Hang a sign around your neck saying, "Kick Me" -- and someone will.

Report to a job interview with scared eyes, a nervous voice and shoulders slumped with resignation -- and you're forcing the interviewer to reject you.

That's why your mental image of your value -- your self-esteem -- is so important to getting your first or a new job.

Not the "self-esteem" favored by teachers and modern goody-goody political correctness, but REAL self-esteem - that kind where you feel and know in your own heart and mind that you're a worthwhile AND accomplished person -- because you've proven it in real life.

1. Make a list of everything not job-related that you have accomplished in your life. Everything. That 3rd place in the 5th grade spelling bee. Your bit part in the high school play. The pool record for 50 yards butterfly you broke when you were 12.

Keep it handy and read it over daily until you have the job you want.

2. Make a list of everything you have accomplished on a job. From learning how to cook a hamburger to
running a national ad campaign.

(If you are just starting out and have never worked at any job, make this list the jobs or chores you have done for your family, school or neighbors. Cutting the grass. Walking the dog. Taking out the trash.

Keep it handy and read it over daily until you have the job you want.

3. Make a list of everything people-related (non-technical) you have learned from your jobs (or, if you are just starting out, what you have learned from your other accomplishments in the first two lists). Make sure you write down something you learned on every job, even if it was just to smile at the customers.

Yes, keep that list handy and read it over daily until you have the job you want.

4. Make a list of all your technical knowledge and skills, from education and on the job. List something from every job. If you used to make pizzas, write it down even though you're now an accountant.

Read this list handy and read daily.

You'll find that these lists are a lot longer than you expect. You'll also find that the more you read and think about them daily, the more accomplishments and learnings you'll realize belong on the list.

In a week or two it'll suddenly strike you -- you've accomplished and learned a lot more than you thought.

Now, what else can you do and learn?

5. Think long and hard about what kind of job you want to have and what skills (technical and not), education and experience you'll need to get it.

Write a description of yourself on a typical day of that ideal job. Then map out the steps you need to take to get there. Taking college courses at night. Passing the real estate tests. Etc.

6. Most important -- spend time daily visualizing yourself taking these practical steps and then winding up with that ideal job.

Spend ten minutes a day or two or three times a day - relax, close your eyes and visualize. See yourself passing the tests, hear yourself giving orders to your employees, feel the pride of occupying the corner office.

You deserve it, because you've earned it.