Don’t get me wrong, I plan on sticking it out and seeing if I can work my way up. I learn fast and if I apply myself I am sure I can make it. But I plan on sticking it out at only one of the two. Coordinating work schedules for both and trying to fit in a job search and interviews has been less than ideal. How do I choose between the two retail jobs I’m trying on for size? Which fits better comes down to working environment, people, and benefits.

One of the jobs has a lot better employee resources, like a formal training process, direct deposit, and benefits for part-time associates. However, this job also has a much more stressful work environment. I know each job has certain requirements, but I feel much more pressure to meet each standard perfectly at this job. And the dress code is very strict. The store manager at this job is very dedicated, and I admire her work ethic, however she is a little over the top for me.

The other job is much more laid back with less pressure. They have a dress code, but it has a lot more options. The cash register is much easier to understand as well. While I didn’t get training that was as formal and in depth as the other job, I still feel well-equipped. I definitely feel more a part of the team at this job despite only working there a few weeks. I think what makes this job the one I want to keep is really the manager. She has high expectations just like the manager at the other job, but she doesn’t make you feel like you will be a failure if you don’t meet them right away.

I have learned that as the leader goes, so goes the team. I firmly believe it as I have seen it played out over and over again in my career. I worked for a small business that was barely scrapping by because the leadership from one of the owners was not up to par. I have seen entire teams turn around and become successful when a new manager was put into place, and unfortunately I have seen the opposite too. So I have come to the decision that I will be staying at The Children’s Place and that is in great part because of the management team there.

I applied to several stores. The ones which I thought would be most promising didn’t work out. Isn’t that the way with a lot of things! I really wanted an Assistant Manager job at one children’s clothing at which I shopped quite often. They didn’t ever call me back. I did get offered jobs at three different stores. I ended up taking two of them. Neither one was an assistant manager job though. I still have hopes that I will be able to learn enough to get promoted quickly.

Applying and being interviewed at these places has been a learning experience in itself. When I was hired for my one and only past retail job I was interviewed alone. This time, since I was applying during the holidays, I was interviewed with others in a group. It was very interesting to me to see the diverse group of candidates. Some of those in my group who I thought would not get hired did! And I discovered I was not as prepared as I thought I would be.

Will I be able to stick it out? Will I get promoted? Will this turn out to be a giant mistake? We shall see…

But what does it all come down to? In my mind it is about value. At the end of the day we are all sales people trying to sell a product, you, to a particular company. You want them to “buy” you, as in give you a job. Or in some cases you want them to not let you go. Either way your task is the same, show that you provide value, so much value that the company cannot afford to do without you. You need to know how to market you.

So how do you do that? In my opinion the first step is confidence. As Mary Kay Ash once said, “If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can’t, you’re right.” It boils down to believing in the gifts and talents you have. Think of all the things you have accomplished. Make a list if you have to, and list everything. I graduated from grammar school, and high school, and college. I wrote a resume that landed me a job. I made a great birthday cake for my cousin and everyone raved. And so on. As human beings we tend to focus on all the things we did wrong. Flip that around and focus on all the many things you do right. Think of all the things you are good at and list those. These lists will help you see that you have talents, skills and value to add to any company.

Next, (and this one may seem obvious) Do Your Job. I have seen it more times than I’d like where someone is so concerned about losing their job, they spend work time updating their resume, or making networking calls, or even complaining to anyone who will listen. If you are doing any of the above, STOP! If you currently have a job, one of the best ways to make yourself indispensible is to put your shoulder to the wheel and work hard. If you are currently out of work your new job is to find a job. Don’t sleep until 10 and wander around in your PJ’s. Get up, get dressed (complete with hair and make-up done), and go to work. If you aren’t spending at least 30 hours per week on this, you are truly job hunting.

Last, with all the great material online today you have no excuse for not building your personal brand. Dan Schwabel has an entire blog dedicated to personal branding with really great content. Make sure your various online professional profiles are up to date, such as LinkedIn, for example. When you meet with friends, work associates, or networking contacts dress professionally and not in gym clothes or pseudo-pajamas. How you dress, act, and look is as important as your resume, your online profile AND what comes up in a Google search of your name. When someone does a Google search on you (and they will) what shows up? Anything? Be in control of that and determine what you want that content to say.

We are all in control of our own situations. You choose how you will react to any given situation. If you are out of work or worried about losing your job, choose to have a good attitude and it will get you further than you think. Choose to be proactive about your situation and you will be miles ahead of the competition.