When I’m working with clients who are unemployed or considering a
\ncareer transition, I always have them do an exercise I call the “Life
\nInventory Process.” While resumes are important and good to have
\nupdated regularly, it is equally important to get clear about what your
\nskills, talents and abilities are which is not always reflected in the
\ntypical resume. In fact, most resumes look more like a chronological
\nfact sheet about our job history than a true representation of
\nour full potential.<\/p>\n
It’s not uncommon when you are unemployed to experience a drop in self-esteem, which can cause you to become disconnected from your gifts. This can be problematic because
\nif you are not connected to your abilities, then how can you speak clearly
\nabout your strengths in an interview with a potential employer?<\/p>\n
The “Life Inventory Process” is designed to help you to become clear
\nabout what I call “Your Unique Offering.” Doing this process will allow
\nyou to gain clarity about all that you have to offer a
\npotential employer which, unfortunately, a simple resume seldom does completely.
The “Life Inventory Process” is a good way to address this issue. Here’s how it works:<\/p>\n
1.Make a list of your life’s “Highlights and Achievements” beginning
\nwith grammar school to present day. Include areas of your life where
\nyou shined when you were a child such as sports, art, school etc… Remember
\neven little successes help you to reconnect to your gifts and achievements.
\nThe purpose of this exercise is to help you connect with aspects of
\nyourself that you may have forgotten by helping you recall the successes in your life. <\/p>\n
When you are done, hang this up
\nsomewhere in your house as a reminder of what you’ve done well in your
\nlife and to boost your self esteem. Note: This is a self-esteem
\nbuilding exercise, don’t give this to a potential employer. <\/p>\n
2. Now make a list of your “Personal Assets” which should include all<\/u>
\nof your skills, talents and abilities that you’ve acquired during your
\nlifetime through education, life experience and work experience. These
\n“Personal Assets” are your gifts and they are an integral part of
\nwho you are. You own these gifts outright and the knowledge of them can never
\nbe taken from you. Now, review your list to see if there are possible job opportunities that you’ve overlooked. Ask yourself, what other options might be a good
\nutilization of some of your experience and gifts? <\/p>\n
For example, during a career
\ntransition a few years ago, one of my clients recalled that as a child she was very good
\nwith animals. She used to walk dogs in her neighborhood to make pocket money. Once she
\nreconnected with this gift, she realized that it would make a great career and now she owns a successful doggie daycare business. So anything is
\npossible! <\/p>\n