When I’m working with clients who are unemployed or considering a
career transition, I always have them do an exercise I call the “Life
Inventory Process.” While resumes are important and good to have
updated regularly, it is equally important to get clear about what your
skills, talents and abilities are which is not always reflected in the
typical resume. In fact, most resumes look more like a chronological
fact sheet about our job history than a true representation of
our full potential.

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
if you are not connected to your abilities, then how can you speak clearly
about your strengths in an interview with a potential employer?

The “Life Inventory Process” is designed to help you to become clear
about what I call “Your Unique Offering.” Doing this process will allow
you to gain clarity about all that you have to offer a
potential 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:

1.Make a list of your life’s “Highlights and Achievements” beginning
with grammar school to present day. Include areas of your life where
you shined when you were a child such as sports, art, school etc… Remember
even little successes help you to reconnect to your gifts and achievements.
The purpose of this exercise is to help you connect with aspects of
yourself that you may have forgotten by helping you recall the successes in your life.

When you are done, hang this up
somewhere in your house as a reminder of what you’ve done well in your
life and to boost your self esteem.  Note: This is a self-esteem
building exercise, don’t give this to a potential employer. 

2. Now make a list of your “Personal Assets” which should include all
of your skills, talents and abilities that you’ve acquired during your
lifetime through education, life experience and work experience. These
“Personal Assets” are your gifts and they are an integral part of
who you are. You own these gifts outright and the knowledge of them can never
be 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
utilization of some of your experience and gifts?

For example, during a career
transition a few years ago, one of my clients recalled that as a child she was very good
with animals. She used to walk dogs in her neighborhood to make pocket money. Once she
reconnected with this gift, she realized that it would make a great career and now she owns a successful doggie daycare business. So anything is
possible!

In addition to following yesterday’s Six Steps to Follow Following a
Job Loss, you might also check out Victoria Moran’s 10 Prosperity
Affirmations. Doing daily affirmations are a great way to stay focused on what you do want and to staying positive. 

Peace & Blessings!