Yup, probably one of the most common labels of our time.

I work with people from over 80 different nationalities, and almost all of them also know this common clothing tag. ‘Made in China’. Which got me thinking (whilst in China) about more of the labels we place on ourselves.

As a business owner when I used to hire staff I would spend between 10-15 seconds on a CV of any potential new staff. Telling new clients that usually gets the same result – WHaaaaattt?! Yup, because I was very busy and the majority of CV’s that came to me were not what I was looking for (if you speak to anyone who has to recruit you’ll find that that is the average). The potential candidates had conveniently labelled themselves for me saving me so much precious time. Just like clothing designers do for us when we are looking for the right fit – ok, colour and pattern are where I start, but then if I am serious about seeing if the garment is a right fit I need to check the size. If the size label matches what I need I can spend more time in the shop and choose to go and see it on in the change rooms. Same goes for staffing.

Had an awesome coaching session this morning which inspired this post, and with permission I’m sharing what blew the client away the most as I quickly read their version of their CV – “you got that from THAT????” So, whether you wish to constructively communicate that you had 7 years out of the workforce for raising a family, that you left your last role to go and travel, that you haven’t got that bit of paper which you think they really need you to have, it’s all about how you pitch it and negotiate yourself into the role.

If you would like to know which labels you have placed on yourself regarding your current CV I’d love to be of service. In fact the first 5 people to take action after having read this post and email me your CV, I’ll read it and give direct feedback about just what it says about you, as my treat. If you would like a detailed CV review session just give me a call.

Labels are powerful. Choose them wisely.