Career Placement Test

Whoa! Your career choice isn’t going as well as you thought.

I mean, you like your job pretty much. But you can’t seem to get ahead. And then there’s that nagging feeling that somehow you missed the mark. You can tell because you feel lousy when you get upon Monday morning.

So what do you do?

Well, let’s take a look at a couple career choice facts. Our careers are certainly something we choose because of our aptitudes and interests. But you must also be prepared to shape your career consistent with the demands of the job marketplace.

If you’re not in tune with the routine as well as the unexpected in the marketplace . . . if you can’t adapt to fluctuations, demands and requirements . . . then you run the risk of being trapped in dead-end or inferior jobs, unrewarding relationships and limited dollar potential.

So how do you avoid that trap? How do you make an intelligent career choice and learn how to take control so that success, money, enjoyment and challenge are an expected part of the future?

Here are 4 steps.

First, you have to revolutionize your thinking about your career choice and specific job search. They exist amidst the frenetic pace of economic change. They’re impacted by the high-tech revolution and other dramatic forces shaping the 21st Century. You have to acknowledge that an employer is subject to the same dynamics.

Secondly, you surface, examine and then believe in your most bankable assets: qualifying experiences, transferable skills, and work-style values and qualities. And these aren’t limited to what you might find on your resume.

Thirdly, identify any concerns, liabilities, problems or areas of resistance that could become a stumbling block for any employer. Be prepared to deal with them professionally and non-defensively.

Fourthly, take the time to explore what you’re worth in the marketplace. Your value to an employer is not going to be based on what you’re used to be paid. Finding out in advance what a particular job is worth in a certain industry or organization gives you a real leg up when it’s time to negotiate.

In the final analysis, the ultimate career choice strategy is to be in control. That means managing your job search like a small business.

If you think of your career as a small business, the source of your income and job satisfaction as well as future growth and advancement, then you’ll want to manage it carefully. Putting ourselves in control is like having a long-term insurance policy for success.

i took a career placement test and apperently, im suppose to be in the hospitality business.do bar tenders have a good job? if you are one .please tell me about it.thank you!!

So, you’ve gotten totally clear on your career goals, prepared your complete “executive portfolio” of self-marketing documents, and developed a detailed strategy for your search.

Now it’s time for “your feet to meet the street” – and that means NETWORKING! You’ll be spending most of your job search time networking with people who can help you reach the hiring managers inside the companies you’ve targeted. You can network over the phone, in person, via e-mail, or even over a cup of coffee or lunch.

The main thing to remember is that, in general, people want to help others. It makes them feel good to connect people with opportunities and information. And, of course, these people really are quite important to your career success! (Just as you may have been very important to the career success of others in the past – and certainly will be again in the future!)

Ninety percent of my clients land great jobs through their networks. It’s not worth risking those odds to NOT be continually networking! It should be the primary focus of everything you do. The quantity and quality of your networking time is directly related to the personal, professional, and financial satisfaction you’ll have in your next job – and your entire career.

Many clients have told me that networking intimidates them. They can’t understand why anyone would actually want to network with them, and they feel like they’re imposing on people – most of whom they don’t even know. Let’s review some of the reasons why someone would actually WANT to talk with you:

1. They might (secretly) be looking for a job soon themselves, and they can learn from your approach.

2. They might gain new information about their industry or their competition – plus other knowledge or perspective that you bring.

3. They like to feel important, have their “ego stroked,” and feel that their advice is valued and respected.

4. Many people genuinely WANT to help, and they find it gratifying to be of service.

5. They might be bored, and you can provide welcome relief from their “normal routine.”

6. They’re happy to do a favor for the person who referred you, by agreeing to network with you.

7. They’ve been through a job search or career transition themselves, so they empathize with you.

When it’s done properly, networking is NOT about “taking,” but rather about “giving.” You must always come from an attitude of generosity during the networking process. When a networking conversation has been concluded, the other person should genuinely feel glad that you contacted them, and feel enriched by the experience. So, always seek to offer something of value before asking for something from others.

Networking is a lot simpler (and less scary) than many people think. You do NOT need to be a great “schmoozer” to network effectively. In fact, the best networkers are often great listeners, more than great talkers!

And no matter what, don’t let up on your networking efforts. Remember: If you’re in career transition, networking IS your job. You should be spending at least 85% of your time networking … and 15% on everything else!

If someone is not willing to network with you, you must learn to NOT take it personally. Adopt this powerful formula from the world of sales – SWSWSWN! What does this mean? “Some Will (help you), Some Won’t (help you), So What, Next!” (Move on to the next person). Keep working through your network list, and don’t let the occasional rejection deter you! Just move on to the next person on your list.

I hope you can now see that it’s a smart career move to always be networking, no matter what’s going on for you professionally. If you don’t need help at this time, build up your networking power by helping others. Networking – which is such a vital element of career management – will always pay big dividends in the long run!

Copyright 2008, Career Potential, LLC. All Rights Reserved

I have a job I do like, although it is rather mundane, boring and has little advancement opportunity. However, in an economy where jobs are being lost left and right, the job seems to be secure and does have a good benefits package. I also am able to pay my bills every month. I am very grateful for that. But, it is has been ten years since I graduated from college, and I have yet to obtain a position that seems to be in skill set. Would career counseling be helpful for me.

Career Builder : The Four Pillars of Job Hunting

  

 

Your CV

Your Cover Letter

Interview

Job Skill Testing

 

Your CV

  

Your CV is probably the most important document in any job search process. Most people think that because they have a qualification, skill and experience they can sell themselves to hiring managers and ignore the CV. What they do not realize is that a CV is the first document that will attract the hiring manager to consider to shortlist them for interview. Ignoring and neglecting to provide an effective CV and resume will nullify your chances of been shortlisted. Hiring managers scan through hundreds of CVs’ looking for the exact qualifications, skills and experience required to fill the vacancy. If your CV is badly written recruiters will find it difficult to select such candidates. It must be remembered that hiring managers are also under pressure to fill vacancies and will not have time to read every CV thoroughly to understand if potential candidates fulfils the exact requirements of the post. Why make it difficult for them to select your CV? The hiring managers will only scan and select a CV that present the most concise information with  the relevant and informative text that will catch his eye. Your CV can open doors for you to be selected and hopefully shortlisted for the position you have applied for.

 

The content of your CV and how you have arranged your career history will improve your chances of getting into the interview. Your CV should contain a flow of information that starts with your qualifications and ends with your latest employment history. Anybody who reads your CV should be able to understand your CV without meeting you or reading your cover letter. Besides, that is what happens in real life – hiring managers peruse your CV long before you are called for interview. The final decision to finally call you for interview will ultimately rest on your CV. Your CV is the only key that will get you through the door of the company you wish to work for.  It is therefore advisable to keep two CV formats to meet the requirements of different employers. Those who need a summarized CV of a few pages (3-4pages) and those who need a longer and more detailed CV.

The easiest way of blowing your chances of a job opportunity is by making a poor impression with poorly presented and sloppy CV. Many applicants are usually not aware about the importance of this first stage of securing employment. They believe incorrectly that because they submitted a CV this guarantees them an interview or a job. The CV provides the employer with an overview of potential candidates for the position, and it gives the interviewer and idea of what to expect from the applicant. A good CV will improve the possibility of being granted an interview during which a good impression can be made. A good impression improves the chances of being hired.

Your CV is there to assist you to get a job. It acts as a support in search for employment and either secures you for an interview or ensures that you do not even get the opportunity to be interviewed. It markets and acts as the sales agent for you. A CV is an account of your career, and it enables you to present yourself to a prospective employer before meeting him/her on the interview day. It also provides the hiring manager with an opportunity to from opinions about you in advance. Your CV has to make an impression on the hiring manager, if it does not, you do not have a chance of being called for interview. The purpose of submitting a CV is to project a positive image about yourself by illustrating your educational qualifications, skills knowledge and experience. This will enable the hiring manager to form an impression about you. If through your CV you project a negative impression, the chances are that you will not be afforded an opportunity to attend an interview.  

 

Your Cover Letter

 

The second step to actually getting a job interview is to create an attention-getting cover letter. Your cover letter is a piece of information that lets’ a potential employer know what your skills are and whether you would make a perfect fit for the available position. Your cover letter must be as detailed and informative as possible, without going beyond a one-page limit. Write a cover letter that will be attractive and draw as much attraction as possible. Remember getting noticed amongst hundreds of CV’s is the only way to get a job. Take time to compile a compelling cover letter that sells your skills.

Here are five points to include in your cover letter:

Address your cover letter to a specific person – this will show that you have done your research about the company.

Clearly indicate the position you are applying for.

Showcase your experience and how it will be helpful in the position you are applying for.

Use company “buzzwords” for instance, “Breaking New Ground” if that is the company’s buzzword.

Be enthusiastic – Your enthusiasm will be communicated to the reader of your cover letter and enhance your chances of gaining an interview. If you can take time and write a cover letter that summarises your strongest skills, you have the edge over other contenders who skip this important step.

 

Interview

 

The keys to making a brilliant impact at any interview are researching relevant information, preparing yourself mentally anticipating the questions you are likely to be asked and working out the best possible answers to these questions. Remember all interviewers are seeking answers to two fundamental questions;

 

Can you do the job?

Will you fit in?

 

Preparation for job interview is the most important part of the entire interview process. Know the position and ensure that you know something about the job you have applied for. Talk to people you know in the same job and learn about the tasks involved. Prepare answers to questions you are likely to be asked relating to the job.  You should also know about the industry to which you’re applying. Find out as much as you can about the industry. More importantly than knowing the industry, is knowing something about the company to which you’re applying. Having the skills to do the job well and a strong knowledge of the company will put you above candidates who only have the skills to do the job well.

 

 Having managed to secure an interview means that the real preparation must begin. You have the opportunity of marketing and selling yourself to your prospective employer. You have passed the first stage and now you have to negotiate your way through the second. There are a number of ways and tools you can use to find the information you need. The first is obvious; do you know someone who works at the company? Perhaps a friend or relative of yours knows someone who works at the company and can put you in touch with that person. Use this to gain an inside perspective on the company. There’s also a wealth of information at the library, newspapers and magazines about the company.  Look for everything about the company. The product or services they offer the type of customers they deal with, name of company and CEO. You should make yourself familiar with the company’s size and anything else you deem important. If you think you will do well without having taken time to acquaint yourself with the company and its business, you will not succeed in landing a job. You should perform intensive research once you have secured a date and time for the interview, otherwise you may waste your time researching companies that may never call you.

It always helps to practice. The only way to measure your readiness for interview is to practice. Practicing your answers to likely questions is the key to projecting a calm and confident impression during the interview. Sit down with your best friend and have her fire questions at you. Ask her for feedback. You can also have your friend to tape you on a tape recorder or video camera. Listen to your voice is the pitch of your voice and tone pleasant, clear and distinct? Watch your eye contact, body language, do you see yourself confident or are your answers rambling and off-the-mark?  Analyze the way you your answers sound on the tape recorder. On the next run-through make a conscious effort to make yourself sound more like a professional and work on your flaws before that eventful day of interview.   Apply to several companies you do not have all that much interest in. If you are not successful, analyze what went wrong so that you can improve in the next one. Consider each job- hunting activity as an additional step in enriching your abilities and take criticism as an opportunity to improve yourself.

 

Interview Day

 

Having arrived for interview;

 

Be prepared – bring along an extra copy of your resume and reading materials in the event you have to wait a little while before the interview.

Dress appropriately – ensure that you are neat and well presented.

Be confident and project a positive attitude – the manner and confidence with which you answer questions will be carefully observed. Project an air of positive attitude and remember that the company called you because they believe you are capable of performing the job at hand.

Make eye contact – maintain eye contact as you talk about your skills and experience and let the interviewer know that you think you could do a good job.

Show enthusiasm – there is nothing that sips energy like a candidate who lacks enthusiasm. Even if the interviewer discusses your having to perform a skill that you are not familiar with, show him how eager you are to learn.

 

After the interview

 

Aside from being a recruiters test, sending a thank you letter to the person with whom you met during your interview can be a way for you to underscore your continued interest in the position and the company. Be polite and make sure to express your continued interest in the position as well as your ability to perform the duties required. Send a handwritten note and make sure to send the thank you letter immediately following the interview while your meeting is still fresh in the interviewer’s mind. It will help to put a face to the letter. Ensure that your letter is brief and emphasising your interest in the company and position.

You should not stop working on finding a new job until you have received an official offer. Even if you think the interview went great, there are no guarantees that you have the job until the company tells you so. Continue sending out resumes and scheduling more interviews. It is not wise to stake the future of your employment on one interview. Remember that finding a new job is a full-time job in itself, be prepared to work on your job search to make job offers come rolling in.

 Job Testing will follow in our next session.

 

Justice Mandhla is the author of <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=http://www.mystudent4life.com/>What they did not teach you in school: Life Long Learning Tips to land a job straight out of school</a> and he spends a great deal of his full-time writing day researching and writing about job search strategies.

 

 

 

 

I am in the process of my first real job search since graduating college, and it’s a nightmare. I don’t even know where to start and I feel like I’m not getting anywhere. Is there some kind of service that offers career counseling and assistance with trying to find a job? I have a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies and also was a Peace Corps volunteer for two years. Still, everytime I try to find a job I feel like I’m just not qualified for anything. Does anyone have advice on what my next step should be?

In pursuing the right career, the teens want the right information, advice and guidance. This is a very important factor because choosing a wrong career would result to a waste of so much time, effort, money and would surely frustrate the teenagers. A discouraged teen will lose the desire for a profitable endeavor, and this will definitely affect his attitude towards work.

Several counseling centers are available for these needs. These centers are manned by experts in their respective fields, such as psychologists and health experts, to management personnel like human resource managers who cause fears among job applicants.

In choosing the right career, the first thing to consider is the abilities of the teenager. This includes his intellectual level, educational qualifications and skills. Knowing one’s abilities is very important especially in entry level positions and in competing for the desired job. A teenager must remember that there are other jobseekers vying on the same position.

Teens are advised to equip themselves with the right training. This is an added factor in determining the capability of the teenager to do multi-tasking. Similar agencies are conducting trainings, seminars and workshops in various categories. These trainings are either short or long periods.

Deciding on what job to apply and the kind of company must be considered. A teenager must have thorough information on the benefits that the company offers, and whether the job will be a long opportunity. The teenagers, if ever they will be hired, have difficulty in adjusting to their jobs. Pressures in meeting deadlines and in accomplishing tasks will cause so much stress, and if not properly answered, may cause nervousness and fears of the daily challenges in the work environment. Further considerations are career advancements and whether personal growths are afforded. A career could be lifetime or just a short stint, but both involve exhaustive efforts. So why contend on careers, which have little benefits if a teenager can grab a better position?

But seeking the help of counselors in career would only give small assistance to the teenagers. They are just designed to help the teenagers assess him, understand his needs and implement the right action. Choosing the right career is one, full utilization of the career is another. Here, the teen’s right attitude, outlook in life, his dreams and aspirations, especially his married life when the time comes, could not be all learned from counseling. The best counseling that the teen wants could be acquired from his own family.

The family is the most influential factor to the teen’s choice of career. The attitude of the teen towards his career is affected by what he hears from his parents. If a parent always complains about his job, most likely, the teen would give the same career the least consideration. If his parents have enjoyed their career choice, contented and happy, then there is a great possibility that he will follow the same career path.