Unrealized Potential

Do you have potential? Potential is defined as “latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness”. Most employers are looking for potential. They may not articulate that or even recognize that but nevertheless, that’s really what they need. They need employees with potential. Potential to learn how to do the job. Most new hires are not expected to contribute immediately. Companies realize that there is usually a learning curve involved. What they want is someone who has the aptitude, attitude and basic skills and knowledge to do the job.

If you are reading this post I would guess you are unhappy with your current employment situation. You either don’t have a job; are not happy with the job you have; or in danger of losing your job. I also suspect you have potential. You have life experiences and/or have done time taking college level courses and studying your butt off developing your potential. But here is what you need to know:

“It doesn’t matter what you can do if no one knows what you can do.”

All that potential and nowhere to go. The point I am trying to make is potential alone is not enough. You need to be able to communicate that potential to your prospective employer. So how do you do that? Does a resume say anything about your potential? Perhaps a little, but it mostly tells employers what you have done. You need to make the case for what you can do. Where do you do that. How about the cover letter. That’s perhaps a better choice but only if you get creative. Don’t use the cover letter to tell them how much you want to work for them. Tell a story. Give an example of an accomplishment or how you over came an obstacle or an example of creative thinking or work ethic. Better yet, tell them in person. Send them a link to a YouTube video where you recount your story in HD.

Remember, employers are risk adverse. They don’t like to take risks on hiring people. Employee turnover costs employers a lot of money. Make yourself a real person to them so they get a feel for who you are. If they think they know who you are they are more likely to take a chance on your potential.