High-paying jobs don't always choose the most skilled people, but rather those who are "great at presenting

Many people believe that if we are skilled enough, have sufficient experience, and a high salary, it will come to us on its own. However, the reality of the high-salary job market may not always be that way. In the real working world, especially for high-paying or highly competitive positions, organizations do not just choose the “most skilled” person but rather the “person who makes them most confident that they are skilled and truly fit for that role.” And the deciding factor often lies in presentation, not just ability alone.

The Reality of the High-Salary Job Market

In the world of high-paying jobs, the decision of whom to hire is not based solely on experience or education. Human resource managers and senior executives must review a variety of job applications within a limited time, sometimes only 6-10 seconds per resume.

What actually happens is that employees with average skills but who present themselves well often get opportunities before those with higher skills who do not know how to market themselves. Because in the eyes of employers, if you cannot present yourself well, it indicates that you may also struggle to present work, projects, or communicate with clients.

In an era where every company seeks versatile individuals, not just specialists, the ability to clearly communicate your value has become one of the most valuable skills. It indicates that you understand yourself, understand the value you bring to the organization, and can help others understand it as well.

Soft Skills That Are Often Overlooked

Many still believe that hard skills are everything. If you are good at English, Excel, or coding, you are sure to get a good job. But the reality is different. At high salary levels, everyone already has basic hard skills. What separates you from others are these soft skills.

Effective communication is the core. It is not just about being articulate, but knowing what to communicate, when, and how to the right person at the right time. Good communicators know how to adjust their language to fit the audience, can simplify complex stories, and know how to emphasize the key points that the listener wants to hear.

Building Personal Branding is equally important. In today’s online world, you are the product, and you must know your own market, whether through LinkedIn, a portfolio website, or even the way you write emails. Everything reflects your identity and professionalism.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) allows you to understand the context of conversations, read the atmosphere, and know how to respond in various situations. People with high EQ often know how to conduct themselves appropriately, create a good impression, and build strong relationships with colleagues and executives.

Strategic Thinking in self-presentation means knowing how to choose the information to share, highlighting outstanding achievements, and positioning yourself in line with the company’s needs. You are not just stating what you can do; you must explain how you will help solve their problems.

How Important is Presentation Through Resume and Cover Letter?

A resume and cover letter are the first door to your dream job. If you cannot get through this door, there is no way you will have the opportunity to showcase your true abilities in an interview. This is why these documents are so important.

A good resume must be easy to read and to the point. HR does not have time to read your entire life story. They want to see achievements, successes, and how you can be the solution to the problems they are facing.

Always use numbers and measurable results when possible. Instead of writing “responsible for online marketing,” write “increased online sales by 45% within 6 months through social media and SEO strategies.” Using quantitative data makes your achievements look credible and measurable.

A cover letter is not a reiteration of your resume. Many misunderstand that a cover letter is just an extended version of the resume. In reality, it is a letter you write specifically to the company, explaining why you are interested in them, why you are a good fit, and what value you can bring to them.

Researching the company before writing your cover letter shows that you care and are serious about this position. Referring to the company’s latest projects, the CEO’s vision, or the challenges the company is facing, and linking them to your experience will make you stand out immediately.

Customization is also key. Do not send the same resume to every company. Each company has different cultures, values, and needs. You need to tailor the content to each position, emphasizing the most relevant experience, and using language that aligns with the job description.

Examples of Writing a Professional Profile

Let’s look at examples of a regular profile versus a professional one for comparison. You will see a clear difference.

Regular Example People Often Write: "5 years of experience in Marketing, worked at several companies, responsible for Social Media, Content, and various Campaigns. Enjoy learning new things, work well in teams, and have a high level of responsibility."

Professional Example That Makes You Stand Out: "Digital Marketing Strategist with 5 years driving measurable growth for B2B SaaS companies. Specialized in data-driven content marketing and social media strategies that convert. Led campaigns generating 200% increase in qualified leads while reducing cost-per-acquisition by 35%. Passionate about leveraging analytics to optimize marketing ROI and scale businesses sustainably."

How to Add Value to Your Work Through Communication

If you want to move up to a higher-paying job, try starting with these:

1. Change the way you describe your experience from “what you did” to “what results you created.”

2. Use language that aligns with the level of the position you want to reach.

3. Practice explaining yourself in 30 seconds.

4. Make your resume and cover letter “job-specific,” not using the same file to apply everywhere.

• Understand what your value is and communicate it clearly

The path to a high-paying job starts with presenting yourself

Ultimately, getting a high-paying job is not just about being skilled. It depends on how well you can make others see your skills. The skill of self-presentation is a crucial skill that enhances the value of every other skill you possess  

Are you ready to step into the salary level you deserve? Find high-paying jobs in Thailand 

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