So many people ask me about the magic bullet for job search or career growth success. If it were that simple we’d be at 0% unemployment and everyone would be incredibly satisfied with their careers. The good news is that the keys to success are very simple concepts that anyone can apply if they accept the responsibility to do so.

Passion – In order to be successful you must maintain confidence in your abilities and in your message so others believe in you and what you do well. Lack of confidence and fear are huge barriers in job searching or career growth success. Why would I hire you if you don’t exude the self-confidence to do the position I have to fill or to take on a new promotional opportunity? Tapping your inner passion and self-confidence is not hard once you give yourself permission to own what you do really well.

Think about what brings you great joy – what professional skills don’t feel like “work”- when time flies because you are enjoying your tasks fully. These moments are the seeds of self-confidence. Unlock that professional passion and let others see it so you can propel them towards believing and investing in you. If you’ve lost your passion – you must give yourself permission to find it again!

Persistence – In the recruiting world, employers talk about great candidates as being “scrappy” and having resilience and the ability to rebound from change and uncertainty. This coupled with persistence, the ability to continue to push ahead, refusing to give up, are marketable qualities that employers seek. Of course, it’s tough out there – tell me something I don’t know! The onus is now on you to set yourself apart from the pack. Keep on keeping on and be persistent!

Connection – You should have mentors and sponsors and a Personal Board of Directors to assist you on your career journey. You don’t need to do this alone. And while you are at it – help others by paying-it-forward however you are able. The bottom line is that people hire and promote who they know and who they trust. If you are a well kept secret your opportunities will be scarce. Define networking on your own terms and whether you enjoy working a crowd or do better in one-on-one setting – you must make connections and leverage the power of relationships – ALWAYS.

Participation – You can’t win if you don’t play. The key here is to be involved so you can be seen and heard. Get out from behind technology and meet people face-to-face. Attend functions; build meaningful relationships within and beyond your organization with professionals whom you don’t know. Get into the action so you can be recognized for what you do well.

The keys to success are very simple – now get out there and unlock your opportunities!