Test Your I.Q. for Success

You have probably taken several I.Q. tests during your years in school. This test is designed to measure your Interview Quotient – your knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to job interviews (Your interview savvy.)

Complete the following exercise by indicating your degree of agreement or disagreement with each statement by circling the number to the right that best represents your situations.

              SCALE:        5 = strongly agree
                                  4 = agree
                                  3 = maybe, not certain
                                  2 = disagree
                                  1 = strongly disagree

1. I know what skills I can offer employers...........................................5 4 3 2 1

2. I know what skills employers most seek in candidates .....................5 4 3 2 1
 
3. I can clearly explain to employers what I do well and enjoy     
   doing.............................................................................................5 4 3 2 1

4. I can specify why an employer should hire me..................................5 4 3 2 1

5. I can identify and target employers I want to interview........................5 4 3 2 1

6. I can develop a job referral network.................................................. 5 4 3 2 1

7. I can prospect for jobs leads........................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

8. I can generate at least one job interview for every                    
    10 job search contacts I make........................................................ 5 4 3 2 1

9. I can follow up on job interviews....................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

10. I can persuade an employer to renegotiate my           
     salary after six months on the job................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

11. I know which questions interviewers are most likely            
     to ask me..................................................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

12. If asked to reveal my weaknesses, I know how to                     
     respond – answer honestly, but always stress my
     strengths...................................................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

13. I know how to best dress for the interview........................................ 5 4 3 2 1

14. I know the various types of interviews I may encounter       
     and how to appropriately respond in each situation........................... 5 4 3 2 1
    
15. I can easily approach strangers for job information            
     and advice.................................................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

16. I know where to find information on organizations 
     that are most likely to be interested in my skills.............................. 5 4 3 2 1

17. I know how to go beyond vacancy announcements to            
     job opportunities appropriate for my qualifications............................ 5 4 3 2 1

18. I know how to interview appropriate people for job           
     information and advice................................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

19. I know many people who can refer me to others for           
     informational interviews................................................................. 5 4 3 2 1

20. I can uncover jobs on the hidden job market................................... 5 4 3 2 1

21. I know how to prepare and practice for the critical         
     job interview................................................................................. 5 4 3 2 1

22. I know how to stress my positives................................................. 5 4 3 2 1

23. I know how to research the organization and                    
     individuals who are likely to interview me........................................ 5 4 3 2 1

24. I have considered how I would respond to illegal                
     questions posed by prospective employers..................................... 5 4 3 2 1

25. I can telephone effectively for job information                 
     and employment leads.................................................................. 5 4 3 2 1

26. I am prepared to conduct an effective telephone               
     interview....................................................................................... 5 4 3 2 1
         
27. I know when and how to deal with salary questions.......................... 5 4 3 2 1

28. I’m prepared to take a psychological screening test            
     and expect to pass with flying colors............................................... 5 4 3 2 1

29. I know what to read while waiting in the outer office         
     prior to the interview....................................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

30. I can nonverbally communicate my interest and                 
     enthusiasm for the job.................................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

31. I know the best time to arrive at the interview site............................. 5 4 3 2 1

32. I know how to respond using positive form and content         
     as well as supports when responding to interviewers’
     questions...................................................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

33. I know when and how to follow up the interview................................. 5 4 3 2 1

34. I know what to include in a thank-you letter...................................... 5 4 3 2 1

35. I know when and how to follow up the interview................................. 5 4 3 2 1

36. I can explain to interviewers why I made my particular       
     educational choices, including my major and grade point
     average.......................................................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

37. I can clearly explain to interviewers what I like                
     and dislike about particular jobs....................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

38. I can clearly explain to interviewers what I want              
     to be doing 5 or 10 years from now................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

39. I have a list of references that can speak in a                 
     positive manner about me and my work abilities................................. 5 4 3 2 1

40. I can clearly state my job and career objectives               
     as both skills and outcomes............................................................. 5 4 3 2 1

41. I have set aside 20 hours a week to primarily                  
     conduct informational interviews........................................................ 5 4 3 2 1

42. I know what foods and drinks are best to select              
     if the interview also includes a luncheon or dinner
     meeting.......................................................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

43. I know how to listen effectively.......................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

44. I can explain why an employer should hire me.................................... 5 4 3 2 1

45. I know when to use my resume in an informational              
     interview.......................................................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

46. I am prepared to handle the salary question if it              
     comes up early in the interview.......................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

47. I can generate three new job leads each day...................................... 5 4 3 2 1

48. I can outline my major achievements in my last       
     three jobs and show how they relate to the job
     I am interviewing for.......................................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

49. I know what the interviewer is looking for when he            
     or she asks about weaknesses......................................................... 5 4 3 2 1

50. I am prepared to handle both series and stress                
     interviews........................................................................................ 5 4 3 2 1

TOTAL IQ:                       

Once you have completed this exercise, add your responses to compute a total score. This will comprise your composite I.Q. If your score is between 200 and 250, you seem well prepared to successfully handle the interview process. If your score is between 150 and 199, you are heading in the right direction. If your score falls below 150, you have a great deal of work to do in preparation for the job interview. Don’t walk RUN to your nearest Career Services office and start preparing today!

Career Services
Kansas Wesleyan University
Pioneer Hall, Room 185
785-827-5541 ext 1162
carla@kwu.edu