“Those that don’t got it can’t show it. Those that got it can’t hide it.”

~ Zora Neale Hurston, Writer

  As we march forward in reaching our goals, professional and personal, there are stakes to put in place. Stocking these attributes constantly will keep us be built to last, whether we’re operating in a paid or volunteer situation or managing our lives.

The rules and conditions will keep changing. There will be failures and setbacks.         It’s easy to become bitter. Staying focused and positive is essential to present              ourselves well and concentrate for the best decision-making. There may be times        to fight the –isms noted earlier. Gratitude, for whatever the situation, is necessary as well.

Rounding up all needed documentation, such as résumés (old and new), transcripts, evaluations, job descriptions, and letters of recommendation may be time consuming, but it has a huge return on investment (ROI). You don’t want to go on a fishing expedition when something is needed right away. Next, put them in some type of logical order. The same tactics work for tracking any financial expenditures, especially for tax purposes.

Have you ‘done good’? Can anyone attest to that? Compile a list of people   who’ve known you in a professional setting, such as supervisors or co- workers. Also include those who can speak to your character. Include personal friends with a solid background; teachers, professors, or family friends.

This who-knows-you concept isn’t just for job situations. Many community and professional associations may also require references. Due to the worst of human nature (molesters, scammers, and the like) background checks, of the financial and character type, are now the norm.

Ensure that your social media presence reflects an image that’s aligned with who you are professionally, especially on LinkedIn. Recruiters and others, including plain nosy folks use Google to check out prospective hiring candidates. Censor your tweets and Facebook posts based on the type of opportunities or community positions you seek.

Excerpted from my book, For People of Strength, Soul, and Spirit: Seven Guidelines for Life & Career Success: Deborah L. Parker: 9781479237012: Amazon.com: Books

https://www.amazon.com/People-Strength-Soul-Spirit-Guidelines/dp/1479237019