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Consistently throughout my career I have been told of the areas I need to work on - my weaknesses. I have tried. Promise. Really, I have. Worked hard at them - at addressing these ‘weaknesses’. Made progress. One inch at a time. I still get the same feedback on the ‘development areas’, but not as robustly as before. Here’s my point. And a suggestion for you.

A young graduate recently joined our firm. I was scheduled to catch up with her but before I did I mulled over what I could share based on my 26 years in the PR industry that would add value to her new role and her career longer term. I boiled it down to six key points which I’ve called LAB RAT – I know, the acronym doesn’t exactly conjure up the best connotations for someone starting a new job, and in fact in some industries it’s a bit close to the truth, but at the very least it’s memorable and they apply to anyone starting out their career.

I was talking with advertising creative icon Bruce Matchett in Singapore about careers and making sure we don’t waste the opportunity to do something every day we really love doing. Then he asked me a question that stunned me. I have been thinking about it ever since. Here’s the question. Bet it’s the toughest you’ve been asked in a while.

I want tell you the most powerful job hunting secret you’ll ever hear. OK, big call, I know, but time after time, when I speak with job hunters, this is one of the most radically under-used strategies I see. Or rather, don't see.