The following are some self-assessment exercises. Take the time to think
carefully about each question. The result should be a standard list of
criteria by which you can evaluate job opportunities. Although it is
unlikely that a position can meet all of your criteria, prioritizing the
list will provide a valuable tool for decision making.Personal Traits
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What do you like about yourself?
What attributes, good
and bad, make up the real you?
How would your best
friend describe you?
Does your current life-style allow your personal qualities to shine?
How could your strengths contribute to an employer?
Describe three times in the last year when you handled a
personal or
job-related situation effectively. What skills
did you use in handling
these situations?
List three decisions you have made in the last year and
describe how
you handled the process.
Are you able to set goals and work toward them?
How do you set goals?
How does your goal-setting style affect your decision-making? |
Work Experience
Make a list of all the jobs you have ever had, paid and unpaid. For each
position describe your responsibilities, work environment, likes and
dislikes, major accomplishments, and any skills you used or developed. Are
there any identifiable trends in your job history? What aspects of each job
would you want or not want to be a part of future positions? What skills did
you enjoy using?
Personal Heroes
Make a list of your favorite people (e.g. characters in books, actors and
actresses, politicians, faculty, etc.) What about these people do you
admire, respect or wish to emulate? List at least ten personal qualities of
these individuals that you would like to have, or already have, in your list
of personal traits.
It’s A Wonderful Life
Looking over your life, list ten specific
people/organizations/situations where you have made an impact. How did your
presence in these peoples’ lives, organizations, or situations make a
difference? Do these experiences have any common elements? If so, what are
they? What kind of impact do you want to have in your future work/personal
life?
Ideal Job
Describe the perfect job for you. Be as specific as possible regarding
level of responsibility, skills required (whether you currently have the
skills or not), type of organization, work environment, location, hours,
compensation package, travel, and any other factors you feel are important.
Work Environment
Describe your ideal work environment. Be as specific as possible
regarding the office, the people, and the culture. What type of people do
you want to work for and with? What kind of geographical setting do you
prefer? What kind of commute time is acceptable?
