Employers want staff who are confident, believe in themselves and can be trusted. This Challenge will help you think how you can identify what you’re good at, become more confident and really sell yourself to a future employer.

� WHY IS BELIEVING IN YOURSELF IMPORTANT?

It can be hard to believe in yourself, especially if you feel you have little to offer, or have been surrounded by negative people! But the good news is there are positive ways you can start to believe in yourself and grow in confidence. Especially as you recognise the things you have achieved and have had to overcome.

Things I’m proud of: Things I’m proud of: 1

1

2

2

3

3

Remember these could be things you do at home (like helped my mum decorate a room, trained your dog to stop barking, learnt how to play a computer game etc.)

Challenge SM4

Get into pairs and talk about 3 things that you feel you are really good at. List them here and then ask your mate to share the things they’re good at too.

� DISCOVERING THE SKILLS YOU USE TO ACCOMPLISH THINGS

Next to the things you’ve listed as things you’re proud of, list the skills you have used to do these things:

THINGS I’M PROUD OF

SKILLS I USED 1

2

3

Now re-order the 3 skills into the one you love using the most (at the top no 1) and 2, and 3 in that order.

THINGS I’M PROUD OF :

SKILLS I USED SKILLS I LOVE TO USE BEST

1

üüü 2

üü

3

ü The best jobs are the ones where you can use the skills you love using and get paid for it!

There are lots of different skills –for example: listening skills, design skills, communication skills, selling skills people skills skills with using your hands etc.

� ASKING QUESTIONS One of the easiest way to discover your skills is to ask different people what they think are your greatest skill. People who really know us will never struggle to see those things.

� KEEPING POSITIVE After you have identified what others think you’re good at, it’s important to celebrate these skills and be positive about how you describe yourself and your skills.

EXERCISE You are talking to a friend who works in a café about whether he could help you get a job there. Suddenly the manager comes over. How would you

shake their hand and introduce yourself and say something positive about your skills. It can feel a bit odd practicing this with your mates but role-play is a really important way to build confidence and start believing in yourself.

What one word you would use to describe what I’m good at ? My

Mates My

Family My

Teachers

� What things help us believe in ourselves and get ready for work?

Below are 5 things which can help us when we doubt ourselves.

Write one thing which would help you act to make a positive change.

Picture Think Act

We easily focus on the negative and things we can’t do before we really try. Starting to believe in yourself takes will power and effort to focus on the positive.

I’m going to…

Are you surrounded by negative people, who bring you down? Think about what real friends would say about you

I’m going to….

Are you doing all you can to pay attention to your appearance and hygiene? Believing in yourself may be easier if you feel confident in the way that you look.

I’m going to….

Could you help others? This will give you a great view of what you’re capable of and help you feel better about yourself. Helping others brings a great sense of fulfillment. It also provides extra opportunities for you to use and develop your skills.

I’m going to…

If you find that you continue to have issues with self-esteem despite your attempts to build yourself up, consider talking to a counselor who may be able to help you more than you are able to give yourself.

I’m going to…

How will doing these things help you as you start to Face work?

© Facework 2015 produced by the Inclusion Trust (charity number 1111425). Photos/illustrations Istock

� WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU NEED TO TELL YOURELF !

When it comes to believing in yourself, what message do you need to write to yourself in your mirror?

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© Facework 2015 produced by the Inclusion Trust (charity number 1111425). Photos/illustrations Istock