Are you Marketable?
(Take this short quiz to find out!)

Fundraisers and not-for-profit managers jump from job to job with predictable regularity. Most of the time this move is voluntary and caused by a need to earn more money or to increase benefits. Occasionally, however, you may find yourself in the uncomfortable position of being in the middle of a downsizing. Are you prepared to find another position? Are you marketable? This quiz is adapted from one designed by Valerie Sokolosky, an author and keynote speaker based in Dallas.

1. Many non-profits are expecting you to accomplish more with less. You should:

a. Work harder and be the last one to leave every day.

b. Stay focused on specific tasks with measurable results.

c. Always look busy and be sure your boss knows your valuable.

2. In anticipation of a job change, you should:

a. Put some pizzazz into your resume! Colored paper, fancy graphics and a new modern font.

b. Update your resume with current skills and achievements.

c. Add a few more pages of accomplishments to your resume, ones that make you look valuable.

3. When considering future positions, you should:

a. Shoot for the moon! Set high financial and personal goals and look for a position that will fulfill those goals.

b. Take a serious, honest look at your strengths and weaknesses.

c. Network! Knock on doors and make calls to uncover new career options.

4. Your next organization is looking for:

a. A superstar with a stellar track record.

b. Loyalty.

c. Proven performance.

5. When you're looking for a new position, you should:

a. Send out dozens of resumes to every organization and headhunter in the market you want to work.

b. Carefully study the job advertisements in professional publications to determine which skills are needed to be competitive.

c. Attend meetings of professional organizations to broadcast the fact you are seeking a new job.

6. Successful candidates will possess many traits, including:

a. Movie star good looks.

b. The ability to take risks.

c. Good health.

7. According to the Carnegie Institute, employees of the future will need greater:

a. Technical skills.

b. Interpersonal skills.

c. Writing skills.

8. When the pink slip comes, realize it is perfectly normal to:

a. Experience grief and sadness at the loss.

b. Yell, scream, cuss and rage at your now former boss.

c. Stay calm, don't let it bother you. It was just a job after all.

 

 

 

 

Answers

 

1. b. Burning the midnight oil or simply staying busy does not necessarily mean you are managing your time well and getting results. You must be effective as well as productive.

2. b. A marketable individual is one who keeps learning new skills and striving to accomplish more. Motivate yourself by learning things that interest you. Attend seminars and classes, read books, take on new assignments. A resume filled with past glories is just that -- history.

3. b. Determine your strengths. What problems have you overcome? What notable actions have helped your current organization? Identify traits and skills that are marketable.

4. c. How are you currently performing? What have you achieved in the past six months? Can you show the benefits of your actions? Did your actions improve the bottom-line of your organization?

5. b. Do you have the skills required to win that VP of Development position? Do you have the knowledge to compete? Notice which jobs are most often mentioned and what skills are required. Improve your chances for that next job by improving your professional skills.

6. c. Recent studies report that successful candidates for positions tend to be physically fit. Other successful traits include self-confidence, attention to details, and attraction to challenge, not necessarily risk.

7. b. Technical skills represent only fifteen percent of what will help you in your career, while the ability to get along with others accounts for eight-five percent. Being able to successfully work with people and communicate effectively are the foundations for success.

8. a. Job loss generates feelings similar to other losses in your life. These can include shock, fear, denial, anger, and a search for solutions. Focus your energy into finding that great new opportunity.

 

 

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