Career Focus Quiz Scoring Guide

Career Focus Quiz Scoring Guide

by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

Thanks again for participating in our Career Focus Quiz.

Scoring and Interpretation

Give yourself 5 or 10 points for each statement, based on the interpretation below.

I know what career is right for me.
Like Me -- 10 points; Not Like Me -- 5 points

Having a strong idea of your ideal career is a critical component of career focus. You certainly do not need to narrow it to just one career -- mainly because it's unlikely that you'll stay in one career your entire life. The point here is that you've completed some research and have an idea of the one (or few) best career(s).

If you are struggling to find that ideal career, consider using the Quintessential Careers Career Passion Tutorial, or read this article: Finding Your Career Passion.
I am on the right career path -- or have a plan to get there.
Like Me -- 10 points; Not Like Me -- 5 points

It's not enough to simply know what career is best for you, you also need to be in that career or have a plan to get there.

If you're unsure about how to make the transition to your new career, use some of the resources found in the Career Change section of Quintessential Careers.
I've moved away from my ideal career and don't know how to get back to it.
Like Me -- 5 points; Not Like Me -- 10 points

Through promotions, lateral moves, and other life events, some of us move away from our ideal career. That's the bad news -- especially if you are feeling frustrated and unhappy in your current job. The good news is that you can make a plan to work your way back to your original career.
I know exactly the types of jobs (and skills required for those jobs) that I want to do -- and those I never want to do.
Like Me -- 10 points; Not Like Me -- 5 points

A key to good career focus is knowing exactly the types of activities and work you like performing -- as well as knowing the ones you never want to perform again.

If you don't have an inventory of these skills and behaviors, take a weekend and brainstorm a list, examining the activities you most enjoy and those you dislike.
I find it difficult to find the time to really think and plan for my future.
Like Me -- 5 points; Not Like Me -- 10 points

Some people like to live in the present; others use time as an excuse to not have to conduct any planning. You don't need to go overboard with your plans for your future, but the more ideas you have about your career -- the more focus you have on your career -- and the more successful you'll be.
I've done (and try to do on a regular basis) a complete self-assessment and know my strengths, accomplishments, and marketable skills.
Like Me -- 10 points; Not Like Me -- 5 points

One of the best ways to stay focused on your career -- and to be ready for new career opportunities when they arise -- is to regularly evaluate your strengths, accomplishments, transferable skills, and marketable skills.

To understand more about some of these topics, read these articles:
- Transferable Job Skills
- Accomplishments
I have prepared a 5-year career plan that includes several back-up plans in case my main plan fails for some reason.
Like Me -- 10 points; Not Like Me -- 5 points

Some people avoid creating a 5-year career plan because they don't want to be locked into a given career or job, but that's not the goal of such a plan. Instead, developing a multi-year career plan helps give you a deeper career focus and assists in preparing some short-term goals for achieving your long-term plan.

Read Developing a Strategic Vision for Your Career Plan.
I have not examined the long-term job outlook for my career path.
Like Me -- 5 points; Not Like Me -- 10 points

Careers come and go as technology and societal trends transform them. While most careers are fairly stable, if you are planning a 25-year career path for a career that is expected to start shrinking in the next 5 years, you could face some serious challenges unless you're prepared.

Researching trends for your career just makes sense -- knowledge is always power.
I am confident in my job-searching and networking skills to help me achieve my career goals.
Like Me -- 10 points; Not Like Me -- 5 points

Having a career focus -- knowing the career you want and the goals you hope to achieve -- are nothing if you do not have the job-search skills to assist you in accomplishing your career plan.

If you think some of your job-search techniques might be weak, consider using some or all of the resources in these areas:
I understand the value and importance of developing a personal career brand -- and have one or am in the process of developing it.
Like Me -- 10 points; Not Like Me -- 5 points

One of the fastest growing trends in career development and job-hunting is establishing and nurturing your personal career brand -- your reputation, value, and importance (to current and future employers).

For assistance with developing your career brand, see this section of Quintessential Careers: Personal Branding & Career Self-Marketing Tools.

Results:

Add up your points and determine your results.

80-100 pts. -- You have a sharp focus on your career. Keep it up!

60-79 pts. -- You have a good focus on your career, but could use a few of the tips in this quiz to sharpen your focus.

Under 60 pts. -- You're somewhat unfocused with your career. You may be doing fine now, but if you want to achieve greater success, consider using some of the tools and tips in this quiz to develop your career focus.

Don't forget to check out our entire collection of Tests and Quizzes for Job-Seekers.

Questions about some of the terminology used in this quiz? Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search terms by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.

QuintCareers.com Founder Dr. Randall Hansen

Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of Quintessential Careers Press, including the Quintessential Careers electronic newsletter, QuintZine. Dr. Hansen is also a published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He's often quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country. Finally, Dr. Hansen is also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years. Visit his personal Website or reach him by email at randall(at)quintcareers.com.

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