Many folks are searching for employment in this tough economy. A single job posting on a career website easily generates 100+ resumes. It may seem overwhelming, but there are tools that can help you be more productive and stand out in the sea of job-seekers. One such tool is called a “30-second commercial” and it is designed to help you market yourself when someone says, “Tell me about yourself.” In a clear and concise manner, you state who you are, what you have done, what skills you have, what you are looking for, and what makes you essential to an employer. I have been creating my “30-second professional commercial” and it is not an easy task. It makes sense that I need to sell my skills, experience, and goals to a company. If I can’t tell them the best information about me, then who will? I have 30-seconds to get a person interested in me and hopefully, get them to provide me with job leads or ask me for my resume. Perhaps, through this commercial, a connection will be made that will take me to a job offer. That’s my goal!
Hmmmm…. So, the whole concept of a professional commercial has caused me to think about my own personal commercial. What do I say when I meet new people and does it tell them who I am, what I stand for, and what I am all about? My mind has been running through various “meet and greet” scenarios and I must say that I am not sure that I am communicating my true self to the people I meet. Over the years, I have learned to be become politically correct at work when it comes to other beliefs, values, and ideas. In some ways, that attitude has spilled over to my conversations at church, school, and home. My personal commercial is about the things I love like my husband and son, my pets, my hobbies, and my work. I sometimes add a complaint or two about being tired, overworked, or busy all the time. Perhaps, in the last few seconds of my commercial, if I feel the other person isn’t digging me, I close with an excuse that I have to mingle or stop chatting so much. It’s my exit to move on. Once I move on, though, I don’t get to go back and make another impression. What I didn’t say in that 30 second “personal” commercial will probably never get said.
Whew… I’m sad to say that my personal commercial is a disaster. It says nothing about the most important belief in my life and that is my belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. I present my earthly blessings and struggles, but never mention my Father in Heaven or my inheritance to be with him. In my mind, these past few weeks, I have replayed my personal commercial many times. I wonder what would happen if I said something like this:
“Hello, my name is Jeanne. I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I’ve been a Christian for 30 years. (Continue with family, hobbies, etc.) Please tell me about you and what you believe.”
-Or-
“Hello, my name is Jeanne and one of my favorite things to do is go to church and worship my Lord. He’s my maker and creator. My husband and son are pretty cool, too. And I love music and … (add my hobbies and things.) Do you go to church? “
I hope for the courage to try out my new commercial on the next person that I meet. I’m positive that my new acquaintance will not expect to hear such a speech. I’m not doing it to offend or upset anyone, although, I’m sure that it might have that effect. In the end, it does not matter what they think of me; however, it does matter that I present myself unashamed, as Paul wrote in Romans 1:16 and 2 Timothy 2:15. My core belief is Jesus Christ and when I omit that detail about myself, I am not really giving an honest picture of who I am, what I stand for, and what I’m all about. My goal is not to be popular, but to unashamedly share Jesus Christ with everyone that I can. That’s my personal goal!
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
I’m still working on my revised “personal” commercial and I want to get it done before I meet someone new. If you have any ideas for me, please post a response.
Other related verses:
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Philippians 1:20
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
