Sending out résumés and cover letters
at random doesn't increase your chances of landing
an interview. The better you know yourself-your
skills, abilities, values, and needs-the more
prepared you will be to sell yourself to your
ideal employer. The best way to maximize your
chance of obtaining an interview that will help
you achieve your goal-getting a job that you feel
good about-is to target the employers that meet
both your professional criteria and your personal
needs.
In any job market, there are many well-qualified
candidates competing for a single position. Clearly
identifying what you have to offer will give you
confidence and help you write your resume, match
your qualifications to the needs of the market,
and respond to interview questions such as "What
can you do for us?"
Your first task, then, is to conduct a self-assessment.
Searching for a job gives you an opportunity to
step back and catalogue what you are all about,
what skills and knowledge you have, and what you
want to do. Conducting a self-assessment helps
you to focus clearly on your abilities and talents
as well as your desires. This exercise also helps
you to identify your transferable skills. When
you complete your self-assessment, you will have
information that is the foundation of your resume
and can help you when you interview.
The added value of conducting a self-assessment
is this information will also help you evaluate
new opportunities at your current employer. Don't
know how to begin? Here are some suggestions to
help you get started.
Identifying Your
Skills and Accomplishments
Identifying Your Values
Online Assessments
Tips on Resume
Preparation and The
Interview Handbook, published by the ACS Department
of Career Services, offer a detailed discussion
on the benefits and process of conducting a self-assessment
in the context of writing your resume and honing
your interview skills. Resources
for Career Management, also published by ACS
Career Services, lists reference books, reading
materials, videotapes, and computer services useful
in any job search, including a section on self-assessment
resources.
