You Are an Expert

You are an expert. That's right, you are an expert in something related to your career. And by leveraging your expertise, you will be more attractive to prospective employers.

Two of the easiest ways to leverage your expertise are often overlooked because they seem the most daunting: teaching and writing.

We're not talking writing a book or becoming a professor, necessarily, although you could do either. After all, writing a book can take precious time away from you work search, and you need at least a Master's Degree to become an adjunct professor at a community college. Not everyone has the time or academic credentials to do either. But you can still raise your profile and show off your expertise.

Teach Continuing Education Courses
This is easier than you may think. I've pitched - and taught - courses on interviewing, resumes and leadership. Most school districts have a continuing ed department and usually pay $10-$15 per hour. Here's what you need to do:

1) Come up with a topic or topics.

2) Break the topic down. Sub-categorize your topic. Would you need six two-hour sessions to fully cover the topic? Three? One? Put it in writing.

3) Write a pitch letter. The format is similar to a cover letter: 1st paragraph mentions what you want to do; 2nd states why you should teach the class (your qualifications); the 3rd paragraph should be the call to action (ask for a meeting).

4) Call school districts. You will want to call several in your area to get the continuing ed director's name and contact info (including phone number). Plug the mailing address into the pitch letter you wrote in #3.

5) Call the continuing ed director. Pitch your idea. S/he will either request a proposal or not. If a proposal is requested, you have one ready to fire off - the pitch letter and how you broke the topic(s) down. Do not hang up before asking for a meeting.

6) Do the meeting. Sell yourself. No reason to be arrogant, but no reason to be shy, either. As long as you present yourself well and it's a topic they don't currently offer, you have a very good chance of nabbing the gig.

7) Teach the course(s).

8) Put it on your resume.

Write Articles for Local Publications
Yes, you can have an article published even if you can't type or even write that well. That's what your friends and relatives are for. Just don't look for a huge payday writing for TIME. The process is similar to getting a continuing ed assignment. And, while I have had articles published on everything from interviews with boxers to job hunting, you may want to focus your efforts to a single field.

1) Come up with topics.

2) Break the topics down. Put them in some logical sequence, starting with the most important and working your way down.

3) Write the pitch letter. This is called a "query" letter. The first paragraph is often just one sentence, and should be the "hook." It should make the reader want to read the rest of your piece. The 2nd paragraph should detail how you plan to write the piece, your credentials and any interviews you may be conducting. In the last paragraph, you should overtly ask to write the article.

4) Contact the local weeklies in your area. Ask for the editor (if the publication is small) or department editor your topic would fit into. Briefly explain your topic and ask to write the article. Usually, they will want to see your query and any writing sample you may have. If you have no samples (or "clips"), be upfront, but mention your expertise in your field.

5) Send the query.

6) Follow up in a week.

7) Write the article. Be sure to use the style and tone of the publication. If you can't write or type, have a college student (who's majoring in communications or journalism) ghost write it for you. And don't be crushed (or let your ghost writer be crushed) when the editor makes slashing edits. It happens to the best of us. Re-write as needed.

8) Make copies of your article. Lots of them. Make sure you scan it or get an electronic version as well.

9) Send a copy with every resume you send out. And be sure to update your resume, as well.

You are an expert and the world should know it. The more publicity you get for your expertise, the higher your perceived value. That makes you more attractive to employers.

IN A NUTSHELL: Show the world you are an expert by teaching or writing.