Nicole Williams is not the first one to compare career planning to the dating game. In fact, I reviewed Shawn Graham’s Courting Your Career, which applies dating lessons to job hunting and offers a lot of very useful tips and advice. (First and foremost – don’t be desperate!)

Williams’ Girl On Top takes a different approach to the topic. Her book is a sassy, fun and funny collection of advice and strategies for women to consider as they manage their own career paths. As a big fan of what I call “driving your own career bus,” I really enjoyed this book. I think it is written in just the right irreverent tone that will appeal to careerists who don’t think they need a career advice book.

Some advice you probably won’t find in other career books? Nicole’s chapter on “don’t bash your ex” (or your old boss) really resonated with me. But, she goes the extra mile and reminds readers “Don’t Bash….You” (p. 59). In an era of “personal branding” and online vetting, it is more important than ever to control your own image – and your own story.

Nicole notes these things that you should never say about yourself:

I’m tired. Nicole explains, “Tired is a weakness.” It’s true – no one at work really cares that you are tired. Talk about something else!

I’m bored. I hope you already know better than to tell people you are bored at work. (Or to update your Facebook status to say so.) Nicole suggests that you find something to do. Before someone finds something for you to do. (Or shows you the door!)

I’m fat. This isn’t a subject I discuss here very often, but saying self-deprecating things (or hoping that someone will disagree) is not good office banter.

I’m stupid. Nicole says, “You are if you call it out” (p. 60). She suggests, “Focus on what you do know and arm yourself with the tools you need to compensate…” (60). So true! If you are not your own #1 fan, you might as well pack it in now. This is not to say that you need to carry on about how brilliant you are (actions speak louder than words), but don’t make a habit of self-degrading. It will not win friends or influence people (at least not in the ways that you want).

Learn about how to make these and many other unwritten rules work for you. In your personal life AND in your career – and wind up on top!

How do you stay on top in the career world? Share in the comments!

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I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching? If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a  fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.