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Job Seeker Self-Assessment

Home Job Seeker Self-Assessment
Home Job Seeker Self-Assessment

How Ready Are You for What's Next?

Step 1 of 7

14%
What is this? This is a simple tool to help you understand your strengths. It looks at skills that help people succeed when things change at work or in life. Whether you're starting your first job, changing jobs, dealing with a layoff, or reentering the workforce after time away: This assessment can help you see “human” skills you already have that employers value. These skills matter in any job or industry. You’d be surprised – you’ll probably discover strengths you didn’t know you had!

Time needed: 10-15 minutes

No wrong answers: Just be honest with yourself!

On a scale of faces, click the one that feels most like you: 🙂 (Yes!), 😐 (Sometimes), 🙁 (Not yet)
Would you like for us to contact you at the email above for further assistance?

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive further communications from: Virginia Works, 2221 Edward Holland Dr Ste 500, Richmond, VA, 23230, US, http://www.virginiaworks.gov.

Part 1: How you solve problems and learn new things

I like figuring out hard problems.
I stay calm when things are unclear or confusing.
I can explain things in ways that make sense to others.
I ask questions to really understand things.
I can look at problems in different ways.
Part 1 - Thinking Skills
If you scored...
Mostly 🙂 (Happy Face): You like solving problems and thinking things through. Keep challenging yourself.
Mostly 😐 (Neutral Face): Try to get more comfortable when you don't know the answer right away. Ask more questions. Look at problems from different sides.
Mostly 🙁 (Unhappy Face): Start small. Practice asking "why?" more often. Talk to others about how they solve problems.

Part 2: How you work with others and learn from them

I work well with all kinds of different people.
I can tell what is really happening in a situation with other people.
I stay calm when there's conflict between others and help fix it.
I like hearing ideas that are different from mine.
People ask me for help with tough situations.
Part 2 - People Skills
If you scored...
Mostly 🙂 (Happy Face): You work well with others and understand people. This is a great strength.
Mostly 😐 (Neutral Face): Practice listening more. Ask people for their ideas. Try to understand why people think differently than you.
Mostly 🙁 (Unhappy Face): Focus on one relationship at a time. Practice listening without jumping in to respond. It gets easier with practice.

Part 3: How comfortable you are with new things

I get excited about new challenges.
I volunteer to try things I haven't done before.
I try different approaches. When something doesn't work, I try a different way.
I see change as a good opportunity, not a problem.
I look for chances to learn things outside my comfort zone.
Part 3 - Dealing with Change
If you scored...
Mostly 🙂 (Happy Face): You like new things and adapt easily. Make sure you also take care of yourself and don't burn out.
Mostly 😐 (Neutral Face): Try one new thing this month. Think of change as a chance to learn, not a threat.
Mostly 🙁 (Unhappy Face): Change is hard for you. That's normal! Start with tiny changes. Notice what scares you about change. Celebrate when you try something new.

Part 4: How you handle pressure and challenges

I get things done even when I'm stressed.
When problems come up, I find ways to move forward.
I like helping people do well in tough times.
I make progress even when I don't have everything I need.
People know they can count on me when things are important.
Part 4 - Getting Things Done
If you scored...
Mostly 🙂 (Happy Face): You deliver results even under pressure. Just make sure you're taking care of yourself too.
Mostly 😐 (Neutral Face): Break big tasks into smaller pieces. Practice staying calm when stressed. It's okay to ask for help.
Mostly 🙁 (Unhappy Face): Build confidence with small wins. Learn ways to manage stress. Remember that asking for help is smart, not weak.

Part 5: How well you understand yourself and grow

I know what I'm good at and what I need to work on.
I think about my experiences to learn from them.
I notice how my actions affect other people.
I admit when I make mistakes and learn from them.
I'm honest about things I need to improve.
Part 5 - Knowing Yourself
If you scored...
Mostly 🙂 (Happy Face): You understand yourself well. This helps you grow in all other areas.
Mostly 😐 (Neutral Face): Take more time to think about your day. What worked? What didn't? Ask people you trust for honest feedback.
Mostly 🙁 (Unhappy Face): Each night, ask yourself: "What did I learn today?" Start there. Consider talking to someone you trust about your goals.

Final Summary

If you scored...
Mostly 🙂 (Happy Face): You’re feeling ready and positive about your next steps. Great job! Keep the momentum going by making a plan and taking action, like applying for jobs or building your network.
Mostly 😐 (Neutral Face): You’re on the right track! You have some confidence and ideas, but there’s room to grow. Focus on the areas that feel hardest and take one action this week.
Mostly 🙁 (Unhappy Face): You're just getting started. Change might feel hard right now. That's okay! Everyone starts somewhere. Start with small steps and be patient with yourself. These skills can be learned. Pick one or two areas where you scored lowest. Even small steps will help you grow.
How to Get Better
This Week
1. Pick one area to work on: Choose the part where you scored lowest
2. Ask someone for feedback: Ask a coworker or friend what they notice about you in that area
3. Try something new: Do one thing outside your normal routine

This Month
1. Learn by doing (most important): Take on something challenging
2. Learn from others: Watch someone who's good at what you want to improve
3. Read or take a class: Learn about your development area

Keep Going
• Think each day: Spend 5 minutes thinking about what you learned
• Check in monthly: Do this assessment again in 3 months to see your progress
• Keep trying new things: This is how you grow
• Ask for feedback regularly: Other people can help you see your blind spots
________________________________________
Why This Matters
Research shows that people who can learn and adapt do better when things change. Jobs are changing fast. The people who succeed aren't just good at their current job—they're good at learning new things.
Good news: You can get better at all of these skills with practice. It's not about being perfect. It's about being willing to grow.
________________________________________
What's Next?
1. Look at your scores: What surprises you? What makes sense?
2. Talk to someone: Share this with a friend or counselor
3. Make a simple plan: Pick 1-2 things to work on
4. Start small: Do one thing this week
5. Check back later: Take this again in a few months
________________________________________
Remember: Everyone can grow these skills. The most important thing is to start where you are and take one step at a time.

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