So many times we forget to ask for what we want without sounding like we don’t deserve it or are entitled to it.

Here are some guidelines to help ensure that an outcome works in your favor:

1. Write down what you want – be specific

2. Get an outside perspective of someone you trust

3. Role play – practice

4. Do not be discouraged if the answer is no – find out why in a non-defensive way

Asking for what you want is critical to success in life. People aren’t mind readers. Often, just asking will help you get what you’re looking for.

Also, when you ask for what you want and the outcome is not what you desired, it could give you an opportunity to go a in different direction and get something better!

Often, folks want to list their work history from very their first job up their current position. Steve Wyrostek of No Cliché Copy an expert in creating resumes that engage the reader, offers these suggestions:

– Showcase your expertise in the summary of qualifications (Do not list your objective.).

– Indicate how your work added to the bottom line of the organization by listing accomplishments.

– Keep the resume to no more 2 pages.

– Do not list school graduation dates more than 10 years old.

– Do not list any details about jobs over 15 years in the past.