Job Seekers

Six Questions to Test if you are a Rock Star Candidate

 

All our clients would love to have one of the very top performers in their industry join their organization. These people are the top 5-10% of their peer group, and are collectively referred to as A Players, Top Talent, or Rock Stars. As professionals we would all like to think we are in that category, but is there an objective way to score ourselves? Well, it’s more of an art than a science, but here are six questions to ask yourself to get a rough idea of where you sit now, and perhaps identify some areas you could target for improvement.

1. Job history. Employers want candidates who will stay with their company for many years. They perceive that the best way to predict this is based on past performance. How many jobs have you had in the past 10 years?

a. 1 or 2, and currently employed

b. 1 or 2, not currently employed

c. 3

d. 4 or more

 

2. Track record of accomplishments. In your current role, which is most the most accurate statement?

a. I have taken initiatives and lead projects that have had tangible, significant results that I can attach a dollar figure to

b. I have been a key part of teams that produced significant results, but it’s difficult to quantify those results

c. I do my job well, but the nature of my job doesn’t allow for quantifiable results

 

3. Ability to work with others. Which best describe you?

a. I work well with everyone and am typically one of the leaders when I am part of a team

b. I work well with most, but my personality is not a good fit with certain types of people

c. I work better by myself, that’s just who I am

 

4. Ability to communicate. You have to be very honest with yourself on this one.

a. I have no problem making a presentation to a room full of professionals, and afterwards I’m complimented on the presentation. My written correspondence is virtually flawless

b. Making presentations isn’t my favorite thing but I can do it. My written communication is pretty good

c. If asked to make a presentation I see if there is any way I can get out of it. My written communication has some typos but that’s just par for the course these days

 

5. Your personal brand. Which category bets fits you?

a. My resume was either written by a professional or I did extensive research when preparing it myself. My Linkedin profile is consistent with my resume, with a professional photo, and I have a couple of recommendations. My other social media profiles are either professional or not publically viewable

b. My resume accurately conveys all my experience, education, and accomplishments. I have a Linkedin profile but I probably haven’t checked it in a year or more.

c. I have a resume but need to update it. I’m not sure if I have a Linkedin profile

d. My resume has a typo on it; my last job title wasn’t really Production Manger. I can’t believe spell-check didn’t catch that

 

6. Education and training. Which of the following best describes you?

a. I have at least the degree that would be required for the position one level above my current role. I have the desirable certifications for my industry and profession. I have continued my education and participate in professional organizations

b. I have the degree that is typically required for my position. I have some continuing education, or a certification that is recognized in my profession, maybe not the highest certification

c. I worked my way up, but do not have the degree that is usually required for what I do. I am however going back to school for that degree, or I have the highest certification that my profession recognizes

d. I haven’t really had any continuing education

 

For each time you answered ‘a’, give yourself 3 points, 2 points for each ‘b’, and 1 point for each ‘c’

15-18 points – You are a Rock Star

12-14 points – You are on your way to becoming a Rock Star, set a few goals for the coming year based on where you were not able to give an a. answer

< 11 points – You need to be honest with yourself if you want to advance your career and develop a plan on how to get there

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