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Print this page first and then complete the exercise. Mark each of the following statements as true or false. Circle the answer that is closest to what you believe about yourself today. The following page provides suggestions for interpreting your scores. |
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Step 1 |
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| 1 |
I know what my major strengths and weaknesses are. |
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F |
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2 |
I know what my values, characteristics and attitudes are. |
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F |
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3 |
I understand my learning style. |
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F |
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4 |
I know what I am looking for in a career. |
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F |
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5 |
I have known what type of work I want to do for more than one year. |
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F |
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Write your total number of True and False answers for Step 1 at the bottom of each column: |
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Step 2 |
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1 |
I am certain about the types of work that I could perform well. |
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F |
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2 |
I am sure that my current work choices are right for me. |
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F |
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3 |
I know what workers do in the occupations in which I am interested. |
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F |
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4 |
The types of work I can do will pay me enough to live the kind of life I want. |
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F |
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5 |
I have interviewed three or more people in the occupations that interest me. |
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F |
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Write your total number of True and False answers for Step 2 at the bottom of each column: |
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Step 3 |
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1 |
I am satisfied with the decisions I have made in my life. |
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F |
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2 |
I know when I have made a good choice. |
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F |
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3 |
I am clear about the whole issue of making decisions in my career. |
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F |
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4 |
I am comfortable if I choose to change my mind at a later date. |
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F |
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5 |
I have set and achieved goals in my life. |
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F |
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Write your total number of True and False answers for Step 3 at the bottom of each column: |
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Step 4 |
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1 |
I have collected and organized a list of people who I know. |
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F |
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2 |
I am comfortable calling people on the phone to talk about work opportunities. |
T |
F |
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3 |
I have an up-to-date resume that has been reviewed by a friend, colleague or career professional. |
T |
F |
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4 |
I have written a variety of work search letters (e.g., cover, broadcast, interview follow up, etc.). |
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F |
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5 |
I can talk about my skills with an employer in an interview. |
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F |
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Write your total number of True and False answers for Step 4 at the bottom of each column: |
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Step 5 |
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1 |
I know how to evaluate if a position is the right fit for me. |
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F |
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2 |
I can ask for instructions or clarification from a new boss. |
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F |
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3 |
I am comfortable interacting with new co-workers. |
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F |
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4 |
I know what to do if I experience conflict with others at work. |
T |
F |
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5 |
I know how to ask for feedback about my performance. |
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F |
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Write your total number of True and False answers for Step 5 at the bottom of each column: |
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Step 6 |
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1 |
I feel like I am growing and advancing in my career. |
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F |
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2 |
I know when it is time to make a change in my work. |
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F |
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3 |
I re-assess my work and life goals each year. |
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F |
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4 |
I meet with professional colleagues to share and learn about each other’s work. |
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F |
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5 |
I have a mentor who supports my career development. |
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F |
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Write your total number of True and False answers for Step 6 at the bottom of each column: |
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The ideal situation and ultimate goal is for you to answer all five statements as true for each of the sections. This would suggest that you have developed a high level of personal career management competence in your life. However, most individuals find that there are a few areas that they need to learn more about in order to be successful in today’s workplace. If you scored less than 3 out of 5 for any of the sections, you would benefit from reviewing that section of the Career Development eManual.
Each of the sections refers to a corresponding step as outlined below:
Step 1 - Self Assessment: This is the foundation for the whole process and critical to professional success! You need to understand who you are and what your strengths and weaknesses are before you can make effective career decisions. The more you understand this information, the better you will be able to write focused resumes and present yourself favourably in interviews and get the job you really want. This section will help you to accomplish this.
Step 2 - Research: In order to know how to connect your strengths and weaknesses to the world of work, it is important that you conduct extensive occupational research. This will help you to learn about opportunities that match the nature of your interests and talents.
Step 3 - Decision Making: It is important to be able to make healthy decisions about where you are going. This involves setting short-term and long-term goals. It also involves creating action plans.
Step 4 - Networks & Contacts: This refers to the process of networking and making contacts. The process includes all of the activities such as resume writing, conducting an effective work search and presenting your qualifications in an interview.
Step 5 - Work: Here you learn to negotiate work offers and create success in your new role.
Step 6 - Life/Work Planning: This sets the stage for re-evaluation. Your needs and desires will change as you gain experience over the next few years. It is important to review your needs and the opportunities that are available on a regular basis throughout your life and career.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. ~ Chinese Proverb
