The University of St. Thomas

Career Planning/Job Search Readiness Survey

Career Planning/Job Search Readiness Survey

This brief, self-administered survey will help us help you in your career planning/job search. Rate your level of knowledge or understanding of the topics listed below by checking the appropriate level of each item.

Self-Assessment

    High Some Low
1. Knowledge of your skills and abilities, and in which occupational areas you could apply them.
2. Awareness of what your occupational interests are, and how they relate to your career choices.
3. Knowing what your work values are, and how they may influence your career direction.
4. Understanding how your personal characteristics can help you focus your job search.
5. Have a willingness or desire to pursue an advanced degree or other specialized training.
6. Awareness of your short and long-term career goals.
7. Consideration of the type and size of the industry or company you would most like to work in.
8. Traditional and alternative career positions that individuals with your major have pursued.
9. Your preferences for a particular work environment, and types of people you would enjoy working with.

Preparing/Researching

    High Some Low
1. How to write an effective résumé, cover letter, and other employment-related correspondence.
2. Location of company literature including names and addresses of recruiters and employers.
3. Various job search strategies, and which methods will be most effective for you.
4. Information regarding company products or services.
5. Organizational environment and "personality."
6. Typical position openings within a company, and the educational and professional requirements.
7. Awareness of career paths and available training programs within a company.
8. Salary ranges, number of job offers, and future career forecasts for a particular industry.
9. How to build valuable contacts and gain information about a company through "networking."

Searching/Interviewing

    High Some Low
1. Awareness of what types of questions may be asked in an interview.
2. How to contact professionals in your field to interview for information only.
3. How to increase your confidence level in interviews.
4. Knowledge of the different types of interviews, and how a second interview may differ from the first.
5. How to develop questions you should ask recruiters.
6. How and when to follow-up on an interview.
7. Knowledge of how to handle illegal, unethical or "negative" questions, and why they are asked.