Know and Strengthen Your Marketable Skills

Skills are the currency of the workplace. You are hired because the company believes you have skills that will increase its profits. Consequently,

• Keep an eye out for new job opportunities; be ready to get a new job before you are laid off. Talk with others in your field about jobs openings. Keep an updated resume and share it with others.

• Communicate your accomplishments clearly (PAR: Problem, Action, Results):
  • What was the problem you faced?
  • What actions did you take?
  • What observable results were there?

  Practice in front of a mirror. Your ability to describe your skills and accomplishments is essential to promotions, writing resumes, and succeeding in job interviews.

• Learn new skills and build on those you already have. How strong are your Foundation Skills? Take a careful look at them. Strengthen those that are weak.

• Know your "motivated skills," those that you enjoy using. Look for ways to strengthen them.

• Know what skills your industry needs.

• Learn skills that are transferable to jobs in other companies.