Test of Marketability

The more you strive to improve your marketability, the more effective your job search will be. Understanding the key marketing concepts of job-hunting -- including the importance of touting your accomplishments -- will improve your chances of finding the job of your dreams.

Instructions: Answer yes or no to each of the following 25 statements. Record your score and then check your Marketability Score at the end of this page. Enjoy.

Part I: Personal and Professional Development

1. I read newspapers and magazines (including trade journals) 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 am interested in attaining.

    

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 past five years.

Part II: 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 (the Unique Selling Proposition) 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.

Part III: 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 social and business functions.

    

5. I exchange business cards (or resumes) with all new people I meet at these functions.

Part IV: Cover Letter Essentials

1. I have developed and honed, and can communicate, my Unique Selling Proposition.

    

2. I address all my cover letters to named individuals (Except when answering blind-box classified ads).

    

3. I never leave the ball in the potential employer's court; I always take a proactive 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 business-paper stock using a high-quality printer.

Part V: Resume Necessities

1. I have identified two or three key 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 resumes and printed them on standard business-paper stock, 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 -- you are ready for a successful job search.
• 21-22......You need some fine-tuning -- checking out some of the Quintessential Career Resources could be just the edge to get you that job.
• 18-20......You need more preparation -- better go out and read several of the articles and tutorials available at Quintessential Career Resources.
• under 18......You have a lot of work ahead of you -- better run out and read as many of the articles and tutorials available at Quintessential Career Resources.
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