Given the challenging economic times we’re experiencing today, it’s especially important for you to understand yourself “from the inside-out.”  Knowing your natural talents is a critical factor from succeeding in the interviewing process to developing positive long-term relationships.  Too often, we struggle to find the right words and phrases to highlight our strengths when writing a resume or interviewing for a job.  Wouldn’t it be a shame if you did not get the job you applied for or promotion you desired because you did not do a good job of marketing yourself?

One common mistake people make is underestimating their strengths, struggles, and ideal work environment. For example, in seeking a job should you use the same resume to apply for all positions? Definitely not! What’s recommended for people who really want to gain the recruiter’s attention is to personally tailor your resume to fit the requirements of the position. You want the “key words” they’re looking for to fill the position to land on your resume.  This includes related experience; but also your behavioral and personality strengths.

Identifying your ideal work environment is a MAJOR success factor that should be at the top of your list! In this discussion we’re talking about work; later on we’ll approach this topic from the personal perspective.  One might argue that these are intertwined because your personal life affects everything else.  Okay, enough said about that.

Another way to control your destiny is to know what type of work environment you thrive in.  The ideal work environment is comprised of various factors some as simply as: Do you work better alone or in a group? Are you a morning person? Are you a creative idea person or an analytical person who likes exactness?

Taking a personal on-line assessment is one way to obtain answers to all of the above-mentioned scenarios. There are various instruments on the market and this is a wise investment.  Assessment instruments can range from little or no cost to a few hundred dollars. Have you taken an assessment in the past?  If so, reexamine the results and utilize the results to your marketing advantage.  If you are currently employed start by asking your human resources representative if they have an instrument you can take for free.

To succeed in today’s challenging environment you need as much information as you can garner to create your value-added proposition and control your destiny in this ever-changing marketplace!