How to get ahead

The following is a how-to list for retiring senior noncommissioned officers seeking employment. It was provided by James Herdt, former master chief petty officer of the Navy.

Believe in yourself and know that you have experiences and knowledge that others want to use.

Don't sell yourself short.

Build a list of your unique competencies. Don't be afraid to ask others for input.

Make a list of contacts who believe in your competencies. Ask them to help introduce you to those who may need your skills.

Be prepared to specifically describe to potential clients what you can do for their enterprise. Almost all jobs are obtained through networking, few are acquired by responding to advertisements.

Once you get hired, produce, produce, produce. Clients are looking for results. If your services aren't contributing to the bottom line, you aren't needed.

Take some time for your family and yourself. Do some of the things you told yourself you were going to do when you retired.