decision makers looking for?

A.S. (Glencoe)

Dear A.S.,

The notion of “I’m great, take me,” doesn’t cut it in today’s marketplace. You must articulate how you will “fit” the position and “add value” to the corporation. These, plus other attributes, are critical in marketing yourself in an interview.

To succeed you must “fit” their needs; the position will not be reconfigured to match your background. Equally as important, you must “fit” into the company’s culture. Do your homework! Know ahead of time what the position requires and what you uniquely bring to it. Research how the company operates. A laid-back employee would not fare well in a formal, highly structured or paternalistic atmosphere. The opposite is also true. Understanding how you operate is essential to predicting your success within that environment.

The other critical piece is to demonstrate the “added value” you would bring to the company. How can you enhance its bottom line? What can you create in terms of new products or ideas? What kind of impact can you make? How have you made a difference? What do you envision for the future? Use relevant buzzwords to help differentiate you from other applicants: problem solver, good communicator, multi-tasker, team builder, and change agent.

Your resume, which got you the interview, quantified your skills and accomplishments. Sell yourself with these key characteristics and you should see results. Go for it!