The first step in the application process is determining where you stand. It forms the basis of a focused search for jobs, sectors and functions. It requires you to examine yourself intensively and reveals your own strengths and weaknesses, interests, motivations and values. It also enables you to appear competent and self-confident to potential employers.
The positioning process delivers answers to three central questions:
Below you will find numerous worksheets with questions and exercises to help you determine your own position. This can be done several times during your course of study, as certain elements only crystallise over time. Sufficient time and quiet are needed to work through the questions. It is advisable to discuss the results with your family or close friends, as they often have a clear picture of you.
During your studies and your professional activity, you acquired a variety of professional competencies. These include not only knowledge in business administration such as marketing, accounting or management, but also skills in processes and methods, or the mastery of software or foreign languages.
In the following list includes a variety of traits that make people unique and distinctive. Identifying these traits can help you determine what kind of corporate culture and team you would like to work in. The greater the match between you and the environment, the more comfortable you will feel – and the more successful you will be.
Worksheet character strenghts and personality
In your everyday work and during your studies, you have acquired skills and competencies you can apply to future professional situations. These include communication, organisational and leadership skills.
Your basic values play a central role in your choice of career and job. They motivate and guide your decisions in life. They give meaning to your activities and represent your very personal "mission".
Values in the past
The following questionnaire is about identifying your values based on your experiences. Take enough time to do this calmly.
Values in the professional environment
In the following list, identify values that are important to you in your professional environment.
Identification of interests
Identifying your own interests plays a central role – not only in your leisure time, but also and especially in your professional life. The following questionnaire will help you identify your own interests. Take your time in filling it out.
Identification of preferences
Mark your own preferences in the following questionnaire: Which activities interest you, what do you like to do? Knowing these professional interests will help you in your search for a suitable job.
In addition to your interests, skills and values, you have further expectations and needs regarding your future job. However, it is always important to consider which options the job market actually has.
Summarise the most important findings of the positioning assessment in the following lists. They will serve as a basis for your search for a suitable position.