Decision-makers seeking or planning to hire employees want to examine how candidates can immediately contribute. Therefore, you must know and articulate the difference you can make in helping an organization achieve its objectives.

Here are some tips:

• Conduct research into the potential employer’s recent business results, sales and earnings forecasts from the company and financial analysts, its management style, and human resources policies.
• Talk with as many people as possible until you can get an accurate assessment of what skills and abilities are most in demand now at the targeted employer, and what its business culture is.
• Communicate how you meet, and exceed, the immediate business needs in all phases of your contact with potential employers – resumes, cover letters, telephone interviews, personal interviews, and follow-up communication.
• Be as specific as possible about how your career achievements demonstrate your ability to help the potential employer right away.
• Demonstrate that you not only have the skills and abilities desired, but also match the company’s business culture.

The work to execute these steps will be rewarded as you distinguish yourself from the competition who is either unaware of the importance, or unwilling to make the effort to do this kind of preparation.