Career Counseling / Builder

Don't know how to sell yourself? You'll miss out on the best career counseling advice!

It all starts with changing some misconceptions about job search. You see, most of us were given career counseling advice that an interview or a meeting with a prospective employer means talking about your background and work history.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

It's not about your past or what you used to do for someone else. It's about how you come across right now, in the present moment. That means you have to sell yourself so people get a powerful snapshot of you . . . one that makes them sit up and pay attention to you!

And since some of your best job recommendations and referrals are going to come from people you already know and respect, you must be able to sell them as well.

So how do you do that?

Here's some powerful career counseling advice: prepare a carefully crafted assertive story about you. Then rehearse it. Here are some tips to help you put together this important sales presentation.

1. Make a list of your personal work-related qualities, values and accomplishments (not your work history).

2. Select two or three work accomplishments you are particularly proud of that illustrate your qualities and capabilities.

3. Now put together a short (one or two minutes) assertive story that weaves together a picture of you at work--one that illustrates the most representative of your qualities and values.

So if an employer asks you to tell a little bit about yourself (they all do!) or even if they don't, you're ready with a well-rehearsed story that sells YOU.

For example, you might say

"I have to believe you're always on the lookout for someone who's loyal, hard-working and can be counted on to get the job done. Am I right? It reminds me of a particularly challenging assignment I had. My boss told me I was responsible to meet a tight deadline and I had to put together a team to get the job done. I recruited some co-workers, set up a task force and achieved my boss' goal within 48 hours. The company realized 20% growth in my sector. My boss congratulated me and told me I'd be up for a raise."

You can put yourself way ahead of the pack by selling yourself. Take this solid career counseling advice. All it takes is an assertive story and plenty of practice.

Paul Megan writes for EEI, the world-class pioneer in alternative job search techniques and non-traditional career advancement strategies . . . since 1985. Grab our stunning FREE REPORT: "How To Lock Up A High-Paying Job In 14 Days (Or Less)!" Click on RSS. http://www.fastest-job-search.com

Career Advice: Career Growth Begins with Career Boundaries

"My new boss casually asks how I spent my weekend. I want to keep my personal life private."

"My parents criticized my decision to start a business. They're convinced we will soon be living in a homeless shelter."

"My friends invited me for lunch this week and I just don't have time for one more social event."

As you begin a new venture -- job, business, promotion, relocation -- you may feel you're living in a glass bubble. Friends, coworkers, and family watch you closely, wondering if they'll have to pick up the pieces after a midlife crisis career crash.

You love them, but you need to set limits. Life gets crowded when you live in a small bubble.

1. Draw your own boundary map before getting caught in tough situations. If you're clear on your own needs, your lines will be solid.

2. When you're asked a tough question, use the opportunity to communicate the message you want to send.

Q: "Shouldn't you be spending more time with your family?" A: "I have a wonderful family. Did I tell you my daughter is a starter on her high school basketball team? And my son just won an award for…"

3. Skip apologies and explanations unless you really need forgiveness.

Q: "Can we get together for lunch next week?"

A: "Gee, I'm so sorry, but I have all these errands to run, and my mother will be visiting, and…"

Ouch! Let's try it again:

A: "I always enjoy lunch with you, but this week won't work for me. Can I call you later to set up a time?"

OR (if you never want to have lunch with this person):

A: "Lunches do not work with my schedule. Let's stay in touch by email."

4. Borrowing money or asking for favors will erode your boundaries.

If your parents lend you $20,000 to buy a house, they deserve regular updates on your financial status.

If your coworker watches your cat for a week, she will expect vacation stories (as well as a delightful gift and a promise to hire a sitter next time).

5. If you find yourself surrounded by people who push your boundaries, consider reviewing your priorities with a coach, counselor or trusted friend. Your words and gestures may signal, "Come on in!" when your brain says, "Keep away!"

Finally, don't beat yourself up! Genuine self-acceptance and self-confidence will deter most boundary-trespassers.

And sometimes you risk loosening your boundaries, recognizing that life in a glass bubble can also bring unexpected help, surprises and even rewards.

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., works with corporate executives, business-owners and professionals who want to transform career breakdowns to career breakthroughs.

Cathy has created the 21-Day Extreme Career Makeover and authored Making the Big Move: Transforming Relocation into a Creative Life Transition.
Fr*e Download: Why most career change fails (and how you can write your own success story).

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