How Marketable Are You? In today’s global economy, you are competing not only with job seekers in your local area, but with jobseekers across the country and in other countries. The key to a successful career is understanding what makes you unique and working constantly on maintaining your marketability. To begin your job search, you must first know where you stand. Use this quiz to see where you land and to identify some of your next steps. Answer yes or no to the questions below and then find out what your scores mean.

Personal & Professional Development 1. I read newspapers and magazines regularly to stay abreast of key issues in business and my field of interest. 2. I have the appropriate education and experience for the kind of job I’m interested in obtaining. 3. I attend seminars and workshops that will add to my knowledge and expertise. 4. I belong to at least one professional group. 5. I have had increasing levels of responsibility and/or been promoted in the last five years.

Preparation 1. I have identified my key skills and abilities, as well as my strengths and weaknesses. 2. I know how to dress professionally. 3. I know the key elements that differentiate me from other job applicants. 4. I know exactly the kind of job I want next. 5. I can research companies and industries.

Networking 1. I keep in contact with colleagues I have met at professional events. 2. I keep in contact with people I have worked with in the past. 3. I attend professional conventions and make contacts with leaders in my field. 4. I introduce myself to others at business and social functions.

Prepared by The Widing Group 5. I exchange business cards or resumes with all new people I meet at these functions.

Cover Letter Essentials 1. I have developed and honed and can communicate my unique selling points. 2. I address all cover letters to name individuals (except when answering blind classified ads). 3. I never leave the ball in the potential employer’s court; I always take a pro-active approach. 4. I tell what I can do for the company rather than what the company can do for me. 5. I have eliminated all errors from my cover letters and printed them on standard paper stock using a high quality printer.

Resume Necessities 1. I have identified two or three accomplishments for each job I have had. 2. I have determined my best format (chronological, functional or some combination of the two) for my resume. 3. I have used action verbs in my descriptions. 4. I have eliminated all errors from my resume and printed them on standard business paper (to match my cover letters) using a high quality printer. 5. I have produced a resume that stands out from other resumes.

Scoring Total your “yes” answers. If your “yes” answers total: 23-25—You’re in great shape and ready for a successful job search! 21-22—You need some fine-tuning. 18-20—You need more extensive preparation. Under 18—You have a lot of work ahead of you!

SOURCE: Quintessential Careers—www.quintcareers.com

Prepared by The Widing Group