TESTING YOUR CAREER TRANSITION SKILLS Circle the number you consider applies you Scale: 1 – strongly agree 4 – disagree 2 – agree 5 – strongly disagree 3 – maybe, not certain 1. I know what skills I can offer employers 1 2 3 4 5 2. I know what skills employers most seek in my target occupation 1 2 3 4 5 3. I can convincingly explain to interviewers what I did well for my last employer 1 2 3 4 5 4. I can specify three good reasons why an employer should hire me 1 2 3 4 5 5. I can secure support of family and friends for making this job change 1 2 3 4 5 6. I can allocate 10 to 15 hours of time each week to conduct a job search if need be 1 2 3 4 5 7. I have the financial resources to sustain a three-month job search if need be 1 2 3 4 5 8. I know how to research internet recruitment agencies, employers and organizations in a public library, career reference centre or elsewhere 1 2 3 4 5 9. I can write different types of effective resumes, job search letters, and follow-up letters 1 2 3 4 5 10. I can distribute resumes and application letters to the most relevant 12 recruitment agencies 1 2 3 4 5 11. I can list my major accomplishments in ways in which the results are clear and quantifiable 1 2 3 4 5 12. I can identify no less than 12 employers with whom I want to obtain interviews 1 2 3 4 5 13. I can develop a job vacancy referral network to help me 1 2 3 4 5 14. I know how to prospect for job leads where none is advertised 1 2 3 4 5 15. I can use the telephone to 'cold call' and get interviews 1 2 3 4 5 16. I can plan and implement an effective direct-mail job search of unsolicited enquiries to at least 40 firms 1 2 3 4 5 17. I have identified, and regularly use, a stress management technique which suits me 1 2 3 4 5 18. I can create a position for myself in an organization when none is advertised 1 2 3 4 5 Add the numbers you circled for a total score. If your score is more than 35 points, you need to work more on developing your career transition skills, if you scored 25 points or less, you don't need more preparation or rehearsal. Proceed to implement your career action plan. TOTAL: ____________

AUDITING YOUR CAREER MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Circle the number you consider applies to you

Scale: 1 – strongly agree 4 – disagree 2 – agree 5 – strongly disagree 3 – maybe, not certain 1. I can list the most important personal factors that will affect my career over the next 3 years 1 2 3 4 5 2. I can list at least four critical organizational factors that will influence my career progress with my current employer 1 2 3 4 5 3. I know at least two realistic potential career paths for me with my current employer 1 2 3 4 5 4. I know which responsibilities are mine and which are my employer's concerning the management of my career 1 2 3 4 5 5. I have researched and committed to the necessary training courses/development experiences to prepare for my next career move 1 2 3 4 5 6. I know the right questions to ask when investigating possible new position opportunities 7. I know accurately where I am in the four stages of career: 1 2 3 4 5 1) Exploration and trial 2) Career advancement 3) Career maintenance 3) Career decline 8. I have recorded an unambiguous career goal and schedule for achieving each stage towards it 1 2 3 4 5 9. I am clear on the essential requirements and the desirable features in my next career move 1 2 3 4 5 10. I know the reasons for my past career move choices 1 2 3 4 5 11. I have sorted out my key strengths and accomplishments in terms of my career to date 1 2 3 4 5 12. I know how to measure the value of a job to my overall career before taking it 1 2 3 4 5 13. I am aware of how the informal power structure functions with rny current employer 1 2 3 4 5 14. I know where to obtain an unbiased review of my personal development needs, career plans, and proposed actions 1 2 3 4 5 15. I am confident of the depth of my personal skills to hold my own against competition 1 2 3 4 5 16. I have identified, and regularly use, a stress management technique which suits me 1 2 3 4 5 Add the numbers you circled for your total score. If your total score is more than 35, you urgently need to find out more before taking your career further. TOTAL: ____________

CHECKLIST AT POINT OF COMMITMENT TO CAREER TRANSITION

• Have I carried out the most thorough self-analysis I have ever done? YES NO • Have I identified the most appropriate career action in view of this self-analysis? YES NO • Have I researched what it really entails, where it is available, and the employers with whom it exists? YES NO • Have I developed and written down a career action strategy and timetable? YES NO • Does it fit into my new total lifestyle plan? YES NO • If retraining is involved do I know where tuition is available; the study pattern most appropriate for my needs; enrollment procedures? YES NO • Have I discussed all of the above with my Significant Other? YES NO • Do I know exactly what my current financial assets and YES NO

liabilities are? • Am I willing to take worthwhile risks? YES NO • Have I completed the study of career transition strategies? YES NO • Have I discussed plans with Mentor and my Support Group? YES NO

Career and Life Development Process Reevaluate your plans periodically by returning to previous level. Start with the top and work your way down. The first level is the foundation for all the rest. Level 1 Self Discovery Financial Worries

Career Assessment

Skills & Achievements

Values Clarification

Areas/Fields of Interest

Personality Style

Fear of Change

Level 2 Occupational Research Reality Testing

Research & Interviewing

Educational Needs

Job Shadowing

Hands-on Experience

Market Trends

Level 4 Employer Contacts

Job Search

Resumes & Cover Letters Interviews

Level 5 Employment

Salary Negotiations Promotions

Level 3 Decision-Making

Resolve Fears Career

Objectives Personal Goals Integrity

Level 6 Career/Life

Development

Reassessment

A SEARCH Do you know how to get a job in this millennium? Do you think you will find your next job on the Internet? Discover the best job search strategy for your career choice. Plan a balanced approach to conducting your job search. Find out how to stay organized and focused to help ensure you reach your ultimate job successfully. TALKING TALENTS Are you prepared to interview? What if your interview is with human resources and what if it is a panel interview? Have you prepared for a behavioral based interview? Role-play an interview; customize your interview questions to uncover what you need to know about your future employer. PAPERWORK TRAILS Letters of introduction, unsolicited letters, cover letters and thank you letters. These are the written communication tools that a productive job search is made of.