Conducting a successful job search means anticipating the expectations of a decision-maker.

Whether you meet in a traditional interview or in the alternate first meeting format we recommend, you must be prepared to meet expectations.

Take a look at yourself and your work history through the eyes of a prospective employer. It helps you objectify your credentials. Because, if they dont make sense to a prospective employer, they DONT MAKE SENSE . . . no matter how thrilling they are to you.

Fortunately you have plenty of marketable assets that will attract an employers attention. In particular there are three categories of marketable assets that can help you make a favorable impression.

1. Qualifying experiences: you have what it takes to do the job.

2. Bridge skills: you have the smarts to move forward and take on new assignments.

3. Workstyle values: you possess an inner value system that guarantees energy and commitment

Start by reviewing the various work situations youve been in. Without reference to your resume, jot down a list of memorable work experiences.

Be sure to include volunteer work, military service, internships, summer employment, etc. Then, ask yourself the question, What did I learn from this experience that would be helpful to my next employer.

Pull out the many marketable assets you derived from your work situations using the three categories above. Distill each list until you have the key marketable assets and strengths that make up the image of you youre going to project.

Remember, job search wisdom starts with a clear-eyed understanding of what youve got going for you. We call it your personal asset bank. Its made up of all your Qualifying and Bridge Skills as well as your Workstyle Values.

Your asset bank is a ready source of focused marketable information about you that you must be prepared to assertively point out to prospective employers. Its what they want to hear rather than a dull recitation of your work history.