Where Do You Stand In Your Job Search?

The following survey is designed to guide your thinking about  J.O.B versus a career move. At the end, a score is automatically calculated to allow you to determine the strength of your current job search efforts.

Search Strategy and Long-range Financial Considerations

These four questions are the basis for developing a financially sound career plan that is actionable and realistic to provide encouragement to those who look to you for support in the years to come.

For each question in this survey, if you can't form an answer instantly or you hesitate in any way or the answer is no, PUT A CHECK IN THAT BOX. Don't waste your time fooling yourself.

  • 1. Can you clearly state your long-range career objectives?
  • 2. Can you state your financial objectives at retirement?
  • 3. Do you have an actual written plan to achieve them?
  • 4. When added to your future earnings, will you have enough saved to meet your financial objectives?
  • Remember, your employment is the financial "engine" that drives all other issues related to your ability to retire comfortably. Will your choices be a J.O.B. that occupies your time or will you now begin to think about your career and the long-term possiblities?

Search Strategy and Tactical Issues

Here are a few key issues you must address to achieve your job search campaign goals. Check the item if you can't answer yes instantly, can't actually articulate the answer to yourself in the mirror or you or hesitate more than one second in forming your answer.

  • 5. Can you articulate five of your main strengths?
  • 6. Can you name five of your transferable skills and three allied industries that need them?
  • 7. Will your resume put you on the "short list" rather than the "almost list's?" How do you know?
  • 8. After 15 seconds of reading your resume will a hiring authority be compelled to call you? What is it about your document that causes you know this for certain about your resume?
  • 9. Can you effectively answer the question "Why should we hire you?" in 30 seconds or less?
  • 10. Do you have a personal website that presents your key qualifications and problem-solving abilities? Companies are now looking for young, bright and techno-savvy executives. Are you?
  • 11. In your current network, do you have contact with banks, CPA firms, venture capitalists, executive search and recruiting firms and management consulting firms to assist you in your search?
  • 12. Are you on the largest 20, $100,000 job boards that you must be on to be seen?
  • 13. Are you on the largest 15 job board sites or on the major corporate sites?
  • 14. Do you know which recruiters should get your resume and which should not? Do you understand the word "own you" as it relates to an executive recruiter?
  • 15. Have you developed a list of 50 target companies that you wish to work for and have the name of the hiring authority at each one?
  • 16. Have you targeted other industries who can use your transferable skills? How did you determine the list? Is this all or are there others you haven't considered?
  • 17. Have you had at least a 20% response in non-recruiter interviews from your current resume distribution efforts?
  • 18. Have you had any offers that are 20% more than your last income position?
  • 19. Have you been successful at getting around "gatekeepers" to get to the hiring authority?

Your total score is:

Your rating is described below:

  • 0 - 3 Points - Quit fooling yourself and retake the quiz.
  • 4 - 8 Points - You should rethink your strategy.
  • 9 - 12 Points - You will not achieve either your career goals or your financial goals, or both, without a major shift in strategies you employ to move your career forward.
  • 13 or more Points - Your job search and career are both in serious trouble.