Harvard ManageMentor CAREER MANAGEMENT TOOLS Question #1. Discovery Log This easy exercise can yield surprisingly insightful results. Print out a copy (or use this online version) to keep a running list of what you observe or experience about a job or work environment that you likeor don't like. The list items could be about your job or others', and about tasks, relationships, or the environment itself. They could be as simple as \"I need to work near a window,\" to \"I can't stand working alone for long periods of time.\" Since this log is for your eyes only, be blunt and don't censor. After a period of time, review the list to see what themes emerge. Decide what the items tell you about your core business interests and work reward values that can be useful in managing your career. What I Like What I Dislike Harvard ManageMentor CAREER MANAGEMENT TOOLS Question #2. Skills Assessment Use this form to develop a baseline assessment of your skills, including those that are transferable from one position to another, or those that you want to develop. Rate your current level of proficiency, if desired, from \"1\" (low, beginning level) to \"5\"(high, expert level). You may want to supplement this form with skills-assessment tools that relate directly to your position, which may be available from your company. You can also use this form to solicit peer feedback on your skill level. Obviously, some of the skills listed below will have no bearing on your career, present or future. Feel free to pass on any such items. Date of Assessment: Skill Communication Skills Business Writing Proposal Writing Presentation Facilitation Running a Meeting Listening Interviewing Influencing Giving and Receiving Feedback Conflict Resolution Negotiating Creative or Promotional Writing E-mail Communication Editing or Copyediting Proofreading Writing Job Descriptions Other: Technology and Computer Skills Keyboarding Word Processing Spreadsheet HTML XML Project Management E-mail Presentation Software Graphics Software Other: Level of Proficiency Low High 1 2 3 4 5 Transferable Yes No Key Skill I Want to Develop Financial Skills Budgeting Financial Analysis Cost Accounting Forecasting Tracking and Management Preparing a Business Plan Preparing an Investment Initiative Cash-Flow Analysis Breakeven Analysis Quantitative Analysis Other: Supervisory Skills Hiring Coaching Delegating Setting Goals and Objectives Directing Assessing Performance Leading Motivating Training and Support Development Analyzing Work Flow and Processes Recruiting and Retention Administrative Management Other: Management Skills Managing Change Managing Customers, Internal and/or External Project Management Production or Implementation Management Managing Upward Solving Business Problems Business Analysis, Critical Thinking Internal Consulting and Networking Vendor Management Strategic Planning Tactical Planning Creative Thinking, Brainstorming Managing for Innovation Managing a Diverse Work Force International Marketing Teamwork Skills Leading a Team Group Problem Solving Keeping Teams on Target Working with a Virtual Team Assuming Team Membership Roles Collaborating Other: Self-Management Skills Self-Awareness Emotional Intelligence Time Management Balancing Work and Life Career Development Stress Management Limit Setting and Goal Setting Using Power and Authority Positively Seeing Multiple Perspectives Other: Sales and Marketing Skills Product Marketing Direct Marketing Market Research (perform or direct) Telemarketing Promotions Publicity Electronic Marketing Trade Show/Exhibits Management Consumer Marketing Business to Business Marketing Competitive Analysis and Planning Direct Sales Sales Forecasting Telesales Consultative Selling Other: Physical and Manual Dexterity Skills Assembling, Constructing or Building Operating Tools or Machinery Fixing or Repairing Ability to Train Others on Tasks Other Industry and/or Job-Specific Skills (List) Harvard ManageMentor CAREER MANAGEMENT TOOLS Question #3. Informational Interviewing Worksheet Use this form to help you prepare for an informational interview. Discussion with: Date: Objectives What do you really want to get out of this interview? What would make it successful for you? Marketplace What are your projections for this type of work or industry? Is it stable, growing, declining? What are the key trends or issues? New developments? Key challenges? What and where are the opportunities? What are typical salaries in this type of job, entry-level to experienced? What are the opportunities for career growth? Entry into Position When and how did you get involved in this work? What was your training and background? Is this typical for people in your position and in similar positions? How important are specific credentials for entry or success? Job Specifics What's a typical day like for you or someone in a similar position? What do you like most about your work? What do you like least? What talents or skills do you think are the most crucial to success in this work? What attitudes or values are important? Who doesn't do well in this type of work? How do you advance or get promoted in this type of work? Recommendations Would my background be appropriate for this type of work? What would you recommend I do if I want to go into this type of work? Are there other jobs similar to yours that you would suggest I also consider? Can you recommend other people I can talk to, or other resources I can check out? Knowing what you do now, would you approach this career (or job) in the same way? If not, what would you do differently, and why? Harvard ManageMentor CAREER MANAGEMENT TOOLS Question #4. Rewards Worksheet Use this worksheet to think through what really motivates you at work. You can also rate each item from low (1) priority or value to high (5). Review these ratings as you assess your degree of satisfaction with your current job, or as a guide to what you'd be looking for in your next position. If you are a supervisor, you may use this as part of a development discussion with a direct report. Level of Importance or Value Low High 1 2 3 4 5 Financial gain This position provides an excellent opportunity for financial reward. Power and influence The position offers the opportunity to exercise power and influence, and the chance to be an influential decision maker. Lifestyle The position fits with my desired lifestyle. It lets me balance work and life demands and interests. Autonomy The position offers me autonomy and independencethe ability to work without a lot of close supervision. Affiliation The position lets me work with colleagues I enjoy and admire, and gives me a sense of belonging to a group. Workspace The location and physical workspace are desirable and offer me benefits such as a pleasing environment, an easy commute, or accessibility to day care. Intellectual stimulation or challenge The position is interesting and challenging, and offers learning and development opportunities. Competence This position offers me the opportunity to build competence or expertise in an area. Recognition and support In this position and work environment, my contributions are recognized and valued. My development is supported as well. Other List additional specific rewards that you value. Assessment Reviewing your ratings above, what jumps out at you as most important? Least important? How well does your current job meet your reward needs? Are there some actions you can take so that your work better satisfies your needs, such as modifying your work, taking on a \"stretch\" assignment, or spending more time with colleagues you enjoy? Harvard ManageMentor CAREER MANAGEMENT TOOLS Question #5. Career Self-Assessment Worksheet Use the following questions to help you think through your developmental needs and goals. Supplement this form with others such as the Rewards Worksheet to pull together a plan for your next developmental step. Current and Future Work Situation What's the overall fit between your current position and your interests, values, and skills? What is your overall level of satisfaction with your current position? Are you beginning to sense it's time for a change? Do you anticipate that any of the following changes will occur in the foreseeable future? (Check all that apply.) Change in supervisor Change in job Relocation: another part of country or international Change in workspace Corporate downsizing or merger Change in employer Change in the type of work you do Promotion Transfer to another division or part of the company Job redefined or enlarged Change to supervisory role What are the implications of any anticipated changes? Will you need to learn new skills? Will a change result in a more or less favorable position for you in terms of job fit and opportunity? Skills: Strengths and Gaps What are your top five skills (i.e., those where you have the most proficiency and/or those you enjoy using the most)? What are the top two or three skills you need to learn in order to grow in your job, advance to the next level, or seek a new job? What are your key transferable skillsthose skills that are not just job-specific but that can be applied to work in many positions? Example: basic computer skills, negotiation skills, financial analysis. What do you think others would say are your strengths? The Next Step and Opportunity As a next step towards your long-term career goals, where do you see yourself six to twelve months from now? What are some developmental opportunities you can take advantage of? What parts of your work would you like to continue doing, or do with more skill? What new work activities or positions would you like to try? What are your short-term career-development goals? What support do you need to achieve them? (Training, people, time, money, etc.) What do you think others would say about your work and your career aspirations and plans