Taking stock and selling yourself during the crucial interview stage will get the job done.

In the past I've written about 'life-long learning' as an important aspect to career development. This week, I would like to be more specific regarding the actual steps you might take to getting that all-important next job to further your career.

Step 1: Take stock

As this is the foundation step and all the remaining ones will build on this, it is important to get it right. In essence it consists of being clear on what you have to offer. Do, frankly and honestly, assess your core skills or skill-set as it is increasingly being referred to.

What is it you are really good at and experienced in delivering?

You should be realistic regarding what you actually have achieved in your career to date and also the potential you have to go further.

Step 2: Take aim

Like the first step this requires being honest with yourself. The key is to be absolutely clear about what you are looking for. Do you really want to be a number one in your particular discipline?

Some jobseekers may want to make a change to another discipline, but do you realise you may have to take a sideways or downwards move in order to make the transition?

What about remuneration package? Are you willing to take a drop to enhance your future career prospects.

You should also be realistic about job location and how far you are prepared to commute daily. Are you willing to relocate?

Step 3: Search for jobs

Reading this supplement is an excellent place to start. But remember there are other media. What about your trade magazine? Don't forget the internet, recruitment consultancies or employment agencies.

Step 4: Get an interview

Many candidates who reply to advertisements are one jump ahead of themselves. It should be obvious that if you don't make an impression on paper you will never get the chance to make one in person.

As in earlier steps, be realistic, go after jobs where there is a sensible match between what the employer is looking for and what you have to offer. Make sure when you fill in the application form or send a CV that you emphasise your strengths.

Step 5: Sell yourself at the interview stage

In my experience most people who get through the paper screening have the necessary job skills.

The challenge is therefore to sell yourself, your positive attitude and enthusiasm. Remember if you get offered a job you can always turn it down; but if you are not enthusiastic you are unlikely to get an offer.

The clincher is to show what you will achieve for a potential employer -- not just what you have achieved in the past.

Step 6: Get an offer (or hold a post mortem)

In any selection process there is always an element of luck. It's rather like examinations you may get the questions you know the answers to.

Learn to accept this; like many things in work, the fairness scales can fluctuate.

Step 7: Celebrate (or next time try harder)

Many interviewees tell me they have not been to an interview for a number of years.

If you are not opening the champagne, stay positive and learn from your experience; practice does make perfect. Learn from any mistakes and next time make sure they are not repeated.