What are you selling

What are you selling Because we a creatures of emotion more than creatures of thought, the tasks you are being asked to do during job search are so difficult. Job search is SALES.   A dirty slimy word to many. The reality is, you are selling yourself, each and every day- whether in job search or on the job.   On the job, you have to prove you are adding to the bottom line (somehow making the company you work for more profitable). In search, you have to sell people on your potential value. The skills desired of successful sales professionals include: Speaking â€" Talking to others to convey information effectively. Persuasion â€" Persuading others to change their minds or behavior. Active Listening â€" Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Social Perceptiveness â€" Being aware of others reactions and understanding why they react as they do. Negotiation â€" Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences. Reading Comprehension â€" Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Service Orientation â€" Actively looking for ways to help people. Active Learning â€" Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. Complex Problem Solving â€" Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Coordination â€" Adjusting actions in relation to others actions. (Where does this come from? Onet Online) How well equipped are you to perform these?   Perhaps not as far off as you think, right? If you remove your personal connection to what is being sold (almost impossible, I know!), then what you are doing isnt that unfamiliar. Are you interested in learning more about how to increase your sales skills? Check out Jeffrey Gitomer.   Heres a link to his weekly posts.     And while you are there, check out some of his recommended reading. I dont want you to be a pushy used car salesperson.   I do hope that you learn the fundamentals of selling!