Looking for Work

Many people struggle to explain their background when applying for jobs. Maybe you've worked in different fields, had side gigs, or done "odd jobs" that don't seem to fit neatly into a CV.

Your skills are what makes you the professional that you are, and the combination of them is what can set you apart, opening unique opportunities.

If you can package them into a product that employers can quickly understand, by thinking of yourself not as a list of past jobs, but as a solution kit you can apply to different problems.

Hint: Highly recommended to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini etc. to help you with summaries and to save time. You can follow only the first 3 steps if you find the full process overwhelming.

1. List everything you can do — Paid/unpaid, work, hobbies, volunteer roles, studies, side projects, etc. For each item, note: What did I make better/faster/easier? Which tools/processes/people did I work with? Any numbers (even rough): time saved, people served, money managed. Example: "Planned a community event for a volunteer organization → coordinated 8 vendors, built a 4-week timeline, 150 attendees, €1.2k budget."

2. Group skills into stacks (themes) — Pick the top 3 stacks that feel most relevant to what you are applying for. This way you can tweak the wording of a job application, while utilizing the same skill stack. Examples: Operations & Coordination (timelines, vendors, logistics); Community & Events (outreach, hosting, feedback); Content & Comms (simple copy, social posts, basic design); Data & Admin (spreadsheets, tracking, tidy processes).

3. Translate them into value for an employer — "I can organize" → "I improve workflow and reduce mistakes." Tip for those with international experience — make sure to translate your experience and qualifications into understandable language for the locality and field of the businesses you're applying to. It's your task to translate your experience in a way that is understandable to the recruiter, not for the future employer to research how your job description applied in the previous field.

4. Create a Product card — Turn each stack into a named offer a hiring manager can "get" in 5 seconds. Product Card Template: Name (e.g. "Project Coordination"), Who it helps (e.g. "Teams juggling tasks, vendors, and deadlines"), Problem it solves (e.g. "Scattered tasks and missed follow-ups"), Promise (e.g. "Bring order fast: timelines, checklists, clear roles"), Ingredients (3-5) (e.g. "Google Sheets, Trello, vendor outreach, calendar blocks"), Proof (2-3 bullets) (e.g. "Coordinated 8 vendors; delivered 150-person event on time. Cut no-shows 25% with new tracking"). Make 3 product cards. These become the backbone of your CV, cover letters, and interviews.

4.1 Write a 1-line value proposition for each product — Use this in your cover letter opening, LinkedIn headline/about, and intro at events. Formula: "I help [who] [achieve outcome] by [top capabilities], proven by [evidence]." Example: "I help small teams ship on time by setting simple timelines and checklists, proven by coordinating 8 vendors for a 150-person event."

5. Map Product cards into Job families — For each product card, list 3–5 role types it fits: Project Coordination → Project Assistant, Operations Coordinator, Event Assistant, Office Manager, Junior Producer. Customer Care → Customer Support Rep, Community Manager, Onboarding Specialist. Now you know where to aim your search.

6. Keep a "skills and results library" — A document you can pull from, so you don't have to rewrite everything each time. Collect links or artifacts: screenshots, brief portfolio notes, a before/after process sketch. Caselet formula (4 lines): Challenge → What I did → Result (metric) → What I'd repeat.

7. Use your skills library to tailor responses quickly per application — Pick 1–2 product cards that match the job ad. Mirror a few keywords from the ad (skills/tools). Lead your CV bullets with results, not duties. Open the cover letter with your 1-line value proposition, then drop in two proof bullets. Done.

Instead of seeing a job ad as just an opportunity for you, look at it as a problem they need solved. Every listing exists because a company is struggling with a gap: too much work, not enough people, missing expertise, or a lack of fresh ideas.

When you approach job applications as a problem-solver, you stop trying to "sell yourself" and instead show how you can help. A company doesn't need to see all of your skills, then try to figure out what work they can give you — a task particularly difficult if you've had a long work history, or changed fields.

Being able to communicate how you'll make their work easier, faster, or better is a shift in perspective that not only makes your applications stronger — it also makes the process less discouraging. You're no longer asking for a favor; you're offering value.

Look at a job listing as a problem the company has. The problem is a lack of staff, and they need a recruit to solve that problem. The job requirements are the criteria for the solution.

Start by examining the job offer: • What is the job title? What does that mean in the region and industry you're applying for? • What are the top skills required? Do you already have those skills, or are you able to acquire them before the application period ends? • Is the location accessible to you? Is there public transport connection suitable to the expected work schedule? • Does the company have a Culture handbook available on their website — it will give you a lot of information on what you're expected to showcase in your application and interview. • If you can't find the information you need, remember, you can always ask the recruiters for more detailed information. It shows consideration and diligence.

You should start working on your application only after you have examined the offer, and made sure that it's a good fit for you, and that you have a good chance of getting it.

Keep in mind that recruiters don't read everything. They might skim through applications, so the more words you put in, the more time you waste on both sides. You can share about your life story once you have the position. Until then, strangers don't need to know information that isn't requested.

Expect rejection as part of the process. That doesn't mean you've failed, it just means the problem you're trying to solve wasn't yours to solve. Stay persistent, keep refining your approach, and you'll find the team that sees your value.

Most people approach job hunting the same way: make a CV with all your information in it, generic About me text, and apply to as many positions as possible, hoping that something sticks. When applying online, your CV is a first impression of who you are. If you present a generic description, you won't be remembered.

Select and present your skills, experiences, and achievements that best match the needs of the company. Every CV, cover letter, or portfolio should highlight the abilities most relevant to that role, rather than trying to list everything you've ever done.

CV/Resume — A comprehensive summary of your education, work experience, skills, and achievements.

Cover Letter — A personalized letter that introduces you to the employer, explains your interest in the position, and highlights your qualifications and experiences.

Portfolio — For creative or technical positions, employers may request samples of your work, such as writing samples, design portfolios, or code samples.

Transcripts & Certificates — Academic transcripts and certifications or licenses as proof of your qualifications.

Letter of Recommendation — While not always required, letters of recommendation from previous employers or colleagues can strengthen your application.