Discover your Strengths & Skills. Before you can effectively action a job search plan you need to be absolutely clear about what you want to do, what your key skills are, what makes you unique and be able to describe this easily and eloquently when ever the need arises either verbally or in writing Identify what you do best, which of your skills you enjoy using the most, and with whom, where and under what ideal conditions you are most happy. It is necessary to look beyond the specialist application of your skill as one or many factors may demand this: A difficult economic situation which has narrowed your industry/discipline resulting in an over abundance of available expertise. Boredom with your current career A career that happened by accident rather then design and to which you are not committed There are several methods by which you can determine your key skills, You can simply write down what you consider these to be or Describe accomplishments from any facet of your life: work, home, school, leisure etc. Choose several "accounts" spanning as far back as you can remember to present, preferably spread evenly across your life span to date.You are identifying a pattern and a proven track record of skills. Working through each accomplishment "account" tick off on a skills inventory each major skill you used well and with good effect i.e. key skills.   Prioritise these skills in order of importance to you. Define your ideals in terms of: Geographic area Industry Working conditions Ideal "values" environment People Growth and development needs Short and long term goals Salary /package There are several Internet sites which offer "career tests" we’ve provided the links to a couple of them. Career Quiz Career Tests • Test Your Own Job Aptitude : Exploring... Next>>