Here's how you can land the most in-demand entry-level positions in the small business field.

Ever feel like just another face in the crowd? You are anything but ordinary. Embrace your unique strengths and experiences. Dr. Seuss once said, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Recognize what sets you apart and proudly showcase it. Whether it's your knack for problem-solving, a specific skill set, or your ability to think outside the box, own it and let it shine. Remember, small businesses often look for self-starters who can contribute from day one. Know your worth, know your real value. You control your story, the inner-dialogue, the world outside is merely a reflection! Who do you think you really are ? & who do you want to be ?

Highlighting your skills is essential, but consider this: small business owners often wear many hats and value team players who are willing to jump in wherever needed. While showcasing your unique strengths is important, demonstrating a willingness to learn new things and contribute beyond a narrowly defined role can make you a highly attractive candidate. Small businesses thrive on adaptability and a team-oriented spirit, so showcasing those qualities can give you an edge.

Generic resumes are a thing of the past. Think of your resume as your personal story. Tailor it for each job application. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. Imagine you're a superhero – would Batman apply for a job with a resume meant for Spider-Man? Use keywords from the job posting and be specific about your accomplishments. “Managed a project” sounds good, but “Managed a $5Million project that increased revenue by 20%” sounds amazing!

“It’s not what you know, but who you know.” This old adage still holds true. Networking is about building genuine relationships, not just collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. Everyone today is stuck in a meaningless rat race! 5000 friends on social media, not even 5 friends IRL. What does this say? Network effectively, attend industry events, join relevant groups, and truly engage with professionals in your field. Here's a tip: Don’t just talk about what you do, talk about why you do it. Passion is infectious. Plus, people are more likely to remember you if they feel a personal connection. What is different about you, why You ? You can only fake so much. Authenticity stands out in a crowded world. People can easily tell!

I've found that many job seekers miss a key opportunity after those networking events. Don't just collect business cards; follow up with a personalized note and a willingness to provide value first. Offer to share an article relevant to their industry, introduce them to a connection in their field, or reiterate your desire to learn from their experience. This positions you not just as a job seeker, but as a valuable contact, significantly increasing your chances of staying top-of-mind when opportunities arise.

Hard skills might get you in the door, but soft skills will keep you there. Employers are looking for candidates who are not only competent but also easy to work with. Communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving are highly valued. Show these off in your resume and during interviews. And no, saying “I’m a people person” doesn’t cut it. Share real-life examples where your soft skills made a difference. Here's my 2 cents- Dont just showcase soft skills, Genuinely truly develop them for yourself. Its not for your boss or your company. It is something that becomes a part of your fiber & being. Then, you don't have to work at it as much once it becomes second nature. You get to keep YOU:)

Many job seekers talk about soft skills, but savvy interviewers are looking for concrete evidence. Instead of simply saying you're a team player, for example, quantify a time you navigated conflict within a team to achieve a specific outcome. Instead of just claiming you're a problem-solver, detail a situation where you identified a process improvement that yielded measurable results. By quantifying your soft skills, you transform them into tangible assets that resonate with potential employers.

From my experience, landing an entry-level position in a small business greatly benefits from a commitment to continuous learning. Small business employers value candidates who stay updated with industry trends and actively expand their skill sets. I found that taking relevant courses and dedicating time to self-study not only made me more adaptable but also showed my eagerness to contribute to the company's success. For example, I enrolled in online marketing courses and read industry blogs regularly, which helped me stay ahead and bring fresh ideas to the team. Showing that you’re proactive about your professional growth can set you apart in the job market.

From my experience, persistence is crucial in landing an entry-level position in a small business. Many small businesses don’t have extensive recruiting resources, so it's important to follow up on applications and reach out to companies you’re interested in, even if they’re not advertising positions. For instance, I consistently followed up on my applications and networked with industry professionals. I refined my approach based on feedback and didn’t get discouraged by setbacks. This persistence paid off when I finally landed a job with a small company that appreciated my proactive approach. Keep pushing forward, and your efforts will be rewarded.