Where Are You in Your Career Planning?
This is a self-administered check list to help you dtermine if you are on target with your career planning/job search. Answer each question “Yes” or “No”.
What You Know About:
A. YOURSELF
- Can you articulate what you have gained from your education'?
- Can you explain why you chose your major'?
- Can you name the work activities you do well and most enjoy'? Non-work activities'? Can you list at least five marketable skills and abilities you possess'?
- For each of your most important job-related experiences. can you list:
a. Five things you did'?
b. Five things you learned'?
- Several contributions you made or things you accomplished? .
- Can you describe your greatest strength? Your greatest weakness'?
- Have you considered your personal ethics and values when identifying organizations for which you might work'?
- Have you clearly defined your geographical preferences and limitations'? Have you determined the salary range you will consider?
B. THE WORLD OF WORK
- Can you name at least three fields of employment in which you are interested?
- Do you know the type of organization for which you would like to work?
- Can you describe the characteristics of the work environment in which you would be happiest and most productive?
- Can you name at least five kinds of employers that might hire a person with your background'?
- Can you name at least five position titles that might be appropriate to your interests and abilities'?
- Do you know at least four or five resources to help you find answers to questions 11, 12 and 13 above?
- Can you name at least four sources of information that could help you discover potential employers in a particular geographic area?
- Have you recently talked to at least three people who are employed in your field of interest with the purpose of learning more about what they do?
C. GOAL SETTING
- Can you clearly and confidently state your career goals?
- Can you distinguish your more immediate job objectives from your long-range career goals?
D. JOB HUNTING
- Can you name at least five 'employers whom you plan to contact regarding employment in the near future?
- Are you familiar with the organizational structures, services, programs or products of the employers whom you are planning to contact?
- Have you prepared a resume with which you are satisfied?
- Have you asked anyone for feedback on it?
- Do you know the questions employers are likely to ask you in an interview?
- Have you used any of the following methods to prepare for interviews?
a. Interview Workshops'?
b. Role-playing with a friend or relative?
c. Video taped practice interviews with Career Center staff?
d. Role-playing by yourself in front of a mirror?
- Have you considered ways of developing job leads other than advertised listings?
- Have you consulted the schedule of employers who will be conducting on-campus recruiting visits to decide with which you might like to interview?
NOW WHAT?
Add up your "Yes" answers and score yourself.
Total Score 25-34: On the right track. Keep up the good work.
Total Score 15-24: Close! Stay tuned in to Career Center programs for additional help.
Total Score 14 or below: You definitely need to give more time and thought to your career plans. Come to the Career Center for more help in getting started.
Don't be discouraged if you scored low on this "test." The Career Center is here to help you improve your score. Use the CareerManual for specific suggestions, and keep track of your progress.
(Adapted with permission of the author from
The Berkeley Guide to Employment for New College Graduates by James I. Briggs, Berkeley: Ten Speed Press, 1984.)
