Skill Assessment for Job Seekers - CareerAlley

Skill Assessment for Job Seekers - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. When you are looking for new employment, whether as an improvement on existing job or out of need with no current job, the first step must be a realistic self-assessment of skills. It is preferable to do this prior to actively sending out applications and beginning the search so you can put the correct focus in your efforts. The best time to consider looking for a job is obviously while still currently employed. This alleviates the additional stress of desperation and in many cases looks better to prospective employees. I spent many years looking at job applications. If I received an application from somebody currently employed as a worker looking for an assistant manager position or as an assistant manager looking for a management position I would think go getter and motivated to do more. The same application from somebody not currently employed and looking to step up from previous employment would make me wonder why they thought advancement was likely when not proven successful at previous. Realistically, this does not change the qualifications or abilities of the applicant but perception is everything when being evaluated by an employer. It is less a matter of do not bother to try than simply a be prepared to explain and justify. Since it may be very difficult to get an interview to justify in person it would be best to address that in the cover letter and CV (or resume as referred to depending on location). After the initial assessment of whether you are qualified to improve current or previous level, a straightforward listing of skills is in order. What computer skills do you possess and at what level of proficiency? What technical skills do you possess? What is your education background? If you claim you are looking for a career and not just a job as if so often touted does previous employment history indicate willingness to work long term or is it a long list of 6 month stints? This is not you selling yourself to an employer- this is simply an honest listing of what you have done and can do. Keep it honest with yourself and stick to what you have actually done before and done well. It is easy to sit in an office and look at somebody else and say I could do that but the fact is if you have not neither you nor a future employer can be certain that is a true statement. After compiling this honest and stark listing compile an initial CV that includes just these items and strengths. This is your basis for beginning your job hunt. Use this to assess your proven and known abilities to compare to job requirements. This does not mean you should not apply for jobs with other requirements, simply that you need to know you will have to sell the rest as potential. If you are certain you can do other requirements but have not proven it then you can add them to your resume under characteristics you possess and explain how. This allows the employer to see a resume that understands the position applied for and does not sound like it is all fluff. It will also allow you to prepare for the interview and not have to back track and explain during the interview and make a positive impression there as well. We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey Google+ Visit Joeys profile on Pinterest Job Search job title, keywords, company, location jobs by What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to find the opportunities that help you grow your best career. Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search