"A.truly life-enhancing book that will transform your career!" --Molly Lavik,MBA professor, Pepperdine University
"Robin offers a goldmine of ideas,strategies and crucial information on advancing your career in today's competitive marketplace."-Tracy White,Human Resources Manager,Clark Nuber
From America's number-one career counselor comes a savvy new book designed to help you take advantage of the paradigm shift in today's workplace. It's no longer enough to be generally qualified, says Robin Ryan.Instead, more and more companies are hiring and promoting employees whose specific strengths match particular positions. In Soaring on Your Strengths, Ryan shows how to identify your marketable qualities and use that knowledge to promote and brand yourself for the best jobs and promotions. She helps you establish an appealing career identity using self-marketing tools like resumes, Mind Maps, and on-the-job success stories, and also outlines fresh approaches to networking with colleagues and negotiating with the boss. Filled with her clients' success stories, solid strategies, and smart, easy-to-follow advice, this book is the next best thing to having your own career coach on call to advance your career and prosper.
About the Author
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Introduction
PART 1 ESTABLISHING YOUR CAREER IDENTITY
CHAPTER 1 DISTINGUISH YOURSELF FROM THE PACK
Your Career Identity
So What Is Brand You?
Work Smart: Use Your Gifts
Your References Matter More Than Your Resume
Can You Do This?
CHAPTER 2 DISCOVER YOUR OWN UNIQUE GENIUS
Brand Components
Brand Equity--Talents and Strengths
Brand Advantage--Your Core Competency
Brand Passion--The Drive Inside
Brand Values--Be True to Yourself
Brand Essence--The Traits that Make You--You!
Brand Image--The Right Appearance
Brand Reputation--How Others See You
PART 2 BRAND YOU DEFINED
CHAPTER 3 DEFINE YOUR CAREER IDENTITY
CHAPTER 4 THE EARLY CAREER BRAND YOU
Understanding Your Uniqueness
James--Looking for Direction
Jennifer--Hoping to Move Up
CHAPTER 5 THE MIDCAREER BRAND YOU
Understanding Your Uniqueness
Carl--Handling a Layoff
Teresa--Seeking a Promotion
CHAPTER 6 THE EXECUTIVE CAREER BRAND YOU
Being the Notorious Purple Cow
Understanding Your Remarkability
Rick--Getting Back on Track
Judith--Moving On to Bigger and Better Things
CHAPTER 7 THE REINVENTED CAREER BRAND YOU
Understanding Your Uniqueness
Julia--The Reinvention of a Career Changer
Kathleen--The Reinvention of a Career
Changer with No Experience in a New Area
Tyler--The Reinvention of a Laid-off Worker
Michael--The Reinvention of a Military-to-Civilian Career Switcher
Sharon--The Reentering Job Seeker
Mathew--The Reinvention of a Been-There-Forever Employee
PART 3 CREATING BRAND YOU
CHAPTER 8 BRAND IMAGE
Your Own Brand You Dress Code
Your Personal Image Assessment
Your Personal Image Assessment
Special Advice on Image Presentation for Women
Special Advice on Image Presentation for Men
Rule of Thumb: Dress Up for Work
Analyze Your Image to Enhance Brand You
Feeling Good from the Inside Out
CHAPTER 9 CREATE BRAND YOU FOR YOU
Beta Test Brand You
PART 4 IMPLEMENTiNG BRAND YOU
CHAPTER 10 BRAND YOU AND PROMOTIONS
What Does Your Ideal Job Look Like?
Redesigning Your Job
Better Opportunities Often Come with Small Employers
Misconceptions About Promotions
High Flyers Get the Promotions
CHAPTER 11 THE BOSS AND YOU
Key Advice from CEOS
A Strategic Plan for Your Career
CHAPTER 12 BUILD A POWER NETWORK
Job Search Networking
Commonality Is a Key
Networking Dos and Don'ts
Make Networking a Key Long-Term Tactic
The All-Important Career Identity Card
Strategic Volunteering to Advance Brand You
Mentors and Experts
CHAPTER 13 COMMUNICATE BRAND YOU
Your Resume
The Stand-Out-in-a-Crowd Resume Ouiz
Performance Appraisals
Cover Letters
Email
Interviews
PART 5 CREATING YOUR FUTUREDESTINY
CHAPTER 14 BRAND YOU ACTION PLAN
The Sky Can Be the Limit--So I Always Say Dream Big!
Brand You Is G.R.E.A.T.
Action Step--Achieving Successful Outcomes
Visualizations and Affirmations
CHAPTER 15 BRAND YOU FOR A LIFETIME
Do It Now!
More Career Resources to Aid You