Most have problems thinking about a job...many can not decide the famous question of ,"What do I want to do now?" Many students whether they be ones that are part of Special Needs programs or they are from the top ten in the Graduating class facillate between ideas of where they will go with their lives after the time that they walk the halls of the school is over. Below is a list of questions that is great to consider that was written by LifeWay Christian Bookstore for their weekly career Ezine.Self Assessment? "What does this have to do with my career?"Have you ever wondered what "Self Assessment" really means? Maybe you're saying, "Are you asking me to take a look at myself – and what do I see?" Or, "Why do I need to do a self assessment for my career!" A self assessment is:• Gathering of information about yourself to help in making career decisions.• Identifying important things about yourself such as your skills and abilities, interests, work attitudes and values, personality and work characteristics.A good self assessment about "You" should be the starting point in career planning. What's the purpose of self assessments? Take a look at the list below.• Increase self-awareness and confidence. • Help identify your strengths, weaknesses and preferences.• To increase your competitive edge above others. • To use the information about yourself to help explore and compare career options you have researched.• To help develop career goals and the steps to achieve these goals to ensure personal career satisfaction.Some find it very difficult to do their own self assessments. They may feel they are bragging about themselves or some can even be overly critical or negative. Maybe you would feel comfortable asking a coworker, friend or a family member to help you. Listed below are a few suggestions to help you get started in identifying important facts about yourself. Skills and Abilities• What are you good at doing? • What are your weaknesses? • What special talents do you have? Interests• Examples: writing, research, problem solving, helping others.• What would you prefer not to do?• What energizes you and gives you job satisfaction?Work Attitudes and Values • What job-related tasks are important to you? (Examples are: problem solving, variety, challenging, money, flexibility, promotion, job security.)• What people-related things are important to you? ( Helping and supporting others, working alone, honesty, teamwork.)Personality and Work Characteristics• Do you interact well with others?• How do you approach certain tasks? Do you hit the road running, procrastinate, or prioritize your work?• Are you assertive, impulsive, show patience or tolerance, self disciplined, confident, persuasive, perfectionist?Take time to do your self assessment when planning your career. Remember, the more you know about yourself the better you will be able to promote yourself to a potential employer. Take time to identify your strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments and achievements, and you'll be surprised how your self assessment will help you in making good career choices.
