Job Search Skills Self-Assessment - Yale University
Job Search Skills Self-Assessment - Yale University
Job Search Skills Self-Assessment - Yale University
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<strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> <strong>Skills</strong> <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Assessment</strong><br />
1. <strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> <strong>Skills</strong> <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Assessment</strong> for 2nd Year Students<br />
Dear Upcoming 2nd Year Students,<br />
With over 60 hours of job search skills-related instructional and informational programming offered by<br />
CDO each year to choose from on top of coursework and all the other choices available at FES, it can<br />
be difficult to select career development programs to attend.<br />
The following checklist* of job search skills areas and sample goals is intended as a self-assessment<br />
guide to help you think about areas where you already have solid experience and to determine areas of<br />
focus.<br />
We encourage you to meet with CDO staff to discuss your assessment findings and to come up with a<br />
strategy for gaining all the necessary job search skills and information needed to put your best<br />
professional foot forward and to maximize your career growth both in the immediate future and in the<br />
years to come.<br />
CDO<br />
Other<br />
*Adapted from Dr. Kate S. Brooks' Strategic <strong>Assessment</strong> System for <strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> <strong>Skills</strong> developed for The<br />
<strong>University</strong> of Texas at Austin's Career Services.<br />
1. Career Decision-Making: What Do I Want to Do or What Can I Do<br />
Sample Goal: I have identified at least one field of employment and several<br />
job titles appropriate for my qualifications.<br />
Check all that apply:<br />
gfedc<br />
I have visited CDO for one-on-one advising<br />
gfedc<br />
I have read What Color is Your Parachute or other similar interest/values/career identification resources to<br />
help clarify my direction<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
I have identified my personal strengths, skills, interests and values<br />
I have compiled an inventory of my past experiences<br />
gfedc<br />
I have explored general career tracks for my degree, including reviewing first jobs of FES alumni on the CDO<br />
website and reading Environmental <strong>Job</strong>s for the 21st Century<br />
gfedc<br />
I have attended CDO workshops on applying for a PhD to help me decide on the question of whether to pursue<br />
Other<br />
further education<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
I have had conversations about career possibilities with faculty members<br />
I have made a list of possible job titles and/or fields of interest<br />
gfedc<br />
Other goals<br />
Page 1
<strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> <strong>Skills</strong> <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Assessment</strong><br />
2. Identifying Potential Employers: Who Might Hire Me<br />
Sample Goal: I can identify key potential employers and contacts for my<br />
field<br />
Check all that apply:<br />
gfedc<br />
I have conducted informational interviews with alumni and professionals in my field of interest<br />
gfedc<br />
I have used library and other print resources as well as the internet to identify employers who might hire me,<br />
including online subscriptions and suggested websites on the CDO <strong>Job</strong> Resources page<br />
gfedc<br />
I have researched the typical masters-level jobs, starting salaries, etc. in my field of interest<br />
gfedc<br />
I have reviewed the FES employment data on the CDO website to see where recent alumni have gone<br />
gfedc<br />
I have discussed potential employers with relevant faculty<br />
gfedc<br />
I have made a list of at least 10 possible employers<br />
gfedc<br />
Other goals<br />
3. Identifying Geographic Locations: Where Do I Want To Live<br />
Sample Goal: I have identified up to three target geographic areas.<br />
Check all that apply:<br />
gfedc<br />
I can identify the geographic "hot spots" for my career<br />
gfedc<br />
I have determined where I want to live next<br />
gfedc<br />
I have researched career opportunities within my desired location<br />
gfedc<br />
I have visited the location where I hope to live<br />
gfedc<br />
I can set up interviews and appointments in my desired location<br />
gfedc<br />
I have identified possible contacts in my desired location<br />
gfedc<br />
I have looked at the cost of living in my desired area including the cost of housing<br />
gfedc<br />
I am linked to the website of the local newspaper for my desired location<br />
gfedc<br />
Other goals<br />
Page 2
<strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> <strong>Skills</strong> <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Assessment</strong><br />
4. Professionalism: How Do I Present Myself Professionally<br />
Sample Goal: I present myself professionally to employers at all times<br />
Check all that apply:<br />
gfedc<br />
I have joined a professional association in my field<br />
gfedc<br />
I have a phone number on my resume where I can be reached easily<br />
gfedc<br />
My voice mail message and email address are neutral/professional<br />
gfedc<br />
I spell-check and proofread all emails and correspondence before sending<br />
gfedc<br />
I have at least one interview suit<br />
gfedc<br />
I have attended a business etiquette workshop offered by PSM<br />
gfedc<br />
I attended a workshop for international students on Business Etiquette for the US <strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong><br />
gfedc<br />
I always send thank you notes after interviews and informational interviews<br />
gfedc<br />
I follow up on each employer contact and interesting job announcement immediately<br />
gfedc<br />
I have developed an elevator speech so I am always ready to introduce myself and start a conversation<br />
gfedc<br />
I have started to articulate my area (s) of expertise and make the mental leap from being a student to being<br />
a practicing professional<br />
gfedc<br />
Other goals<br />
Page 3
<strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> <strong>Skills</strong> <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Assessment</strong><br />
5. <strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> Strategy: How Do I Start and Manage the Whole <strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong><br />
Process<br />
Sample Goal: I have an organized job search system<br />
Check all that apply:<br />
gfedc<br />
I have job search-related files organized and easily accessible on my computer<br />
gfedc<br />
I have a system for keeping track of my contacts, interviews, etc.<br />
gfedc<br />
I have made a specific time commitment for my job search beginning in September (i.e. 15 min/day; 2<br />
hours/week; one weekend/month, etc.)<br />
gfedc<br />
I understand that a job search takes from 3-6 months, and am developing my strategy accordingly<br />
gfedc<br />
I have bookmarked the CDO homepage so I can easily view the calendar of upcoming events and deadlines<br />
gfedc<br />
areas<br />
I have assessed my job search skills and have committed to accessing the resources I need to improve target<br />
gfedc<br />
I have told everyone I know that I am seeking a job/internship in my field and location of interest<br />
gfedc<br />
I have established priorities for my job/internship search<br />
gfedc<br />
My summer internship is designed to advance my career goals within my field and/or to inform my career goalsetting<br />
gfedc<br />
I understand that networking and personal contacts are the statistically proven best route to career<br />
opportunities and am actively building and working my network<br />
gfedc<br />
I have logged into GeO, familiarized myself with the system, and set up alerts for specific criteria<br />
gfedc<br />
I make it a point to access many of the approx. 280 employers accessible each year through FES alumni career<br />
panels, guest lecturers on campus, Making A Difference Through Business, the Environment and Public Health, All-<br />
Ivy Career Fair, Federal Career Month at <strong>Yale</strong>, the <strong>Yale</strong> Career Fair, the Non-Profit Career Fair at <strong>Yale</strong>, on campus<br />
visits and interviews by employers at FES and the undergraduate career services information sessions open to FES<br />
gfedc<br />
I research online and print job advertisements in my desired field and geographic area<br />
gfedc<br />
I have a plan A, plan B and plan C<br />
gfedc<br />
Other goals<br />
Page 4
<strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> <strong>Skills</strong> <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Assessment</strong><br />
6. Resume: How Do I Write Resumes Targeted to Specific Opportunities<br />
Sample Goal: I have several resumes targeted to different opportunities<br />
Check all that apply:<br />
gfedc<br />
I have created a master list of all experiences, education and work since high school<br />
gfedc<br />
internet<br />
I have attended a resume writing workshop and have researched resume-writing through books and the<br />
gfedc<br />
I have edited my resume so that it is targeted to my field of interest<br />
gfedc<br />
I have multiple resumes targeted to my top three jobs<br />
gfedc<br />
I have had one-on-one review of my resume through CDO or the Peer Career Advisers<br />
gfedc<br />
I have created a resume using OptimalResume for inclusion in the CDO Resume Book<br />
gfedc<br />
I have uploaded my resume to GeO and published it in the appropriate resume books<br />
gfedc<br />
Every resume I send is grammatically perfect<br />
gfedc<br />
Other goals<br />
7. Cover Letter: How Do I Write Targeted Cover Letters<br />
Sample Goal: I Write Cover Letters that Get Me Interviews<br />
Check all that apply:<br />
gfedc<br />
I have attended a CDO cover letter writing workshop<br />
gfedc<br />
I have explored the resources and sample cover letters on the CDO website<br />
gfedc<br />
I have had my cover letter draft reviewed by CDO or the Peer Career Advisers<br />
gfedc<br />
I deconstruct every job posting and plug my unique qualifications in to every cover letter I write<br />
gfedc<br />
I research employers that I am applying to and am sure to say something specific and concise about why I am<br />
interested in interviewing with them<br />
gfedc<br />
I know how to illustrate how my particular qualifications fit with a particular job in a particular organization<br />
gfedc<br />
I always include a means of follow-up in my cover letters, with accurate contact method and information<br />
gfedc<br />
Every cover letter I write is grammatically perfect<br />
gfedc<br />
Other goals<br />
Page 5
<strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> <strong>Skills</strong> <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Assessment</strong><br />
8. Networking: How Do I Develop a Network<br />
Sample Goal: I have developed an Extensive Network of Potential<br />
Resources<br />
Check all that apply:<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
gfedc<br />
I have joined a professional organization in my field and/or participate in a list serve<br />
I have attended CDO's Networking workshop<br />
I have attended CDO's How To Work A Career Fair workshop<br />
I have a list of potential contacts including faculty, alumni, professionals, relatives, and friends<br />
I have told each person about my job search and asked if they know someone who might be able to help<br />
I follow up on any leads someone in my network provides<br />
I have explored the online <strong>Yale</strong> Career Network and know how to use it<br />
I have viewed the FES alumni data base in the CDO office<br />
I have set up informational interviews with alumni and professionals<br />
I have introduced myself to guests on campus after talks<br />
I have gone to several alumni career panels hosted by CDO and introduced myself to the alumni speakers<br />
I have sought out mentoring from someone who is slightly ahead of me in their career track<br />
I keep my network informed of my status and progress in my search<br />
I always give something back and am generous to the people in my network<br />
I make introductions to people in my network at every opportunity<br />
I know how to introduce myself and start a conversation<br />
gfedc<br />
Other goals<br />
Page 6
<strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> <strong>Skills</strong> <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Assessment</strong><br />
9. Interviewing: How Do I Make the Most of The <strong>Job</strong> Interview<br />
Sample Goal: I am able to handle a variety of interview styles professionally.<br />
I sell myself well in all interactions with potential employers<br />
Check all that apply:<br />
gfedc<br />
I have developed my 30 second elevator speech and can generally speak intelligently about my skills,<br />
education and experience<br />
gfedc<br />
I know my resume cold<br />
gfedc<br />
I have developed several STAR stories for behavioral interview questions<br />
gfedc<br />
I have attended a CDO job interview workshop<br />
gfedc<br />
I have practiced interviewing through mock interviews offered by CDO and/or FES Communications Coaches<br />
gfedc<br />
I know that my answers to questions should be between 30 seconds and 2 minutes, and that I should plan to<br />
speak approximately 60% of the time<br />
gfedc<br />
I know and am practiced at selling my strengths<br />
gfedc<br />
I am aware of and am able to talk about my weaknesses<br />
gfedc<br />
I know the job description inside and out before I step into the interview room<br />
gfedc<br />
I always research the company thoroughly before interviews, and know who I am going to be interviewing with<br />
gfedc<br />
I know and have practiced dozens of common interview questions<br />
gfedc<br />
I know the difference between behavioral and traditional interview questions<br />
gfedc<br />
I know the difference between arrogance and clearly stating my qualifications<br />
gfedc<br />
I have used OptimalResume to practice answering interview questions, and have asked for feedback on my<br />
recordings<br />
gfedc<br />
I have a neutral, well-fitting interview suit<br />
gfedc<br />
I always have my own questions prepared for the interview<br />
gfedc<br />
I understand that I am also interviewing the employer<br />
gfedc<br />
I always send thank you notes to everyone who interviews me<br />
gfedc<br />
Other goals<br />
Page 7
<strong>Job</strong> <strong>Search</strong> <strong>Skills</strong> <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Assessment</strong><br />
10. Salary Negotiations: Do I Take The First Offer I Get<br />
Sample Goal: I am able to negotiate for a fair salary and benefits<br />
Check all that apply:<br />
gfedc<br />
I know how to start selling my unique qualifications during the interview<br />
gfedc<br />
I avoid giving a salary requirement until after I am actually offered a position<br />
gfedc<br />
I know that it is perfectly acceptable to negotiate<br />
gfedc<br />
I know how to assess my bargaining power<br />
gfedc<br />
I benchmark all aspects of a job offer<br />
gfedc<br />
I have attended CDO's Salary Negotiations workshop<br />
gfedc<br />
I am familiar with the tools on CDO's website for benchmarking positions, including FES employment data,<br />
salary surveys and calculators, US Government GS 11 (an average for new masters degree holders) salaries by<br />
region, and US Bureau of Labor Statistics info<br />
gfedc<br />
I use my network of alumni to get inside information on salaries and benefits<br />
gfedc<br />
I have realistic expectations of the job market in my field and the value of a newly minted masters degree<br />
gfedc<br />
I know how to use silence in the negotiation process<br />
gfedc<br />
I understand the nuances of negotiating in different sized organizations<br />
gfedc<br />
I have clearly defined priorities in terms of my needs in the next position, i.e. salary, location, tele-commuting<br />
option, etc.<br />
gfedc<br />
I know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em<br />
gfedc<br />
Other goals<br />
Page 8
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