Needs Contribution Statement Has anyone ever heard of a NCS or used one? Your UNIQUE job search tool.

What is a Needs Contribution Statement? Tool that lists your qualifications which meet an employer’s needs. Right Side (Your background, skills qualifications) Left Side (Their needs) Show an example NCS sets you apart from everyone else!

Purpose of NCS Document that sets you APART from everyone else Another tool to showcase how you “fit” the job description Assists individuals changing industries or functions? Highlight experience from long ago that is relevant today If you were a Hiring Manager, What would you think if someone developed a NCS? Interested in position Willing to go the extra mile They stand out above the rest Thinking of the organization’s needs and how they can meet them Team player

The Format Your name and contact information (Header) Sometimes called a “T-letter”--Two column format Left: Industry, Company, Function, Needs Issues, Concerns, or Interests Right: Your unique qualifications from past experience which contributes to each area Each item on left should have 2-4 corresponding qualifications on the right Keep it to ONE page

Where Do I Get This Information? Accomplishment Statements from your Resume Information from networking meetings Issues or needs gathered from industry knowledge Needs identified as a result of your search Brainstorming with colleagues Reading and evaluating other Needs Contribution Statements

When should I use a NCS? Use the NCS to: Focus your networking meetings on a specific industry or function Serve as a talking document during an interview Follow up after an interview (shows you listened) Legitimize your value in your negotiating sessions Also provides measurable criteria to employers

The Value Proposition To find purposeful employment, you must: Understand and Communicate your VALUE to the marketplace Convey your VALUE by being relevant to the company’s needs/requirements

Why is Communicating Value Important? Forces you to articulate your own value Raises your confidence Provides link between your VALUE and real business goals Creates opportunities where no formal openings exist Minimizes competition Shows transfer of skills to different industries/job functions Provides a focus for networking functions

What Employers Want To Know Can you add value to the bottom line? Can we save significant cost by hiring you? Can you demonstrate that you can improve our profitability? Can you make a contribution to quality? Can you add to our ability to compete? Can you show how you can deliver a payback on our investment in you? Can you think on your feet? Can you grasp an opportunity that could be an advantage? Can you perform in an environment with increased demands and fewer resources? The NCS answers these questions for employers

NCSU Career Resources Tips Ask your networking contacts for feedback on your NCS Know your target company’s goals and purposes so you can help address them Record your accomplishments on a regular basis Never present a problem without posing a solution Use this document in place of a resume, or to regenerate interest after other strategies don’t work It is well worth the time and effort you will expend to do this!