Contributed by Kathryn Sollmann of Women@Work Network

Your job search seems never-ending – is it the recession or is it you? Are you overlooking basic but critical job search strategies that are required in even the strongest economic cycles?

Take this simple quiz developed by the Women@Work Network to find out if you need to revisit your job search foundation. You may be very surprised…even many senior-level professionals are discovering that they are jeopardizing their own job search success.

True or False?

(Note: A “true” answer must be 100% true!)

1. I know the kind of job commitment (part-time, full-time, consulting, etc.) that works best for me and my family and I have buy-in from all constituents.
2. I know the general salary range that I am seeking and the minimum that I could accept to meet my personal financial obligations.
3. I have a very clear and realistic understanding of the type and level of position I am qualified for at this time.
4. Even though I have many skills and talents, I realize that telling employers that I am flexible and willing to do any type of job is more negative than positive.
5. I understand that employers hire candidates who can jump in and add immediate value—and I can clearly state problems that I can solve, challenges that I can meet and initiatives I can lead in my area of expertise.
6. I have a five-minute prepared “elevator speech” that quickly summarizes for friends, colleagues, networking contacts and potential employers the kind of work I have done in the past, my key strengths and the type of positions I am now seeking.
7. I know the kind of company and culture that would be the best fit for me—in terms of industry, size, environment, etc.
8. I have researched companies that I am targeting thoroughly: the web site, current media reports, discussions with current or past employees, etc.
9. When I search for a job, I think about how I am going to package and sell myself.
10. I have only one resume (not several different versions) with a summary statement at the top that is a quick snapshot of who I am and the skills and experience that I have to offer.
11. My resume is not more than two pages long.
12. At least three people who have proven writing and editing skills have proofread my resumé for errors that could cost me an interview.
13. I recognize that my #1 job search strategy should be networking, but I don’t let any discomfort about “approaching strangers” stand in my way.
14. I have exhausted every possible personal networking contact from past jobs, alumni groups, religious affiliations, parents in children’s’ schools, book groups, tennis groups, etc.—and I’ve considered everyone I know, my spouse knows, my sister knows, etc.
15. I have researched and joined all local and online networking groups that make sense for my level and area of expertise.
16. I do not spend the greatest percentage of my time searching for opportunities on company-sponsored or mass market job boards to find open positions.
17. When I apply for a job, I always send my resume along with a cover letter. I specifically state why I am a fit for the job—covering all the job requirements and responsibilities point by point.
18. When I go to an interview or think about going to an interview, I do not get ready to apologize for any aspect of my past experience or my time out of the workforce.
19. I have zeroed in on two or three examples — or “stories” — from my past experience that illustrate why I am qualified for the type of job that I am seeking.
20. I have thought about questions that I will likely be asked in an interview and I have answers that will exude competence and confidence.

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