A Guide to Career Decision Making

The PathFinder
About Crown Financial Ministries . . .
Crown Financial Ministries (Crown) focuses its teaching on
biblical stewardship, God’s principles of handling money. How-
ever, this emphasis on stewardship does not exclude the steward-
ship of a person’s time, unique special gifts, abilities, and indi-
vidual styles of work.

Because the Bible teaches that God has a purpose for each
individual, we affirm the Christian perspective that reveals how a
person’s work is really a part of fulfilling God’s purpose. More than
80,000 people have received help in discovering their talents and
career direction through education, testing, and individualized
feedback through The PathFinder and Crown’s other resources.

 1992, 1995, 2000 About the Author . . .

Christian Financial
Concepts, Inc. Lee Ellis served as a career Air Force officer until his
 2001, 2002 Crown retirement in 1989. During the Vietnam war, his aircraft was shot
Financial Ministries, Inc. down and he was a prisoner of war for over five years.
Revised Edition - 2002 During Lee’s military career, his assignments included duty
as a pilot, flight instructor, staff officer, flying squadron com-
All rights reserved. No
part of this book may mander, and supervisor in higher education.
be reproduced without
written permission. In addition to earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history
from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science degree in
All Scripture quotations
are taken from The counseling and human development from Troy State University,
New American Standard Lee is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College and the Air War
Bible Updated Edition,
 The Lockman College.
Foundation 1960, 1962,
1963, 1971, 1972, 1975,
While in the Air Force Lee became a volunteer teacher and
1977, 1995. Used by counselor for Christian Financial Concepts. He believes that God
permission.
has a special purpose for each person. During his 17 years of
Printed in the U.S.A. supervising, educating, and training young people, he saw clearly
how God has gifted people with different talents for service in the
ISBN
1-56427-124-2 Kingdom.
1202
Lee has coauthored two books with Larry Burkett, Your
Career in Changing Times and Finding the Career That Fits You.

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Contents
Foreword by Larry Burkett 5
Introduction 6

1 Looking at Work from a Biblical 7

Perspective
Why Are So Many People Unhappy in Their Work?
What Are Some Truths About Work?

2 Understanding Your Pattern 15

Your Pattern Has Four Major Components
Developing Your Pattern

3 Defining Your Purpose 25

Your Purpose Statement

4 Making Career Decisions 31

How to Make Bad Career Decisions
How to Make Good Career Decisions
The Role of Prayer in Decision Making
A Framework for Decision Making

5 Gaining Wisdom for a Career Transition 39

Five Steps to Making a Wise Career Transition
Five Elements of a Wise Decision
Considering the Larger Picture

6 Keys to Employment in the 21st Century 59

Introduction to Change
Ten Major Trends

7 Searching for a Job 67

Developing a Strategy for Job Search

8 Writing a Résumé 85
Your Sales Brochure
Writing Your Résumé
Pitfalls to Avoid in Résumé Design
Types of Résumés
What to Include in Your Résumé
What to Leave Out of Your Résumé
Sample Achievement Statements
A Few Final Hints
Your Résumé Checklist
Effective Sentence Openers
Electronic Résumé Requirements
Résumé Work Sheet
Sample Résumé Cover Letter
Sample Résumés
Continued
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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
The PathFinder

Contents (continued)

9 Making the Most of Your Interview 103

The Top Five Ways to Flunk Your Job Interview
Preparing for the Interview
Maximizing Your Interview
Typical Interview Questions
After the Interview, Follow Up Your Contacts

10 Starting a Business 113

Motivation
Knowledge/Experience
Start-Up Capital
Keeping Financial Records
Counsel and Information
Personnel
Timing a Business Start-Up
Personality
Time - Energy - Family
God’s Will
Conclusion
Resources

11 Facing Tough Times 125

Adjust Your Perspective
Look at the Examples of Others
Practical Helps

12 Establishing a Budget 131

A Sound Financial Plan Is Essential
for Good Career Planning

13 Striving for Contentment 133

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Foreword
During the years I was counseling families on their finances,
I frequently observed people in career fields that didn’t match their
talents and abilities. It concerned me that so many people were not
aware of their strengths and, therefore, were not being good
stewards of their talents.
I began to pray that someone would develop a program that
would help people understand their vocational bent and show them
how to make the right career decisions. In 1989 I felt the Lord was
leading me to undertake this task. Lee Ellis, one of our lay
counselors, was retiring from the Air Force about that time, and so
I challenged him to develop the program. He accepted the chal-
lenge, and The PathFinder is one of the helpful tools that have been
developed.
The PathFinder is a tool for individuals and families who are
making career decisions. It begins by focusing on a biblical
perspective of work: Our work is unto the Lord and for His
glory. The manual provides a wealth of information and offers
many resources for making career and life decisions. It provides
practical steps for choosing the right career field and also gives
instructions for getting a job.
We have developed The PathFinder to answer many of the
questions posed by those in career transition. You will find sound
career counsel from a biblical perspective throughout the manual.
Since it has been designed as a broad resource, you may not use
every chapter immediately.
I believe The PathFinder will be invaluable to you and your
family as you seek God’s plan for your lives.
In Christ,

Larry Burkett

Crown Financial Ministries

PO Box 100 5
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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
The PathFinder

Introduction
In this day of one-hour photo finishing, two-minute car
washes, instant breakfasts, and high-speed Internet responses,
often we are led to think that there is a quick fix for most of life’s
challenges. Unfortunately, there are generally no quick, easy an-
swers as to which way to go at the many crossroads of life.
Sooner or later we learn by experience that it takes time,
effort, and commitment to resolve the issues that arise in the
journey of life. Viewed in the larger sense, becoming Christ-like is
a process of living one day at a time, “renewing our minds” in Him.
Ultimately, most of the important things in life are viewed best as
a process rather than an event. Career decision making is certainly
one of those areas that is not an event but a process.
Many of the readers of this manual will have completed the
Career Direct¨ assessment. The assessment tells you a lot about
your pattern for work and, with your follow-up, it will give you a
very good description of the type of work for which you are best
suited. The assessment provides good general information and
offers alternatives for consideration, but the reports cannot tell a
person exactly what to do.
Counselors are taught not to make decisions for the client,
even though that is often what the client wants. Ultimately, the
individual has to evaluate the options and make decisions. The
PathFinder will help you in that process. Most of the material is
foundational and will serve you well as you move through the
various stages of your career.
We can’t emphasize enough the following formula for success.
Pray for guidance, work the process, and trust God for the results.
If you will follow these three steps, we are confident you will end
up in a situation in which God blesses you with a career pathway
that will honor Him.

“I am the light of the world;

he who follows me will not walk in the darkness,
but will have the Light of life” (John 8:12).

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1 Looking at Work from

a Biblical Perspective

Why Are So Many People Unhappy

in Their Work?
We hear about many of the problems in the workplace. The
primary cause of discontentment, we have concluded, is that we
have lost the biblical perspective of work.

Somehow we, as a society, have adopted a secular

view of work—a view that allows us to think we can
separate our work from our spiritual lives.

This heresy in our thinking has led to most of the misery we

see now in the workplace. As in other areas of our lives, when we
operate with unsound concepts, we suffer the consequences.
In our early days as a nation, even those who were not devout
Christians had a concept of a divine calling in their work. In general,
work was seen in a more honorable light—as a way to fulfill one’s
purpose in life.
Chuck Colson, president of Prison Fellowship, wrote, “God
created human beings in His own image and part of being ‘in His
image’ means that we are workers—like God Himself. That’s
where that innate, inner drive for work comes from. Work is part of
God’s nature.”
Although at one time work may have been considered a calling,
it now seems to be merely a means to an end. Today’s workers believe
their labor allows them to purchase pleasure, to fulfill materialistic
needs, and to build their egos by gaining power and position. The view
was very different in early America, when William Perkins preached
that “a person’s vocation is a certain kind of life ordained by God and
imposed on man for the common good.”
So, it would be good to begin the career-decision process by
taking a look at the errors and the truths that relate to work. If
operating under false beliefs is causing so much stress and heart-
“For what is a man
ache, then the truth should set us free to find the joy in work that our profited if he gains the
Creator intended. whole world, and loses
Let’s look first at some of the errors and the problems they cause. or forfeits himself?”
(Luke 9:25).

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CHAPTER 1
MATERIALISM (GREED)
Probably the biggest deception regarding work in our society
today is the belief that a higher income (more money) can bring
happiness. Many adults have jobs and are making adequate money,
yet they are not fulfilled. Many say without hesitation that they
pursued their present careers because those careers offered prestige
and high incomes. Now they see the mistake in making decisions
based primarily on income. Money does not provide satisfaction.
“Make sure that your We hear movie stars, athletes, and other high income celeb-
character is free from rities say the same thing. In an interview with World Wide Chal-
the love of money, being
lenge (Campus Crusade for Christ) magazine, Christopher
content with what you
have; for He Himself Parkening, one of the preeminent virtuosos of the classical guitar,
has said, ‘I will never said it well:
desert you, nor will I “The world tells you that success is having a lot of
ever forsake you’”
(Hebrews 13:5). money, being famous and being independent—doing
what you want to do, when you want to do it. For years
I pursued success in the music field to the point that I
was able to retire to a Montana ranch at age 30. My wife
and I were living what most would consider the ideal
life. But a year after I got everything I wanted, it meant
absolutely nothing. I was empty inside.
“During that period of time I became a Christian,
and my priorities changed. When I came across the
passage in 1 Corinthians that says, ‘Whatever you do,
do all for the glory of God,’ I realized there were only
two things I knew how to do. One was fly fish and the
other was play the guitar.
“I went back to playing the guitar, but this time with a
different purpose. As Bach once said, ‘The aim and final
reason of all music is none else but the glory of God.’”

PRIDE

“Pride goes before A second problem is pride. We are so concerned with what the
destruction, and a world might think or say if we happened to get into something that
haughty spirit before is not a “successful” job or a “good position,” we are ashamed to do
stumbling. It is better to what God has created us to do. We then burn ourselves out trying
be humble in spirit with
to do jobs we were not naturally designed to do. You can call it
the lowly than to divide
the spoil with the going against the grain, not following your bent, or swimming
proud” (Proverbs upstream, but the bottom line is that it’s impossible to be excellent
16:18-19). for very long when you’re not using the talents and strengths God
has given you (see Psalm 139:13).
Many of our clients are in the wrong jobs because of their
parents’ pride. As young people, they were pushed into career fields
so they could “be somebody” or “amount to something.” To put it

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plainly, we parents often want to fulfill our own worldly dreams
and boost our egos through our children.
Jesus tried to point out to the Pharisees that they were
concerned with impressing men with their outward appearances (or
reputations). But Jesus was concerned with what was inside—the
motivation of the heart (or character). You will recall that was His
main problem with the Pharisees. He called them hypocrites “God sees not as man
sees, for man looks at
because they cleaned the outside of the cup and dish but inside they the outward
were full of greed and self-indulgence. He wanted them to clean the appearance, but the
inside of the cup and dish (motivation to serve others), and then the Lord looks at the heart”
outside also would be clean (see Matthew 23:25-26). The Lord (1 Samuel 16:7).
made this concept clear to Samuel when He chose to anoint David
rather than one of his more handsome brothers. He reminded
Samuel that the Lord looks at the heart.

LACK OF TRUST (FAITH)

A third problem that gets us off course in our pursuit of a
rewarding career pathway is a lack of real faith; or, said another
way: Deep down we really don’t trust that God is sufficient for all
our needs. We are driven to achieve success so we can eventually
gain control of our circumstances and be independent (protected)
from the problems of life. This really reflects a fundamental error “I am the vine, you are
in our thinking. There is no security in this world. Achievement, the branches; he who
more independence, and control will not help. abides in Me and I in
him, he bears much
Witness the high-ranking executives and famous people who fruit, for apart from Me
become alcoholics or commit suicide each year. There are no you can do nothing”
guarantees in this life aside from the promises of God’s Word, (John 15:5, emphasis
which have been sealed through the unconditional love of Christ added).
and the gift of His Holy Spirit. We must walk each day in faith,
depending on Him for every breath.
The apostle Paul goes to great lengths to point out the role of
faith: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who
comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of
those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

The problem is that most of us don’t really trust God

to be involved personally in our lives, and we miss out
on His perfect plan.

So if we are not able to control the future through achieve-

ment, we have two options: wrap ourselves in a cloak of despair,
or trust in a personal God who loves us and wants His very best for
us. The choice is clear, but it can only be made in faith, and that
means returning control of your life to the Author of Life (see
Matthew 6:33-34).

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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
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IGNORANCE
“The naïve inherit A final reason for poor career decisions is ignorance. Many of
foolishness, but the our clients took available jobs just because they never had been
sensible are crowned
with knowledge”
taught how to make career decisions. Virtually no one in our society
(Proverbs 14:18). has offered a sound plan for teaching people how to make career
choices. Sure, there are a few good books on the subject, but there
is a pitiful silence from institutions such as churches, schools, and
government. Our experience has been that even most Christians
have adopted the world’s values about work (materialism, pride,
control). Our prayer is that Christians will recognize that a self-
centered, materialistic career orientation does not work. It should
be clear that any program of career guidance must be built on a solid
foundation—a foundation of truth (see 1 Corinthians 3:10-15).

What Are Some Truths About Work?

“If you continue in My GOD WORKS
word, then you are truly
disciples of Mine; and Chapter one of Genesis documents God’s work in creating the
you will know the truth, universe. Furthermore, the entire Bible documents God’s work as
and the truth will make
you free” (John 8:31-32). Lord and Ruler of the universe. We see His work as He protected
His people from the Pharaoh on their journey out of Egypt. We see
His work as He looked after one individual like David, and He tells
us that He has numbered even the hairs on our heads. God is
obviously not neglecting His work of being God.
Christ was directly involved in the creation and, though fully
God, He became fully man and worked on this earth. Apparently
Jesus was involved in common labor and, even in the height of His
ministry, He was never employed by the church of His day. Finally,
Jesus carried out His most significant work as a Suffering Servant—
at the cross, obeying the will of the Father.

GOD COMMISSIONED WORK

If we are created in God’s image, then we also are divinely
“Then the Lord God ordained for work. Genesis 1:26-30 details our role in work: we rule
took the man and put over the lower creation. We were commissioned to work even
him into the garden of
Eden to cultivate it and
before the fall. To be sure, after the original sin the nature of work
keep it” (Genesis 2:15). became more difficult. Furthermore, work and the product of it
could be used for good or evil. Yet the clear implication throughout
the Bible is that work is part of the divine nature and, therefore,
should bring glory to our Creator.

We are to use the talents God has given us and, in

doing so, glorify Him.

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It honors the Father when we are true to our creation. Ralph
Mattson and Arthur Miller make this point quite well in their book,
Finding a Job You Can Love (Thomas Nelson Publishers).
“We please God when we act the way we are
designed to act, when we are who God designed us to
be. When such actions are carried out with the intention
of being expressions of love to Him, they do in fact
become expressions of love to Him.”
Let me illustrate what it means to be what God designed you
to be. As a young man, one of our clients wanted to be a youth leader
and work in the area of recreation or at the YMCA. Instead, he
became a computer programmer because his parents told him he
needed to make more money and be more successful. When he
came to us he was in his late twenties and had burned out on his
successful job. His career assessment clearly revealed how God
had equipped him to be an encourager and leader of youth.
We can report happily that this client is now in the process of
becoming a YMCA leader and his life has taken on new meaning.
He is excited because he is getting to do what he was designed to
do. Can you imagine a bluebird trying to be a woodpecker just so
it can attract more attention? His bill is not equipped for drilling “There are varieties of
ministries, and the same
holes. A bluebird honors its Creator by being a very beautiful Lord” (1 Corinthians
bluebird. Likewise, those who recognize their talents and use them 12:5).
to the glory of the Lord become a magnificent testimony to the work
of the Creator.
In their book, Your Work Matters to God (Navpress), Doug
Sherman and Bill Hendricks provide an in-depth look at the biblical
view of work. They point out that the workplace is a primary place
for our witness; and the income from our work is used to honor God
through giving our tithe, providing for our families, and generating
a surplus with which to help others. If you thought that ministry was
only for full-time professionals, you definitely should read the
works of Sherman and Hendricks.

A MOTHER’S PRIMARY CALLING IS TO NURTURE

HER CHILDREN
Everyone does not have to earn a paycheck to fulfill his or her
calling. Mothers are called to bear and nurture children, and this
responsibility must come before career. With all the talk about
choosing a career and a social climate driven by materialism, it may
seem natural for mothers to believe they have to have a career in
order to be fulfilled. But remember, fulfillment comes from know-
ing we are in God’s will by carrying out His purpose for our lives.
Scripture does not preclude women being employed outside
the home, but it does indicate that higher responsibilities may
preclude a “normal” career while children are young. It recognizes
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CHAPTER 1
parenting and home management as honorable occupations.
Generally, women have been gifted much better than men to
be the nurturers of the home and family. We believe that many of
the problems of our society today are a direct result of parents
becoming overly committed with work and leisure, at the expense
of the nurturing of their children.
The focal point for love and quality instruction to children in
the home is the mother. As such, her role is the most important one
in our society. If she fails, society fails. Of course, the sacrificial
love and support of the husband is an essential element of what she
needs to do her job.
Experience shows that the Career Direct® Guidance System
is valuable for every woman. If her vocation is as a mother and
homemaker, she will be able to do her job better if she knows her
pattern of strengths and struggles. An assessment will help her
choose an educational and training track which highlights her
strengths. If she decides to pursue a career, she will know how to
make good vocational choices.

Our work provides an opportunity to carry out the

Great Commission.

WE ARE TO BE BLESSINGS TO OTHERS

We can trace this commission to the Old Testament and
God’s covenant with Abram in Genesis 12:2-3 where He says, “I
will bless you . . . and in you all the families of the earth will be
blessed.” We are descendants of Abram and we are the branches
through which flow the blessings—the rivers of water that yield
eternal life.

WE ARE TO BE LIGHTS TO THE WORLD

Once we have encountered Jesus Christ, we are to be differ-
ent. He is in us and produces the light that attracts others to Him. “In
Him was life, and the life was the Light of men” (John 1:4).
He told us, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill
“Let your light shine cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a
before men in such a bushel, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the
way that they may see
your good works, and
house” (Matthew 5:14-15).
glorify your Father who The apostle Paul again defines the role of light in Acts 13:47:
is in heaven” (Matthew “The Lord has commanded us, ‘I have placed you as a light for the
5:16). Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’” By
taking the presence of Jesus into the workplace, we bear the light
that truly is a blessing to all.
In our work we are to be vessels of the light, showing the way
through the Son to the Father. What a great mission! But how can
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we be attractive to anyone if we are motivated by greed, pride, a
futile drive for independence, or ignorance? We can’t!

We must remember that we have a special mission; it

is sacred and, therefore, we cannot escape the
conclusion that our work must be unto the Lord.
Ultimately, our attitudes and performance at work
will either honor Him or detract from Him.

Perhaps you have made some career mistakes due to errors in

thinking. If so, you can be like the apostle Paul: Forget what is
behind and strain toward what is ahead; press on toward the goal to
win the prize for which God has called you heavenward in Christ
Jesus (see Philippians 3:13-14).

WE ARE TO LIVE BY TRUTH

We pray that as you go through this manual, you will come
face to face with your Creator and gain a new perspective on His
truths regarding work. If you are like most of us, this will be a “He who practices the
truth comes to the Light,
painful, yet liberating, experience. The pain comes from confront-
so that his deeds may be
ing our past sinful motivations, but we can take joy in knowing He manifested as having
forgives and does not remember our selfish past. been wrought in God”
By using our talents to be who we were created to be, we (John 3:21).
throw off the bondage of errors regarding work, and we are freed
to serve as living testimonies. When our motivation is to be Christ-
like and to serve, our lights (reflections of Jesus, the source of all
light) will not be hindered but will shine clearly for all to see.

The foundation for all career planning is the biblical

principle that everything we do is unto the Lord.

Without a biblical view toward work, at best, our efforts can

provide only temporary satisfaction for our egos. But our work can
bring great joy when viewed from the perspective of the Christian’s
purpose on earth.
As we are able to trust the Lord in this important area of our “Whether then, you eat
lives, He increases our faith and reveals or confirms career path- or drink or whatever
ways that will bring Him the glory, honor, and praise; and that’s the you do, do it all to the
glory of God”
best of all possible outcomes of our work.
(1 Corinthians 10:31).

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 A Guide to Career Decision Making

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF THE

CAREER PLANNING PROCESS

1. We are unique creations of God.

“You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my
mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am
fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works,
and my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139:13-14).

2. God blesses us individually with work-related talents.

“Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace
given us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if
prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if
service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;
or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with
liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows
mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:6-8).

3. We are to be excellent in our work and examples to others.

Excellence comes from development of our God-given
talents.
“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand
before kings; he will not stand before obscure men”
(Proverbs 22:29).

4. Our larger calling is to be witnesses for Christ and lights

unto the world. This is greatly enhanced when we are
experiencing the joy of using our talents at work.
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they
may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is
in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

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2 Understanding Your
Pattern

To find your calling, you need to know something

about the one being called—how God has gifted you
for your calling.

Everywhere you turn today you hear about people who are
searching to “find themselves.” This search indicates that many are
missing something in their lives. We believe that the missing
ingredients can be found only by discovering your Maker, under-
standing how He has made you, and acknowledging His mission for
your life. These issues define the who, why, and what that give
meaning to life.
It is this search for a mission that usually brings someone to
examine these issues from a broad perspective—looking specifi-
cally at how you can personally discover something about your
mission.

As an overriding principle, we can say that your

mission is shaped by the pattern of talents and “You formed my inward
interests you have been given. parts; You wove me in
my mother’s womb. I
will give thanks to You,
So if you understand your “pattern,” you know a lot more for I am fearfully and
about your mission in life. wonderfully made;
wonderful are your
In What Color Is Your Parachute? (Ten Speed Press), the works” (Psalm 139:13-
best-selling book on career development, Richard Bolles has 14).
included a section entitled “How to Find Your Mission in Life.”
Bolles believes our missions are somewhat preset by our inborn
pattern of talents and by the unique desires of our hearts.
The Career Direct® Guidance System is designed to identify
these two major areas: the talents, which include your abilities,
skills, and personality strengths; and the desires of your heart, as
expressed in vocational interests and values. As you discover your
“pattern” (see page 24), you’ll see that you are indeed “knit
together” in a tapestry that is purposefully and wonderfully made.

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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 2
2CHAPTER If you are aware of your pattern, and seek to employ it in an
1CHAPTER 2 occupation that honors God, He will bless you and fill your need to
“find yourself.” You will then see how He is using you to be a
blessing to others and a light to the world.

Your Pattern Has Four

Major Components
Through research and experience,
we have found four major identifiable
parts to a pattern: skills and abilities,
vocational interests, personality style,
and work priorities and values.
For the sake of discussion, let’s use
the analogy of concentric circles to explain
the concept of a pattern.

As you can see, there is overlap between each area. In fact, we

chose this concept to explain the pattern because each dimension is
related to the others. Also, the concentric circles are smaller and
more defining as you move toward the center. You can see that
ultimately your values bring a narrow, but critical, focus to your
pattern.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

In the outer ring, which can be very
broad, are skills and abilities. By the
mere fact that we are human, each one
of us has been given a broad range of
abilities. For the most part, we all can
communicate, use logic and reasoning,
work with our hands, and carry out
intellectual processes.
“As each has received a
special gift, employ it in When looking at your pattern, however, you need to
serving one another as focus on the abilities and processes that are easy for you.
good stewards of the These are natural strengths that allow you to become
manifold grace of God” highly skilled or to learn specialized processes more
(1 Peter 4:10).
easily than most people of your age and experience.

Pay particular attention to the abilities you have used success-

fully and enjoyably. Remember your play activities as a youth, and
think about the processes in which you excelled. Look at your
hobbies now; it is likely they use some of your strengths.

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In reviewing these highlights, probably you’ll see the same
environments and processes occurring over and over. Once identi-
fied, these same activities or processes should be transferred into
your work environment. In their insightful book, Finding a Job You
Can Love (Thomas Nelson Publishers), Christian authors Ralph
Mattson and Arthur Miller describe in detail the significance of
these recurring “motifs” in our lives’ successes.

VOCATIONAL INTERESTS
Some job areas seem to appeal
naturally to us, while others don’t, and
these desires of the heart are our voca-
tional interests.

If we accept the concept that “The mind of man plans

God gave us our patterns and his way, but the Lord
our desires, it seems to follow directs his steps”
that if we are committed to Him, then He has already (Proverbs 16:9).
written His will for us in our hearts.

Our role then is to follow His will and apply it with wisdom
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Vocational interest inventories identify the desires of the
heart. With over 30,000 occupations in the United States, invento-
ries survey only a small number of them; however, your choices are
generally representative of the occupational groups that most
appeal to you. You should identify career fields that appeal to you
and then look at a variety of occupations within those fields.

What Level of Job Is Best for You?

An additional issue to consider when appraising vocational
interests is the level of job you want to pursue. You may want to
pursue a highly skilled job or professional level job. The decision
you will have to make is how much training and education are
needed and how much you are willing to pursue.
The amount of knowledge is expanding at an increasing rate
in today’s world. There is a growing need for a skilled, highly
trained, well-educated workforce. We encourage you to get as
much training and education as possible.

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PERSONALITY (TEMPERAMENT)
“His banner over me is
love” (Song of Solomon As you move from vocational in-
2:4). terests into the area of personality, you
gain a more refined insight into both
your talents and the desires of your
heart. Personality includes both abili-
ties and interests but goes even fur-
ther—into needs. Your personal profile
reveals many of your core strengths and
struggles and, for that reason, it provides important information
about your behavioral pattern.
Each of us responds to people and situations in a certain way.
In a group, some people want to talk while some prefer to listen.
Likewise, some people need variety and adventure, while others
need predictability and security.

You work most effectively when you use your own

personal pattern of strengths.

Knowing and using your pattern will be especially important

to your work and career success.
Listed below are the six factors of personality measured by
Career Direct. Each factor is portrayed across a range of possible
behaviors, as in dominant versus compliant. Each point on the
range has strengths and struggles. This underscores that there is no
“best” personality type. Regardless of how God has created you,
you have strengths to take advantage of. Some people who have
mixed tendencies will likely identify with some of both character-
istics.

Summary Chart of Factors

Mixed
Compliant ◆ Dominant
Introverted ◆ Extroverted
Detached ◆ Compassionate
Unstructured ◆ Conscientious
Cautious ◆ Adventurous
Conventional ◆ Innovative

The person in the chart above is dominant, extroverted,

detached, unstructured, adventurous, and mixed in terms of inno-
vative abilities. Specific characteristics of these factors are listed on
the next page.
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DOMINANT
STRENGTHS STRUGGLES
• Leadership oriented; likes to • Can be pushy in order to get
control the process and outcome. results.
• Influential; presses hard to • Forgets that success is usually
reach goals and ideas. a team effort.
• Bold in adversity; direct and • Insensitive to feelings of
straightforward. others.

versus
COMPLIANT
STRENGTHS STRUGGLES
• Diplomatic with others. • May withhold true feelings.
• Good team player, coopera- • Not assertive.
tive. • Underestimates self.
• Servant’s attitude, desires to
help in practical ways.

EXTROVERTED
STRENGTHS STRUGGLES
• Upbeat, positive outlook. • Overly optimistic.
• Energetic, enthusiastic. • Becomes overcommitted.
• Good networker, social. • Poor time management.
• Persuasive, motivational. • Gets distracted from the task.

versus
INTROVERTED
STRENGTHS STRUGGLES
• Relies on logic rather than • Low energy level.
emotion. • May appear aloof, un-
• Works well independently. friendly.
• Thoughtful listener, succinct • Stressed by social events.
in speech. • Dull public speaker.

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COMPASSIONATE
STRENGTHS STRUGGLES
• Compassionate, sensitive to • Naïve, easily manipulated.
the needs of others. • Difficulty in saying “no.”
• Good at encouraging others. • Stressed by conflict; avoids
• Agreeable, cooperative. confrontation.
• Good listener. • Neglects personal needs to
• Warm-hearted, caring. care for others, and may
become resentful.
• Tolerant of others’ mistakes.

versus
DETACHED
STRENGTHS STRUGGLES
• Strong task orientation; not • Comes across as cold or
deterred by criticism. uncaring.
• Confronts others easily. • Overlooks appropriate
• Tough negotiator, good at expressions of mercy.
bargaining. • Impatient with others.

CONSCIENTIOUS
STRENGTHS STRUGGLES
• Very good with details. • May hold unreasonably high
• Thorough and precise. expectations of self, others.
• Highly organized. • Overly cautious.
• Good, efficient planner. • Rigid, inflexible, legalistic.

versus
UNSTRUCTURED
STRENGTHS STRUGGLES
• Ability to see “big picture.” • Tendency toward
• Excels at improvising. disorganization.
• Independent, free-spirited. • Overlooks important facts.
• Very flexible, spontaneous. • Unprepared, “wings it.”
• Has a problem completing
what is started.

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ADVENTUROUS
STRENGTHS STRUGGLES
• Calm, confident in face of • Overlooks advice of more
adversity. cautious advisors.
• Pioneers in new areas. • Can offend others with too
• Not afraid to take risks. much self-confidence.
• Strong drive to achieve. • May take advantage of others’
weaknesses.
• Ambitious, competitive.

versus
CAUTIOUS
STRENGTHS STRUGGLES
• Takes cautious approach to • Can be overprotective.
life. • Pessimistic, fearful.
• Carefully weighs facts prior • May procrastinate with
to making a decision. decision-making.
• Sticks with “tried and true” • May lack initiative.
plans that work.

INNOVATIVE
STRENGTHS STRUGGLES
• Quick-minded problem • May harbor a critical or
solver. judgmental attitude.
• Imaginative, original thinker. • Bored easily with routine.
• Outspoken in defending ideas. • Rebellious toward authority
• Clever, intellectual. or established procedure.

versus
CONVENTIONAL
STRENGTHS STRUGGLES
• Practical and realistic. • May have a fear of failure.
• Follows established rules. • May underestimate abilities.
• Very loyal and systematic. • Tends to be stressed by
• Excels at maintaining changes.
routines.
• Conservative, loyal to
traditions.

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Keep in mind that a personality mismatch between the
individual and the requirements of the job is one of the most
common causes of career stress.

As a general rule, you are more successful when you

operate from your strengths. On the other hand, remem-
ber that strengths overdone can become major flaws.

To be effective, you need a balance of behaviors. Yet it’s not

easy to modify the negative aspects of extremes. One of the
constant themes of Scripture is that of balance and sensitivity to
others. It is the Holy Spirit who changes us and empowers us to act
more Christ-like. The apostle Paul is an excellent model. Among
his many personality characteristics, a study of Scripture will
reveal that he was extroverted, adventurous, dominant, detached,
innovative, and conscientious. After his conversion, these same
attributes still describe him, yet his increasing love and humility
were clear indicators of a Spirit-filled life.
The key is to discover your God-given personality strengths
and bring them under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The best
temperament is a Spirit-filled temperament.
It’s important to know our general personality profile and to
use our strengths, but we cannot excuse the negative aspects by
saying “that’s just the way I am.”

Day by day, step by step, we are to surrender our rights

in order to be in total submission to our Lord. Then He
can use our talents to fulfill His purposes on earth.

VALUES
The center of the bull’s eye,
and probably the most important of
the four areas we are discussing, is
“Seek first His kingdom
values. Some areas of your work-
and His righteousness, related values will overlap with your
and all these things will skills, vocational interests, and per-
be added to you” sonality. The area that deals with your
(Matthew 6:33). life values, however, will be the acid test
for your career decisions. Let me explain.
You could have two people with identical skills, interests,
and personalities; yet one could be satisfied with a sales job while
the other would hate it or even refuse to do it simply because of the
values of the company or product. If the sales methods employed
by the company were unfair or unethical, a Christian might reject
the job while someone else became wealthy selling the product.
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Taken to an extreme, you could imagine that leading a street
gang and pioneering a new company would require a similar
pattern—except for one key area: values. Such extremes are easy
to see, but most people face decisions in the gray zone where it’s not
so clear and the temptations are great.
We can’t emphasize enough: Be strict with yourself in the
area of values. Rather than glossing over them, face up to them and
make them a key criteria for your career decisions.

You’ll never regret honoring the values that have

eternal and spiritual foundations.

You will find that your values will change as you go through
life. Physical maturity, spiritual maturity, and changes in your
circumstances will usually cause some reordering of your priori-
ties. For that reason, you should periodically review your list and
change your priorities as necessary.

DISCOVERING YOUR PATTERN FOR WORK

The best method for career development takes into account
your strengths in all four areas: work skills, vocational interests,
personality, and values. These four dimensions define your pattern
for work.
Each dimension makes a valuable contribution to your under-
standing of God’s plan for your life. For that reason, it is a mistake
to formulate career plans and goals and overlook any of the four
dimensions. For instance, I have a high level of interest in playing
golf. I lack the skills, however, to excel in that game, and it would
be a mistake to attempt to earn a living at that endeavor.
Or, you may have personality tendencies, skills, and interests
that would enable you to excel in the field of sales. Your values,
however, may prevent you from selling products that are poten-
tially harmful. Increasingly, we’re seeing Christians make career
decisions based on key values in their lives, such as respect for
biblical principles and allowing time for their families.
To make wise, responsible career decisions, you must con-
sider how your skills, interests, personality, and values all comple-
ment one another. We have found it helpful to refer to a person’s
pattern for work using the pattern being defined by the four areas
discussed earlier.

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Carefully study the charts below, noting how people’s pat-
terns are comprised of their personalities, skills, vocational inter-
ests, and values. By matching their strengths to the job description,
they can maximize use of their talents. Furthermore, notice that
Person A’s natural talents would be a mismatch for working as a
carpenter, and Person B would not fit the counselor mold.

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CHAPTER 3

3 Defining Your Purpose

Your Purpose Statement “Worthy are You, our

Lord and our God, to
Life has become so complex and so rushed that many of us are receive glory and honor
caught up in a merry-go-round of activity. Our focus is divided and power; for You
among many family concerns, social involvement, and profes- created all things, and
sional responsibilities. We are further distracted by advertisements because of Your will
which saturate us with too many choices and lead us to unrealistic they existed, and were
created” (Revelation
expectations about life and contentment. Without a plan it’s diffi- 4:11).
cult to make sound decisions, and it’s easy for life to become
chaotic and stressful.
The starting point for ordering your life and overcoming
chaos is to develop a clear understanding of your life’s purpose and
the priorities and values that support that purpose. With a well-
written purpose statement, you have a map that can guide you as
you face choices at the crossroads of life.
In Chapter 2, you developed your pattern to determine “Who
am I?” In this chapter, you’ll write a purpose statement by looking
at the “why” question: “Why am I here?” You’ll also develop some
priorities for key areas of your life, using your purpose statement
as a foundation.
Your purpose statement is really an expression of why you
exist and what you should be about on this earth. Also, since we can
all anticipate an end to life on this earth, a good purpose statement
should include what will be the outcome after death.
One caution to observe as you begin writing:

Be sure your purpose statement really reflects your “Many plans are in a
desires and not what you think others would approve man’s heart, but the
of. counsel of the Lord will
stand” (Proverbs
You may not live out the full potential of your purpose, but your 19:21).
purpose statement should reflect your own beliefs, motivations, and
desires—an understanding of the place God has called you to fill. Your
values and priorities should agree with and be grounded in your
purpose. By doing so, they will determine the direction of your career
and life pathways. Give thought, prayer, and time to your response. If
you answer too easily, you may not have gone deep enough yet in
understanding your divine, personal assignment.
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In examining my life’s focus and mission, I believe the
following is the primary purpose of my existence on this earth.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

In order to stay on track in fulfilling your purpose,

consider how it will affect the following key areas.
“Walk in a manner
worthy of the Lord, to My purpose will have the following effect on me spiritually.
please Him in all __________________________________________________
respects, bearing fruit in
every good work and __________________________________________________
increasing in the __________________________________________________
knowledge of God”
(Colossians 1:10).
In order to fulfill my purpose, I will need to set certain
priorities to meet the needs of my family. Specifically, I will be
guided by the following principles and priorities in my relation-
ships.
With my spouse: _______________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

With my children: ______________________________

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

With my parents: _______________________________

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
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Since the major part of my waking hours are spent at work,
I need to be sure my purpose is being accomplished in my work. In
order to do that, I have established the following priorities for my
work.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

As a part of achieving my purpose, I believe that God has

equipped me for the following areas of ministry in my commu-
nity. Study Romans 12:6-8 and select your two or three strongest
motivational gifts. “There are varieties of
gifts, but the same
Spirit” (1 Corinthians
____ a. Administrator/Leader: Gives leadership and direction.
12:4).
Keeps things organized and increases others’ visions.

____ b. Perceiver/Knowledge (Prophecy): Declares the will of

God. Keeps others centered on spiritual principles.

____ c. Server: Renders practical service. Keeps the work of the

ministry going.

____ d. Compassion/Mercy: Provides personal and emotional

support. Reinforces right attitudes and relationships.

____ e. Exhorter: Encourages personal progress. Exhorts others

to apply spiritual truths.

____ f. Teacher: Researches and teaches the Bible. Keeps the

focus on studying and learning.

____ g. Giver: Shares material assistance. Provides for specific

needs.

I will use my primary gift to fulfill my purpose by:

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
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I will use my secondary gift(s) to fulfill my purpose by:

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
“Know well the
condition of your flocks, __________________________________________________
and pay attention to __________________________________________________
your herds” (Proverbs
27:23).
Finances will have an key impact on the way I go about
achieving my purpose in life. My guiding philosophy regarding
money and finances could be described best in the following
statements.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

My character and integrity will be a major determinant in

successfully achieving my purpose. The following statements
describe the kind of person I want to be.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
“That I may know Him __________________________________________________
and the power of His
resurrection and the
fellowship of His My life’s purpose will affect my plans for eternity (life after
sufferings, being
death) in the following ways.
conformed to His death;
in order that I may __________________________________________________
attain to the
__________________________________________________
resurrection from the
dead” (Philippians __________________________________________________
3:10-11).
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

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I recognize the need for godly counsel in my life as I plan and
try to balance the many areas of my life. Listed below are the names
of trusted confidants I will seek out to be my counselors. I will
apprise them of my situation and seek their wisdom. Most impor-
tant, I will ask them to pray with and for me.

My prayer partners: ____________________________

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
“Therefore, confess
__________________________________________________ your sins to one
__________________________________________________ another, and pray for
one another so that you
__________________________________________________ may be healed. The
effective prayer of a
righteous man can
Others who will pray for me: ______________________ accomplish much”
__________________________________________________ (James 5:16).
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

My accountability partners: ______________________

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Since your purpose statement will be a guide in your actions

and decisions, you’ll want to review it from time to time. It may also
change as you grow in wisdom and truth.

This chapter originally completed ______________________.

(date)
This chapter reviewed ______________________.
(date)

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“Choosing a career is not a one-time decision; it’s a

series of decisions, made as you progress through the seasons
and experiences of life. As the expression goes, we would
rather teach you to how to fish (make your own decisions) than
give you a fish (decide for you). In fact, if you can learn to fish
(make good career decisions) and then teach someone else,
maybe a lot of the employment, productivity, and even spiri-
tual problems that Christians struggle with today could be
resolved.”1

Lee Ellis

1. Larry Burkett and Lee Ellis, Your Career in Changing Times. Chicago: Moody Press,
1993, p. 142.

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4 Making Career
Decisions

In Finding Your Mission in Life (Ten Speed Press), Richard

Bolles discusses the need to unlearn the errors we have learned and
then learn the truths. That is the purpose of this chapter. First we
will look at what we need to unlearn about choosing a career; then
we will outline some steps that have proved to be successful.

How to Make Bad Career Decisions

1. Choose the first/easiest job you can get. This is the
slothful way out and it is certainly not being a good steward of your
talents. When you ignore your God-given talents, aren’t you “The soul of the
putting yourselves in a similar situation as the servant who buried sluggard craves and
his resources (in the parable Jesus related in Matthew 25:14-30)? gets nothing, but the
soul of the diligent is
It is likely there will be times in all of our careers when we made fat” (Proverbs
may take interim jobs just to put food on the table, but our goals 13:4).
should always be to move into areas where we are using our
strongest talents in our work.

2. Choose a job based on the amount of money it pays. We

have already discussed this in Chapter 1; however, this error is so
established in our culture it’s going to require a real measure of faith “He who loves money
for most people to actually choose a job on any other basis. Often, will not be satisfied with
money, nor he who
it is the attraction of materialism and our pride that causes us to want loves abundance with its
more and more. If you haven’t gone through Larry Burkett’s income. This too is
workbook, How to Manage Your Money (Moody Press), we strongly vanity” (Ecclesiastes
encourage you to do so. This Bible study on money provides a 5:10).
biblical foundation that will increase your faith and allow you to
find biblical contentment at whatever economic level God calls you.

3. Choose a job because it sounds like a good title. Have

you noticed how companies have changed the names of jobs to
make them sound more important? One discount store calls its “Better is he who is
cashiers “terminal operators,” and I’m sure you have noticed the lightly esteemed and has
emphasis our society places on having a good position. Doing what a servant than he who
you’re good at and what you enjoy is usually a far better way to honors himself and
choose a career path than just selecting a title and doing the work lacks bread” (Proverbs
12:9).
that accompanies it.

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A friend of mine told me recently, “I am fortunate because I
love my work. I have variety, I am outdoors, I get to help people,
and I’m my own boss.” Many people would not want his job,
however, because he pumps out septic tanks. I admire this man for
what he does and for the way he honors the Lord in his work. There
are many people who have impressive titles, but they hate their
work and would give anything to love their work like my friend
does.

“The naïve believes 4. Take a job just because management offers it. We see
everything, but the this happen repeatedly. For example, consider men and women
sensible man considers who excel in their production work. They love to work with their
his steps” (Proverbs hands. And they do such a good job of it, upper management
14:15).
decides to promote them to management level jobs.
So instead of doing what they love the most, they accept the
new promotion and oversee others doing the work. In the new
position, the employee must solve people problems, train others to
do the work, be responsible for the work of others, meet quotas, and
report to higher officials. Far too often the promotion only leads to
stress and frustration.
Rather, discuss your “pattern” of work-related attributes with
your employer to indicate the areas that will be the best fit for you.
You may be better off seeking to expand your areas of responsibil-
ity in your present job, instead of moving away from your skills and
area of expertise.
Don’t take a job just because upper management offers it.
Many managers still don’t comprehend the wisdom of matching
people to their work. Upper management might simply be trying to
fill a management slot, and that job description may or may not
match your talents. Carefully evaluate promotions in light of your
God-given strengths and your pattern for work. If it’s a match, go
for it. If it’s not a match, however, why be promoted to a job that’s
an obvious mismatch for you and one that’s certain to draw on your
deficiencies?

5. Choose a job because that’s what your parents do. One

of our client’s dad was a chemical engineer and his mom was a
biologist. He grew up believing that “real jobs” were to be found in
the sciences or law. His parents never told him that outright; he just
assumed it. So the young man struggled to prepare for a career in
law. He hated the studies, fought constant discouragement, toiled
endlessly for average grades, and finally quit law school.
In desperation, he took the Career Direct assessment, which
pointed him toward careers in the arts. This young man recently
graduated with a 4.0, with a degree in professional and technical

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writing. A letter from his college professor attests to his superior
qualifications; he was one of the best to ever graduate from that
university in that department.
Don’t choose a career track just because that’s what your
parents do. You may be 40 and just discovering what a tremendous
shadow of influence your parents have had on your career planning.
God has created you to be unique. Discover that uniqueness and
develop your career plans around it.

6. Choose a job to fulfill your parents’ unfulfilled dreams.

Parents must be very careful not to steer their children to something “There are varieties of
the parents would like. Career encouragement without thorough effects, but the same
consideration of the child’s God-given pattern usually causes God works all things in
serious stress in the child. Even though they don’t always show it, all persons”
(1 Corinthians 12:6).
young people generally want to please their parents. So if your
parents have pushed you in one direction and your natural bent is
in another, the problems can be serious.

Many college students delay choosing a major and

even suffer clinical depression because they are
unable to resolve a conflict between their parents’
desires and their natural bent. Parents need to
remember they are not owners; rather, they are
stewards, rearing a future adult.

7. Choose a job just because you have the minimum

ability to do it. God created humans as very special and highly “Delight yourself in the
developed organisms, so we all have many basic abilities. There are Lord; and he will give
you the desires of your
many jobs we can do, but they are not necessarily God’s plan for us.
heart” (Psalm 37:4).
Usually His plan also involves our strongest skills, our personali-
ties and, even more important, our motivations. He causes some
areas to appeal to us more than others, and these usually are related
to the career field in which He would have us shine for Him.

How to Make Good Career Decisions

1. First clarify your purpose in life. For the Christian, the
fundamental question is, Do I really trust my life to God’s hands?
Am I willing to relinquish control to Him? Since God wants what
“We are God’s
is best for us, and He has shown us over and over that He cares, then workmanship, created
why not let Him be in command? Why not commit to being a in Christ Jesus for good
servant in His kingdom for His honor and glory? works, which God
prepared in beforehand
We are not capable of perfectly living up to that commit- so that we would walk
ment but, praise the Lord, we don’t have to. He merely asks us to in them” (Ephesians
commit (to make it our will) to trust and obey, and then He sends 2:10).
the Holy Spirit to help us (see John 16:5-15).

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Once you’ve clarified your purpose, outline some goals
based on what you stand for and what you want the end results of
your work to be. You’ve been given talents and a life to live; this is
the “so what am I going to do with it” question that will serve as your
compass in life. You already should have answered this in Chapter
3. If you haven’t done so, go back now and work through that chapter.
2. Learn about your natural “bent.” This includes as a
minimum your abilities, interests, personality strengths, and your
priorities and values. Learning about your bent is the primary
purpose of the Career Direct® assessment. A written description
of your “pattern” will give you a good picture of your God-given
strengths. Understanding how God has gifted you can lead you to
your vocation and calling.
3. Investigate/explore several occupations that fit your
“pattern.” Using your pattern, you can concentrate your search on
the jobs that potentially are a good fit. Read, interview people, and
“Where there is no visit work sites in order to identify jobs that best match your pattern.
guidance the people fall,
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain through your
but in abundance of
counselors there is efforts. Don’t miss out on your niche because you didn’t take the
victory” (Proverbs time to find it.
11:14). What resources are available to help you in your search for
career information? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes
the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) and many other
resources. The OOH is available in hardcover, paperback, and CD-
ROM editions, and it can be found in most libraries and career
centers. You can access it online at http://stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm.
From this site, you also can read select articles from Occupational
Outlook Quarterly magazine online. The Occupational Informa-
tion Network is a comprehensive database of worker attributes and
job characteristics. As the replacement for the Dictionary of Occu-
pational Titles (DOT), O*NET is the nation’s primary source of
occupational information through the U.S. Department of Labor.
Explore its many resources at http://www.onetcenter.org.
4. Seek God’s confirmation. By now you should begin to
see possibilities in these occupations. Continue to pray specifically
for God’s direction in your search and His leading in your decision.
Share your information with other Christians who know you well,
and seek their counsel. Trust that God will help you make your
choice. Wait until He gives you peace about your decision.
“The plans of the
5. Choose your direction and your initial destination and
diligent lead surely to develop a plan to get there. If necessary, prepare yourself through
advantage, but everyone education and training to reach your goal. When you develop your
who is hasty comes talents you are like the servants who invested their talents and
surely to poverty” doubled them during the master’s absence (see Matthew 25:14-30).
(Proverbs 21:5).
6. Learn to manage your own career. Have you thought of
your career as a stewardship issue, as the above verse suggests? In
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the “old days,” workers tended to do the same tasks from their
hiring date till their retirement. But even the best worker in a buggy
whip factory recognized his career was in trouble when Henry Ford
began rolling automobiles off the assembly line. Today, the pace of
technical change is so fast that people must be prepared to change
occupations—even careers—often. It is better to anticipate change
than to be surprised by it. Ask the fellow at the back of the line!
How do you spot work trends that are going to influence your
career path for good or ill? The Internet is the place to begin. You
can search for jobs, receive advice on careers and résumés, or
research a company you are considering. Online services (such as
AOL, CompuServe, and Prodigy) offer career/job information
areas for their members. If you subscribe to AOL, check the
Christian Career Center—keyword: COCC. Another Christian
resource on the Internet is Not Just Bibles at http://www.iclnet.org/
pub/resources/christian-resources.html.
Among the best of secular sources on the Web, the following
sites are recommended often. They are listed in alphabetical order,
not according to preference, with a brief description of what you
will find there.
• American Society of Agricultural Engineers, at http://
www.asae.org/jobs. At this writing, they feature 211 dif-
ferent resource links in a variety of occupations.
• America’s Employers from Career Relocation Corporation
of America, at http://americasemployers.com. It includes
essential information for beginners, advertised positions,
recruiters, company databases, chat room, and more.
• America’s Job Bank, at http://www.ajb.dni.us. This is a
partnership between the U.S. Department of Labor and the
state operated public Employment Service. Almost
1,000,000 jobs were listed the last time we checked this
site.
• Job Web, at http://www.jobweb.com. Sponsored by the
National Association of Colleges and Employers, this site
matches students and alumni with potential employers.
• The Monster Board, at http://www.monster.com. Created
by the merging of The Monster Board and Online Career
Center (http://www.occ.com), it offers résumé manage-
ment, job search agent, careers network, chats and mes-
sage boards, advice on career management, and more.
• What Color Is Your Parachute, from Dick Bolles, author
of the same titled book, at http://www.jobhuntersbible.com.
This site offers up-to-date job search information.

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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
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7. Become a lifelong learner, always gathering new ideas

about your work and its related fields. We are to study both the
Bible and our vocations in order to show ourselves approved. Our
society has moved through the agricultural age, the industrial age,
and now it is in the information age. Farmers are now using
computers and advanced technology in order to compete. Re-
nowned management consultant Peter Drucker said, “Continuous
learning will be the most important thing in the 21st century.
Reading, taking courses, and further training are a way of life for
those who want to excel at work.”
8. Refine your career as you go along. After you’re in a job
you’ll see areas in which you can grow and develop. Prepare, and
move along when the doors open. Be careful not to move up into an
area that does not suit your strengths. We often see employees move
into management because it looks like a good “career move,” only to
discover the stress of being mismatched to their new responsibilities.

The Role of Prayer in Decision Making

“Many plans are in a We cannot leave the subject of decision making without
man’s heart, but the emphasizing the importance of prayer. Prayer is a powerful way
counsel of the Lord will
stand” (Proverbs
that God has ordained for us to operate in the supernatural spiritual
19:21). realm on this earth. When we neglect prayer, not only are we being
disobedient, we are shortchanging God and ourselves of His best
for us. In prayer He molds our hearts to His perfect will, and it is
through prayer that He changes the hearts of others and even the
very circumstances around us. We must pray, pray, and continue to
pray so that our hearts are tuned in to His message for us.

HOW TO PRAY
1. Create a prayer agenda for each scheduled prayer
time. This can range from a brief list of names and job leads to more
extensive journal notes. As you compile this agenda, don’t allow
your career issues to consume your entire prayer life. Maintain
balance in your devotions by concentrating on God’s character, as
well as on the needs of others. As difficult as it may sound, life goes
on in spite of your career transition, and God desires to touch the
lives of others through you.
2. File your past prayer agendas. By keeping track of them,
you will be able to see answers to your prayers as time passes. This can
become a real source of encouragement to you and your spouse.
3. Ask God for an open heart to His Word. According to
Psalm 1, the person who delights in the law of the Lord “is like a tree
firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its
season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he
prospers” (Psalm 1:3). Like seeds sown in a garden, the principles

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from God’s Word will sprout up, bearing the fruits of righteous-
ness, peace, and purpose in your life.
4. Praise God for His faithfulness to you and your fam-
ily. If you cannot discern His provision for you, ask Him to show
you how He’s providing. One of His names is Jehovah-Jireh,
meaning “Jehovah’s provision shall be seen.”

WE ALL NEED PRAYER PARTNERS

We are to pray alone, but we also need to have prayer
partners. We need the support of our spouses, our families, our
friends, and we also need a same-sex prayer partner. There is
something very special and very encouraging about a prayer
partner. If you don’t have one, get one, and meet at least once a
week to share and pray together.

A Framework for Decision Making

In counseling at Crown Financial Ministries, we’ve observed
over and over a systematic plan for discovering God’s will. This
method works for career, financial, or any other type decision-

Trust - Faith

Our Role—Process God’s Role—Results

• Submit and commit to follow • Open doors
God’s call
• Pray for His will and wisdom • Close doors
• Anticipate the likelihood of
change • Confirm His will
• Work the process—
Assessment, résumé, investigation, • Give us peace
job search, and so on
• Seek godly counsel
• Produce results
• Exercise patience—wait
• Make choices based on the steps
• Glorify His name
above
• Glorify God

Holy Spirit
Note: Items on each side not intended to be parallel.

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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
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making situation. As you can see, usually this is not an overnight
process; rather, it’s a walk in faith.

Too often we work things backward. We decide on the results

we want and then pray that God will bless us and make them
happen. When we do this we deny Him full control, and we deny
ourselves His full blessings. Turning the results over to Him is a
critical, but necessary, step if we are going to know His will.

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5 Gaining Wisdom for a

Career Transition
We must be prepared to make changes, because today’s
world of work is changing constantly. More than in the past, what
you decide about the following questions will impact the work you
undertake.
• Who will I work for—myself or others?
• What will I do—specialize or generalize?
• When will I work—part-time, full-time?
• Where will I work—at the office, on the road, or from my
home?
• How will I work—as an employee, temp, or contractor?
Considering a career transition is often a crisis situation. The
transition can be more of a “controlled” crisis when you have a
year’s advance warning of layoffs, or it can be more of an “abrupt”
crisis, if you receive a pink slip at 4:55 P.M. on Friday. Either way,
a career transition begets change, and increased levels of stress
usually accompany major life changes.
The key to making successful changes is making wise deci-
sions. All of us like to make decisions today that we’ll still be
pleased with 10 years from now. And, even though no one is
perfect, careful and prayerful preparation can minimize mistakes
and help us to avoid hasty, impulsive choices. Wise decisions are
highly valued commodities and are possible to achieve.

Five Steps to Making a Wise Career “If any of you lacks

wisdom, let him ask of
Transition God, who gives to all
generously and without
1. Earnestly seek wisdom. Prayerfully and earnestly make reproach, and it will be
this a priority in your life. Seek to understand your circumstances given to him. But he
from God’s point of view. God has promised in His word that He must ask in faith without
any doubting, for the
will grant wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5-8). . . so ask! The one who doubts is like
career decision you’re facing is only one component of God’s the surf of the sea,
overall plan for your life. The early chapters of Proverbs will be a driven and tossed by the
true inspiration for you in your search for wisdom. wind. For that man
ought not to expect that
2. Exercise faith. Even when you have done all the research he will receive anything
possible on the career transition, there comes a moment of decision from the Lord, being a
when you must step out in faith. You cannot predict your future. You double-minded man,
unstable in all his way”
never can amass all the information necessary. In spite of your very (James 1:5-8).
best efforts, it is possible that you will not succeed as you had hoped.
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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
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The good news is, God not only blesses our best efforts, but
He also redeems our failures. Redemption, the capacity to make
something good out of something bad, is God’s business. Look
what He did with the cross: He turned it into the resurrection. And
consider how He brought you to salvation. So at the very worst, God
is able to handle even our biggest mistakes and worst failures.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “Without faith it is impossible to please
Him.” That being true, why should you be surprised when He calls
you to step out in faith? He knows you don’t have all the answers.
He knows you cannot peer into tomorrow. You don’t have to. He’s
already there. Jesus is the eternal One. Do all you can; then trust
Him for the outcome.
Very likely you are familiar with the story of the apostle Peter
walking on the water in response to the beckoning of the Lord Jesus.
The story is found in Matthew 14:22-33. At the call of Jesus, Peter
stepped away from the safety and security of the boat and began
walking across the water to Jesus. He was fine until he took his eyes
off the Lord, and then he began to sink. “Save me!” Peter cried to
Jesus. And, of course, Jesus rescued him from harm’s way.
It’s better to be knee deep in water while holding on to the
hand of Jesus than it is to be in the boat without Him. Likewise, it’s
better to step out in faith with Jesus in your career decision than it
is to resist His Spirit and remain in the safety of what you have now.
This, of course, presumes you sense the Lord beckoning you forth
into a career transition.
3. Commit yourself to action. You can think about career
changes for the rest of your life. Thinking is important but, in and
of itself, it won’t get the job done. There comes a time to decide.
There comes a time to act.
For Moses, the time came under stressful conditions. Pharaoh’s
army was closing in from the West. Nothing but water on the East.
Deep water. The only alternative was to do what God said to do. He
stretched out his staff over the waters of the Red Sea. . . and God
split them wide open. Notice that nothing happened until Moses
acted upon what God told him to do.
It’s not uncommon for people to become immobilized by
what we call “paralysis by analysis.” They become so caught up in
analyzing the circumstances that they cannot come to a point of
decision. They get lost in a forest of facts.
Hold yourself accountable to someone for making a commit-
ment, even if that commitment is to remain in your present work.
4. Seek a mentor. One of the real blessings of working on
the Crown staff comes from mentoring relationships in the office.
We teach one another. We challenge one another. For the sake of
Christ, we submit to one another. And the result is we usually raise
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our performance a notch or two. We’ve discovered that we can do
better if we candidly entrust ourselves to one another and to the
Lord. The biblical principle behind our mentoring relationships
says, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Prov-
erbs 27:17).
As you process all the relevant factors to your career transi-
tion, we highly encourage you to seek out a mentor to whom you
will be accountable. You might have several mentors: one to
oversee your financial transition, one to assist you with this
particular career transition chapter, and another to help you evalu-
ate your strengths and struggles for work.
Don’t overlook the importance of obtaining a wise, godly
mentor during a career transition. One of the contributing factors to
mental depression is isolation. It’s no secret that job loss is
frequently associated with shame or guilt in our society. Those are
powerful emotional forces that cause us to withdraw from our
support base of friends and family. This kind of isolation quickly
commences a spiraling effect that leads to deeper and deeper
depression. Don’t fall into this trap. Being accountable to a mentor
can help you remain strong, persistent, and actively involved in
your job search.
5. Persist in the battle. Seldom are wars won by one battle.
Instead, they are won by systematic campaigns which are com-
posed of persistent efforts. Sometimes there are setbacks. Things
may look gloomy from time to time, and “the enemy” may appear
to have the upper hand.
In those times, remember that God has called you to be
responsible to work the process, and He will produce the results.
Give it your best in your current work. Discover and refine your
talents to shine the brightest. Network like you know everyone in
the business. Whittle that résumé down to a sharp, impressive
finish. Research that new company, and practice for that upcoming
interview. And when you’ve done everything you can do, trust God
to work out the results.
Failure is not the result of a layoff or rejected résumé. Neither
is it being passed over on the short list of interviews. Failure comes
from giving up, not even trying, quenching the spirit of hope within
you that prompts you to excel. Failure closes God out of the picture
by telling Him that He’s not even big enough to handle the situation.
Persist! As the great British statesman, Winston Churchill
once said, “Never quit. Never, never, never, never, never, never,
never, never quit.”
You do your part and trust God to do His.

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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 5
Five Elements of a Wise Decision
1. A wise decision is made with all the relevant facts at
hand that are possible to obtain. A wise decision has been
soundly researched. “It is not good for a person to be without
knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps errs” (Proverbs 19:2).
2. A wise decision is consistent with the principles from
God’s Word. Study the Bible with an eye to specific counsel
concerning life purpose and work issues. “Your word is a lamp to
my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
3. A wise decision is made after thoughtful interaction
with your spouse (if you’re married). “Be subject to one another
in the fear of Christ” (Ephesians 5:21).
4. A wise decision is informed by godly counsel. Seek the
reflections of your pastor and respected Christian friends. “By wise
guidance you will wage war, and in abundance of counselors there
is victory” (Proverbs 24:6).
5. A wise decision is molded by the power of the Holy
Spirit. Jesus said, “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will
guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13).

Considering the Larger Picture

By incorporating these principles into your career planning,
“Which one of you, you have taken some important steps toward making wise decisions
when he wants to build about your career development. You should have a clear picture of
a tower, does not first your personality strengths, skills, vocational interests, and values.
sit down and calculate
the cost to see if he has
These four areas are critical to the formation of your unique pattern
enough to complete it? for work (see chapter 2). Information in these areas is like an inner
Otherwise, when he has X ray of you, revealing the strengths God has endowed to you and
laid a foundation and is the values that drive your desire to work.
not able to finish, all
who observe it begin to
The remaining issue is, how can you make wise career
ridicule him, saying, decisions based on this information? If you suddenly find yourself
‘This man began to stumped, you’re not alone. Beyond your pattern, there are additional
build and was not able factors to consider when planning a career transition. Seldom are
to finish’” (Luke 14:28- people free to strike out on a new career direction based only on new
30). insights about themselves. Other factors may complicate our career
plans or entangle us. The diagram illustrates some of these factors.
For instance, you may have to consider a host of personal
financial factors. If your spouse is working, how will your job
change affect him or her? If a new job requires you to move from
one region of the country to another, you must evaluate those
factors, especially if you’re moving away from extended family.
Indeed, a survey of more than 4,500 transferring employees
and their families, published by the National Business Employment
Weekly, shows that the largest hurdles to overcome in a career
transition are personal issues and not job-related issues. Almost
three-fifths (58 percent) of the respondents said their most pressing
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problems following a relocation concerned psychological or emo-

tional factors.1 Examples include missing your church family,
favorite restaurant, support base of friends, the kids adjusting to
new schools, and so on. You can see that there are a wide range of
issues to consider and evaluate when making a job change.
Also, consider potential job situations from a more long-
range perspective. Will the occupation you are considering prepare
you or lead you to future vocations that may better fit your pattern?
To help you assess these factors, we have developed a series
of questions to consider as part of your career planning. By
answering these questions, you are working through the same
process we would follow if we were providing personal counseling.
Since most people don’t have a career counselor, we reem-
phasize the importance of a mentor—a respected, mature Christian
from your sphere of fellowship—who can oversee you as you
complete these questions. You may very well be approaching the
most critical, dynamic steps of your career transition. This is the
analytical stage, in which you synthesize all the study information
you’ve been exposed to. If Satan were to throw up any road blocks
in the process, here’s where he’ll attack with discouragement and
distraction. He may attempt to convince you that you’ve done
enough by discovering how God has made you. But the truth is, God
wants you to both discover and apply what you’ve learned for His
sake and His work here on earth.
Frankly, there are usually only a few key transition points in
our lives when so much is at stake. You may be standing at such a
crossroads yourself right now. You literally will be living out the
consequences of the current career decision for years to come.
Having a mentor at this stage of your career transition is a wise step
to take. Just do it.
Carefully work through the following pages to consider the
many factors relevant to your career decisions.
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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
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1. ASSESS YOUR CURRENT SITUATION
Use the space below to identify the factors you are most pleased
with in your current work. Will new opportunities offer similar
qualities and opportunities?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Use the space below to identify the factors causing you the most
stress in your current work. As you investigate new opportunities,
be sure to evaluate whether the factors will be present.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Are other, non-career factors prompting the possible job change? If

so, what are they?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

What God-given talents are you using in your current work?

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

What God-given talents are being underused in your current work?

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

How does your current work stress affect your family life?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

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How does your current work stress affect your spiritual life?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

NOTE: If you have completed Career Direct¨, the insights from

your personality style report will help you to clarify your areas of
strength and struggle below.
Use the following lines to identify your natural strength areas that
will help you in making a career transition.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Use the following lines to identify your natural struggle areas that
may complicate your ability to make a career transition.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is neglected and 10 is superior,

evaluate your personal lifestyle habits in the following areas:
____ Leisure ____ Family time
____ Diet habits ____ Ministry time in your church
____ Exercise
How do you anticipate these areas will be affected by a new job
opportunty?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

If you could plan and develop your career over again, what would
you do differently? Why?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
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2. ASSESS THE POSSIBILITIES OF A CAREER CHANGE
What risks do you face by remaining in your current job?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Have you studied future trends in your present or chosen career field?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

What counsel are you receiving from your peers in your field about
making a job change? List specific encouragements and reserva-
tions. Record insights from three people.
1. _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Have you clearly articulated your career goals? In the space below,
state at least one short-term goal (within months), one intermediate
goal (6 months to 5 years), and one long-range goal (5 years to 20
years).
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

What risks are involved in making a job change at this time in your life?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Have you reviewed a job description for the position you are
considering? If so, how does it match your God-given talents,
skills, interests, and values? How does it compare to your present
position? How will it be different?

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

3. FAMILY CONSIDERATIONS
(Respond as applicable)
Does your spouse support your changing jobs? List his or her key
pro and con points. Use space below to summarize.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Will your job change necessitate a change of jobs for your spouse?
In the space below, summarize your spouse’s outlook and attitude
about changing his or her job.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Are there specific, unresolved issues between you and your spouse
regarding a job change? What are they, and what is your plan to
address these issues?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Will your job change result in a move or your children changing

schools? In the space below, summarize each child’s concerns (if
appropriate). Example: Susie will have to quit the cheerleading
team; John may jeopardize a college scholarship if he quits the
basketball team.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
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Will your modes of transportation change because of a new job?
__________________________________________________

Will your job change result in a change in work schedule? If so, will
this require new child-care arrangements?
__________________________________________________
What benefits will the new job offer? vacation? sick time? family
emergency time?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Will changing jobs alter your health care benefits package? If so,
how? What financial impact will this have for your family?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

4. EDUCATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Will the new job require more education or new certification on
your part? If so, what are the new qualifications and how will you
meet them?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

How will you pay for more course work?

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Approximately how long will it take for you to obtain this educa-
tion, training, or certification? On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is
impossible and 10 is highly probable, evaluate and rank your
likelihood of completing the training at this stage in your life.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Are you qualified for admission into a new degree program? (Note:
You may have to meet with college representatives or review a
college catalog to answer this question.)
__________________________________________________
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Will you be taking evening classes? If so, where?
__________________________________________________

How will evening classes impact your family time with spouse and
children?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Will you have to arrange for child care while you’re in class?
__________________________________________________

5. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
How will the new job pay? twice a month? once a month? on
completion?
__________________________________________________

What will your take-home pay be?

__________________________________________________

Will you have to work one complete pay period before drawing a
check?
__________________________________________________

How will you pay expenses prior to your first check?

__________________________________________________

How will your new pay rate impact your ability to pay off past
loans, credit cards, or other debts? List adjustments you will have
to make below.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

How will a job or career change impact your retirement plans? Will
you be losing seniority?
__________________________________________________

How will your old and new budgets compare if you take a new job?
__________________________________________________
Are you fully invested in your company’s retirement plans? What
steps will you take to roll over your current retirement plans to a
new plan?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

If you are an independent contractor, are your rates competitive?

__________________________________________________
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Will your new company be paying all or a portion of your moving
expenses? If not, list your anticipated moving expenses below,
along with an estimate of each cost.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

If you are paying a portion of your moving expenses, do you have

sufficient savings reserves to cover these costs?
__________________________________________________

If you are moving, have you calculated the cost-of-living expenses

in areas of food, housing, utilities, and insurance? Other factors?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

6. GEOGRAPHIC CONSIDERATIONS
Will the new job require you to move?
__________________________________________________

Will the new job necessitate selling your home?

__________________________________________________

What impact will moving have on your children?

__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

What impact will moving have on your relationships with parents,

in-laws, and extended family?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Are there areas of the country where you don’t want to live
(allergies, harsh winters, hurricanes, and so forth)?
__________________________________________________

Will you move while the children are in school or wait until summer
break?
__________________________________________________
Will your new community have recreation facilities/activities
available?
__________________________________________________

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What have you learned about the political and moral climate of your
new community?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

If you move, will your children be homeschooled? attend Christian

school? private school? public school? If public school, how does
the new school district rank with the rest of the state?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

7. FAITH CONSIDERATIONS
What counsel do your pastor and church leaders offer?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Identify and list the Scripture passages that are most meaningful
and insightful to you in this decision-making process.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

What will it mean for you to leave your current church home?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

What church leadership responsibilities will you be vacating if you

move?
__________________________________________________
What kind of church will you be looking for in a new community?
What factors do you regard as “essential” as you look for a new
church family?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
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If you are electing to change jobs, how are you different from Jonah,
who sought to avoid circumstances by changing locations?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Do you have personal fears or concerns to address when making a

job change? What about your spouse? List them below.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

List people below who are serving as a prayer-support team to

intercede for you while considering this change.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Are you consistent in your “quiet times” with the Lord in Bible
study and prayer? Summarize what the Lord is teaching you
through your circumstances in the space below.
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Are there any attitudes or behaviors present in your life that are
contrary to God’s written Word? Any that could complicate your
ability to understand how God is leading you?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

8. LONGER RANGE CONSIDERATIONS

It has been said that people spend more time planning for their
vacations than for their future. The following questions are de-
signed to help you think about what your life would be like if you
lived it “on purpose” rather than “by accident” (by design rather
than circumstances). Think of these questions in terms of your
calling and gifts, as well as your occupational work. Have you
identified tasks or ministries God has put you here to do? How does
your job mesh with your own personal priorities? Does your work
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complement the ways God has gifted you? Does it fulfill the
passions you feel in your life? It is important to factor in these issues
when considering a career change. As the saying goes, “If you want
to change some things in your life, some things will have to change
in your life!”

If you could describe your “perfect work” five years into the future,
what would it be like? What productive work would you be doing?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

How will the occupational change you are considering prepare you
or lead you toward the productive work that is your ideal?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

If you could create the ideal environment for your family five years
into the future, what would it be like?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

How will the occupational change you are considering prepare you
or lead you toward that ideal environment?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

If you could identify an area of Christian service for five years into
the future, what kind of service would you like to be involved in?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

How will the occupational change you are considering prepare you
or lead you toward that ideal Christian service?
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

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CHAPTER 5
You have now evaluated eight factors relevant to making a
career transition. As pictured in the diagram below, you can see
how each of these factors will influence your ability to make a
career transition.
To summarize what you have discovered, use the spaces
below to identify any remaining barriers to your career progress. Be
“Without faith it is
as specific as you can, and use extra paper if necessary. Some
impossible to please
God, because anyone sections may have a number of remaining obstacles, and you may
who comes to Him must have no entries in some sections.
believe that He exists You are also provided space to identify decisions that must be
and that He rewards
those who earnestly made about the obstacles, along with target dates for making the
seek Him” (Hebrews decision. Since these details may change from time to time, consider
11:6). this section a “working document” to be completed in pencil.

1. MY CURRENT SITUATION
a. Obstacles to overcome:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

b. Decisions to make, along with target dates:

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

2. POSSIBILITIES OF A CAREER CHANGE

a. Obstacles to overcome:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
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b. Decisions to make, along with target dates:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

3. FAMILY CONSIDERATIONS
a. Obstacles to overcome:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

b. Decisions to make, along with target dates:

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

4. EDUCATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
a. Obstacles to overcome:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

b. Decisions to make, along with target dates:

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

5. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
a. Obstacles to overcome:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

b. Decisions to make, along with target dates:

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

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6. GEOGRAPHIC CONSIDERATIONS
a. Obstacles to overcome:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

b. Decisions to make, along with target dates:

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

7. FAITH CONSIDERATIONS
a. Obstacles to overcome:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

b. Decisions to make, along with target dates:

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

8. LONGER RANGE CONSIDERATIONS

a. Obstacles to overcome:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

b. Decisions to make, along with target dates:

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

In addition to the previous eight factors, you may have other

significant matters to consider when making a career decision. Use
the spaces on the following page to identify additional obstacles to
overcome and decisions to make.

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9. FACTOR ______________________________
a. Obstacles to overcome:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

b. Decisions to make, along with target dates:

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

10. FACTOR ______________________________

a. Obstacles to overcome:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

b. Decisions to make, along with target dates:

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

ENDNOTES
1. Paul Hobson-Panico and Michael F. Tucker, “What You Can Expect During a Relocation,”
reprinted from The National Employment Weekly, published by The Wall Street Journal, p.3.

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 A Guide to Career Decision Making

“When Christians discover how God has wired them

for work and then seek employment in careers and occupa-
tions where their natural talents and God-given attributes
come into play, they will be more contented, joyful,
productive, and excellent in their work.”

Jack Gibbs
Crown Financial Ministries

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CHAPTER 6

6 Keys to Employment
in the 21st Century

Introduction to Change
The saying goes that there are three kinds of people in the
world: those who make things happen, those who watch it happen,
and those who never knew it happened.
The cutting edge for workers in the 21st century belongs to
those who make things happen. Two key characteristics (which in
some ways are opposites) describe the worker who will thrive in
this rapidly changing work world: focus and versatility.
One key element for 21st century workers will be the ability
to focus their work on the natural strengths and talents God has
provided to them especially. This will require a thorough under-
standing of these talents. Unsure, unfocused workers will flounder,
as focused workers keep pace with the changing work scene.
Versatility is the second key to competence. It’s not enough
to simply know how God has created us. In addition, we must be
able to discern quickly how to use our God-given talents in new
work settings.
In football, this simple strategy is known as “read and react”
on defense. When the football is snapped to the quarterback, the
defense must “read” where the play is headed immediately. If
properly read, the next step involves reacting with an effective
counterstrategy in time to make the tackle.

Ten Major Trends

Armed with a knowledge of our God-given strengths, work-
ers moving into the 21st century must “read and react” to changes
in order to compete. This necessarily means taking initiative and
responsibility for personal career development, rather than waiting
for the work world to seek them.
For this reason, we have compiled a number of major trends
that are reshaping the work world around us. As you review them,
do your best to discover implications for yourself and your career
development.

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CHAPTER 6
1. BECOMING A GLOBAL VILLAGE
The close of the 20th century brought about rapid changes in
worldwide trade policies, with the ratification of major treaties like
NAFTA resulting in a complex, interdependent global market. The
United States signed into the NAFTA and GATT treaties.
No longer operating within independent, nationalistic cul-
tures, the work forces of industrialized and Third World nations
have begun to collide. The 350 million high-paid workers in
industrialized nations are suddenly competing with over a billion
workers in Third World nations who are eager to work for far less.
The result has been abrupt changes in trade policy.
Workers who are adept at high tech communications will
continue to be in demand. Likewise, those who become proficient
in a second or third language will hold the edge in the competitive,
global workforce. Increasingly, corporations will need to grow in
knowledge and sensitivity to once remote cultures.

2. FURTHER CORPORATE DOWNSIZING

As global networking increases, market prices must remain
steady in order to stay competitive. Expect mergers, cost-cutting
measures, and layoffs to continue in an effort to maintain corporate
profits. In addition, the growing and efficient use of technology will
permanently replace many workers. Losses in the manufacturing
sector, along with textiles, farming, and mid-management jobs,
will be substantial.
Particularly vulnerable are middle-management men. His-
torically, they have been paid more than women in similar posi-
tions. And, although seniority used to be an asset, it now may very
well be a liability. Since business workers who have remained with
the same company over the years are paid more than those hired
more recently, it’s no surprise to see this group on the chopping
block first in the quest for corporate savings.

3. MORE WORK FOR FEWER WORKERS

Fewer laid-off workers will be replaced. Instead, remaining
staff will be required to take up the slack, resulting in a heavier work
load. So far, the strategy has worked. The prevailing view is that
corporations exist to create immediate profits for current stock-
holders, not to create work for employees or long-term growth for
the company. The tendency in many industries is to retain a
minimum of essential employees and work them until they burn
out, at which time those employees will move on to other jobs and
can be replaced by new workers who may have burned out and
moved on from their last jobs.

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4. TALENT BECOMES FOCUS FOR JOB SECURITY
Job security is a relic of the past. In the old workplace model,
security came with the company. Not any more. Job security in the
future belongs to the worker whose “excellent” skills are in high
demand. An employee’s productivity and quality makes him or her
necessary to the economic success of a business or organization.
Since each work day has a direct effect on profitability, workers are
judged by their daily contributions.
The job market changes rapidly as new technologies create
new employment demands. In the future, you may find yourself
doing a job that doesn’t even exist now. In such rapidly changing
work conditions, security rests in the skilled application of your
God-given talents and compatible work settings in which to use them.
Being mismatched in your work lowers productivity, morale,
and often, quality of work—not exactly the description for job
security.

5. RAPID ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY

Few American workers used a computer on their job ten years
ago. Today, more than half of workers use one. We have seen a
steep, steady increase in acceptance of new technology in our
homes and in our businesses.
The S Curve (below) demonstrates how quickly technologi-
cal advances can be accepted. In history, we have seen this proved
with the telephone, television, fax machine, cellular phone, com-
puter, and the Internet. As new technologies are introduced, com-
petition will recognize and reward those who stay in step, which
will advance them in their chosen careers.

With ideal market

penetration, whatever
time it takes for a
new technology to be
accepted by 10
percent of the
population, in that
same amount of time
again, the technology
would gain
acceptance in up to
90 percent of the
population.1

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Time is money. Access to information is money. Increasingly
sophisticated technology will continue to deliver information faster.
Anticipate faster, more frequent changes due to more efficient use
of technology. And if you haven’t already, take a class in comput-
ers. Become skilled at using what Microsoft president Bill Gates
calls digital tools.
But, at the same time, understand the value of combining
“high touch” people skills with your “high tech” computer skills.
Being people smart pays big dividends, so seek ways to use the
information you discover through Career Direct. In Gates’ words,
“Analytical [computer] software enables you to shift human re-
sources from data collection to value-added customer service and
support where the human touch makes a profound difference.”2

▼
6. HOME-BASED BUSINESSES GROW IN
POPULARITY
More and more, workers who are laid off choose to start their
own businesses. Home-based business is now the fastest growing
sector of the economy, as people try to take advantage of trends that
permit greater flexibility and control of time and income.
Depending on the type, starting your own home business may
require substantial financial and time resources. Be sure your
family is braced for the adjustment. A survey of first-year business
owners revealed that half worked between 50 and 70 hours a week;
another fourth worked more than 70 hours. Only 13 percent of new
business owners worked between 40 and 49 hours in running their
ventures.3 Those who want to own a business often discover their
business owns them.
Chapter 10 of this book has some helpful tips if you are
considering this step.

7. TELECOMMUTING FROM HOME

▼

As workers continue to become empowered to make deci-

sions and work independently on projects, the feasibility of work-
ing from home offices increases. Technological advances have
made home office work as simple as a PC and Internet access.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2001 about 19.8
million people were working at least once a week from home.
The trend will continue for a time, but watch for it to level off.
Humans are incredibly social creatures and many will crave the
dynamics of the office. Some home workers have expressed shock
over suddenly discovering the absence of support services that are
available at the home office but not at their home: administrative
support, brainstorming sessions, copy and fax machines.

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▼ CHAPTER 6
8. PREPARATION FOR WORK IS ESSENTIAL
U.S. Department of Labor statistics tell the story of how
important a college education is for future earnings, as reported in
the Occupational Outlook Quarterly:
AVERAGE 2000 ANNUAL SALARIES
High school graduate $28,800
Bachelor’s degree $46,300
Master’s degree $55,300
Doctorate $70,500
Professional degree $80,200
But not all degrees are equally valuable to employers. Starting
salaries by student majors:
Chemical engineering $47,810
Electrical engineering $45,879
Computer science $44,466
History $28,430
English $27,615
Psychology $27,230 5

You’ll note that chemical-engineering students were valued

almost twice as much as psychology majors. But, according to
Careers 2000, a career planning publication, “If you want to pursue
a business career as such, in industry, finances or health care, the
new paradigm says, learn all you can about the world first and pick
up the specifics as you go along.” Generally speaking, the demand
for 21st century workers will more likely be for generalists who
have specialist capabilities; and, a college degree will provide
broad equipping for work. The article suggests that with so many
middle managers gone, through corporate downsizing in the last
decade, there will be a need for generalists who “have core skills
that you can leverage throughout the organization, innate qualities
of problem solving, leadership, adaptability for change.”
A word of caution is appropriate here. A college degree is no
guarantee of a good job. In fact, many current college graduates
take jobs that don’t require college degrees. And some expect the
ratio to climb to one in every four college graduates in the next decade.
There appears to be two exceptions to the necessity of the
college degree. One is to start your own business as an entrepre-
neur. A survey of highly successful U.S. entrepreneurs indicates
that only 46 percent received their college degrees, 29 percent never
went to college, and 27 percent started college but never finished.6
The second exception to the college degree is learning a

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skilled trade in a vocational-technical school setting. Thousands
make a fine living as cosmetologists, electricians, automotive
specialists, or in heating and air conditioning repair work.
Unless you’re a highly driven entrepreneur or plan to learn a
skilled trade in vocational-technical school, getting your college
degree should be in your plans. And your education won’t stop

▼
there. Be prepared to be a lifelong learner by upgrading your skills
and knowledge in continuing education classes and seminars.

9. TEMPORARIES AND PART-TIMERS INCREASE

Once regarded as second-class job opportunities, temporaries
and part-timers are emerging as respectable, even desirable, career
steps. Some highly skilled workers work as temps in order to
control their schedules and make time for other priorities. Many
companies use temporaries for high-tech work so they can expand
their workforce according to workload. Other companies use
temporary agencies as a way to screen workers for possibly
permanent positions.
Some managers are hired back as consultants by the compa-
nies that laid them off. Such contract executives are typically very
task-oriented and very focused and may be hired at a higher rate of
pay than those who survived the cutbacks. Often, contract workers
do not enjoy the benefits package of regular employees, but their
pay scale may make up for the difference. In deference to stock-
holder dividends, some corporate cutbacks have gone too deep, or
cuts were made in the wrong areas, leaving some departments
understaffed. We know of companies that offered early retirement
packages to some of their employees and then turned around and
hired them back as higher-paid contract workers.
Managers are not the only people working temporary posi-
tions. Part-time jobs (less than 30 hours a week) are growing,
saving employers the thousands of dollars in health benefits paid
for a full-time employee. Additional savings for the employer can
be found by eliminating vacation time, sick leave, holidays, and
retirement benefits for part-timers. A result of this strategy is that
▼

more and more American workers are holding down two or three
jobs.

10. LIFELONG EDUCATION AND UPGRADING

OF SKILLS
Assuming that your current skills are sufficient for tomorrow’s
workplace may be an exercise in self-delusion. In the old work
world, obtaining a college degree and finding one’s niche in the
company equaled job security. Workers engaged similar work
processes and assignments for years at a time.
The attitude of coasting in your job, however, compares
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favorably to a pit stop during the Indianapolis 500 race. While
you’re parked in pit row, the rest of the field is racing by, leaving
you in a constant “catch-up” posture.
In the new work environment, workers prepared for the 21st
century must be in the constant mode of upgrading and refining
their skills. Indeed, you are a steward of your natural strengths,
talents, and skills. As such, God expects you to constantly be using
and refining them.
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus taught the parable of the talents,
understood as a measure of silver in the New Testament. Even
though He was speaking of money, the principle of stewardship
applies to the use of our natural talents from God. He blesses us
when we invest our talents and use them for His glory. In fact, Jesus
said, “To everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have
an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he
does have shall be taken away” (Matthew 25:29).
Another way of stating this principle in modern language is
“use it or lose it,” meaning invest your talents or they will lose their
value.
Christians should anticipate changes in the future workplace
with faith and courage. Although it is impossible for us to predict
precise details of the future, we do know the One who is already
there. “He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will
not slumber” (Psalm 121:3).
Your career pathway may not be easy or painless. But God’s
promise to you is that you will not walk it alone. He’s with you each
step of the way.

ENDNOTES
1. “S-curves are frequently used to estimate or forecast the rate of adoption of a technology, the
rate at which the performance of a technology improves, or the market penetration of a technology
or product over time. Implicit in S-curve forecasting are assumptions of slow initial growth,
subsequent rapid growth, followed by declining growth as saturation levels are achieved,” says
Stephen R. Lawrence, Associate Professor of Operations Management at The College of Business
and Administration, University of Colorado at Boulder. His practical worksheet and demonstration
of S-curve theory can be found at http://www-bus.colorado.edu/faculty/lawrence/TOOLS/SCurve/
scurve.xls.
2. Bill Gates, Business @ the Speed of Thought. New York: Warner Books, 1999, p. 235.
3. Norman M. Scarbrough and Thomas W. Zimmerer, “Entrepreneurs: The Driving Force
Behind Small Business,” Effective Small Business Management (NY: MacMillan), Fourth Edition,
p. 4.
4. “Education Pays,” OOQ Chart, Occupational Outlook Quarterly, BLS, Spring 2002.
5. Marilyn Geewax, “1999-2000: Men Earn, Women Learn,” Atlanta Journal and Constitution,
March 14, 1999, sec. R, p. 1 (citing the U.S. Census Bureau and Newsweek magazine).
6. A. Gary Shilling, “Cutting Deals,” Forbes, January 30, 1995, p. 142.

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 A Guide to Career Decision Making

“The more we know about how God has wired us for the
work He has called us to do, the less we need to rely on the
world’s criteria for success, meaning, and significance.”

Jack Gibbs
Crown Financial Ministries

CAREER DIRECT ®
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CHAPTER 7

7 Searching for a Job

As you begin your job search, there is no way to guarantee

immediate success. Most likely it will require a focused and
persistent effort on your part. Your attitude will be very important
during this time, and the best way to have a good attitude is to keep
the big picture in perspective. Ask yourself again: What is the
purpose of my work? (See Chapter 3.)
Also, as discussed in Chapter 4, your job is to work the
process diligently and allow God to bring about His results. Your
job search will be a great opportunity to see how much you really
trust God.
The job search is similar to a typical business or military
operation:
• You identify your objective.
• You identify the resources needed to achieve your objective.
• You develop a well-thought-out strategy or plan.
Of course, you should anticipate obstacles, and certainly you
will have to adjust your plan as the unpredictable occurs.
Throughout your job search, you’ll want to be open to God’s
leading in the process. Review Chapter 4 and pay special attention
to the process chart on page 37.

Developing a Strategy for Job Search

It is important that you develop an overall strategy in your job
search. Remember that you are marketing yourself to prospective
employers, and any good marketing campaign must be based on a
well-planned strategy.
The steps shown below outline a good strategy for working
through the job search process.
Step 1. Determine Your Objective
Step 2. Develop Your Résumé
Step 3. Develop Your Reference Pool
Step 4. Network
Step 5. Respond to Classified Advertisements
Step 6. Consider Employment Agencies and
Search Firms
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Step 7. Consider Temporary Employment
Step 8. Consider Consulting/Contracting
Step 9. Follow a Daily Schedule, Stay on Track,
Keep Your Focus
Step 10. Conduct the Interview
Step 11. Negotiate the New Job

STEP 1 - DETERMINE YOUR OBJECTIVE (also refer to

Chapters 2, 3, and 12 for further help).

Like a camera lens in focus, your objective should bring a

range of compatible job possibilities into view. Taking the time to
prayerfully do this can help you in at least two ways.
a. A clear objective enables you to eliminate tempting jobs
that are a mismatch. For instance, it’s not uncommon for
people to take jobs they really don’t like because they pay
so well. Later, they regret that decision.
b. A clear objective will help you to identify components of
jobs that are consistent with your strengths.
Working through the following areas will help you solidify
your objective.

Based on your career investigation, list the occupations for

which you seem to be best suited.
_______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________

What would be an ideal company (or industry) to work for?

(Describe what it would be like in terms of its mission, organiza-
tion, work activities, environment, processes, and values.)
Mission ____________________________________________
Organization _______________________________________
Work activities _____________________________________
Work environment __________________________________
Processes __________________________________________
Values _____________________________________________

By answering the previous questions, you should know what

you are looking for and what you have to offer. Remember, employers
are trying to fill a need. You are now in a position to accurately define
your abilities to someone who may have a need you can fill.
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CHAPTER 7
Ideal Companies
List at least five companies you feel meet all, or most of, the
characteristics of the ideal company you’ve just described. Place a
check (✔) before the names of the companies that totally qualify
and an asterisk (*) before those that come close to qualifying. You
will have to do some research to find out about companies. Sources
include the local Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Labor,
and local colleges and technical schools. Your network of friends
will be a help also. The Internet should supply a lot of information
about almost any public company, including executive officers,
corporate philosophy, shareholder reports, products and services,
gross sales information, divisions, departments, and locations. You
will be interested in viewing their Web site, but with search engines
you also can find out what others are saying about the companies.
You also can identify some of their competitors and prepare to
target their needs in your approach.
1. ____________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________

Now list five companies or industries you would not work

for—even if they offered you an appropriate job. This is not a futile
exercise. It will help you spot potential areas of conflict as you
identify why they are unacceptable. Then you will be more sensi-
tive to these issues as you examine desirable employers.
1. ____________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________

Keep in mind that occasionally an organization will hire a

quality person with high potential even without a clearly defined
need. When truly valuable people are discovered, forward-thinking
employers may not let them slip by. The Bible says, “A man’s gift
makes room for him and brings him before great men” (Proverbs
18:16). This verse probably refers to the benefits of giving a gift, but
we have seen many instances when a person’s giftedness has
caused others to make room. Proverbs also says, “Do you see a man
skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand
before obscure men” (Proverbs 22:29). In other words, excellent
people often recognize potential excellence.
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STEP 2 - DEVELOP YOUR RÉSUMÉ (refer to Chapter 8)
Target your résumé to focus on your objective. Decide which
type of résumé best suits your situation.

STEP 3 - DEVELOP YOUR REFERENCE POOL

You should compile a list of people who know something of
your work history and are in a good position to evaluate your job
performance. Select people who will feel comfortable speaking
positively and specifically about you. Generally speaking, there are
three types of people you should seriously consider as potential
references:
a. Character references
b. Job performance references (boss or high level colleague
in previous job)
c. Professional expertise references (clients or competi-
tors).

List several in each group who can be the most help; then
contact them by phone. Discuss your situation and ask if they would
be comfortable in giving you a good recommendation. You are
getting permission to use their names and also getting a feel for how
positively they feel about you. Refine your list to about two in each
of the above categories.

Hints About References

• Have a good idea what your references will say.
• Be sure references know why you left your old job and
what specific positions you are pursuing.
• Do not include references in your résumé.
• Have your reference list with you when you interview in
case you need it.
• Remember to thank those who have agreed to be refer-
ences; then thank them in writing after you get the job.
• If you have a hot job prospect, call key references and tell
them to expect a call from the person who is likely to call.
This way, they will be more likely to accept the call. Also,
let them know some of the job’s key requirements and the
attributes you have that would fulfill that function.

STEP 4 - NETWORK (Get the word out about you and

the objective you are seeking. In doing so you will tap
the hidden job market.)
The most effective method of finding a new job is through
your contacts. The people you already know—your family, friends,
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business relations, and church family—are the most worthwhile
and beneficial source of job leads, because they know you and they
know potential employers.

The vast majority of jobs are found through one form

of personal contact or another.

As you identify your contacts, it is essential that you identify

every individual who can possibly assist you in finding your next job.

Use the categories below to develop your network list. At this

point, don’t evaluate anyone’s ability to help you; just list names.

Network Categories
Use a separate page for each category and list names.
• Current or past employer
• Organizations where you have worked
• Customers and clients
• Vendors, service people, and suppliers
• Church
• College or educational institutions you have attended
• Social organizations or professional associations
• Other people you know looking for a job
• Family and friends
• Neighbors and community contacts
• Any other sources

Qualifying Your Contacts

Once you have completed your initial lists, you should review
them to identify which contacts are
• Likely to be the most valuable and productive
• Sympathetic—will have a real interest in you
• Easiest to contact
• Better to postpone until later.

After you have qualified your contacts, determine what you

want to accomplish when you talk with them. There are four main
goals when making a contact.
1. You may want to learn more about their industry,
function, or career. Remember, people like to be asked
their opinion and to talk about what is important to them.
2. You may want to get other possible contacts from
them, perhaps a direct contact to someone with hiring
authority in their organization.

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3. You may want to review your background and career
goals with them to obtain their opinion about how you
should proceed with your job search.
4. You may want to call for an interview.
All of these goals will allow you great flexibility in how you
approach your network.

Considerations in Making Contacts

• Will the contact allow you to use his or her name?
• Will he or she make the initial phone call to someone else
to set the stage for you?
• Should you call or write?
• What approach should you take when you call or write?
• If you phone, should you handle the questions you have
over the phone or set up a face-to-face meeting?
• If you are asking for a meeting, let the person know it will
be brief.
• Is what you are asking within the person’s ability to
provide?

Using the Telephone to Network

Networking is most often done over the phone. It is especially
effective because it eliminates unnecessary paperwork and pro-
vides immediate results. Phoning has the feel of informality, so
many contacts will feel more at ease with you. Except for the phone
call to get a direct interview, your typical approach to most contacts
will be one of asking people to help you because of your respect for
their experience and knowledge. The majority of people will be
flattered that you value their opinions and are more than happy to
talk with you.
It is possible to fax your request, as well. Sometimes, this can
be very effective, especially when you have been unable to get
through by telephone. Always be courteous in your fax message,
not mentioning if you have left multiple unanswered messages.
And be especially polite in dealing with a secretary who has not
been able to get your calls returned. She is probably the person who
will deliver your fax, and if you are rude your fax may be “filed” in
a trash basket.
There are two details that must never be overlooked in
sending a fax. First, call to make sure you have the proper spelling
and organizational title of the individual to whom you are address-
ing your message. (Nothing is more noticeable than the misspelling
of a person’s name.) Second, as a courtesy call, let the secretary or
recipient know that your fax is on the way.
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Tips on Phoning
Due to automated phone systems and voice mail, it may be
difficult to get through. Be persistent and patient. Be brief and give
as little information as possible. If you are uncertain of what to say,
write it first and make sure it says what you mean.
These days, it is not unheard-of for an interview to be
conducted as a video conference. There are commercial studios that
can accommodate your request, and many Kinko’s Copy Centers
have video conferencing facilities at affordable rates.
Don’t make receptionists or message recipients uncomfort-
able or put them on the defensive. Follow up with a thank you note,
no matter what the results. In fact, following up every contact will
be one of the keys to a successful job search.

Using E-Mail to Network

You also can network via e-mail if you have the party’s e-mail
address—unless the recipient thinks you are “spam” (junk e-mail)
and tosses away your message unread. If your own e-mail address
is provided free by a spam-prone Internet service provider, your
message may be filtered out before it ever reaches the reader.
Be sure to keep an electronic copy of your correspondence; it
may be helpful when you can refresh your memory by referring to
what you have written. And if you find a particular message
brought the desired response, you can study it later or even copy
parts of it in messages to others.
Normal Internet etiquette includes a response to inquiries
within 24 hours of receipt. Even if the addressee does not observe
this protocol, you should. Understand that TYPING IN CAPITAL
LETTERS IS RUDE. It is the equivalent of shouting at the
addressee. Also, avoid e-mail slang in business correspondence.
“LOL” means “laugh out loud,” as if to say you made a joke. Those
little typographic characters that suggest a subtle joke—such as ;o)
which looks like a wink, a clown nose, and smile—might be cute
when writing to your old college friend, but they have no place here.
If you send a copy of your note to someone else, be careful
about revealing e-mail addresses. Some people are very protective
of their information. So, on multiple address mailings, place your
own e-mail address in the main “to” field. Any addresses that are
placed in the “cc” or “copy to” field will be seen by everyone who
gets your mailing, so leave it blank. However, there is a third
address choice, usually known as “bcc” or “blind copy.” This field
allows all of the addresses to be listed for the server that sends out
the message, but each addressee sees only his or her own name.

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Using the Internet to Network
A number of Web sites specialize in posting résumés, posting
job openings, connecting companies with prospective employees,
providing support in the form of online chat rooms and, in some
cases, actually acting as a human resources “office” by providing
and processing applications for registered companies.

Although many of these sites have no fee for the individual

job hunter, some charge a nominal fee. All require registration and
may offer goods and services in exchange for registrants’ e-mail
addresses. To avoid unwanted electronic mail, be very judicious in
providing your e-mail address.

Posting résumés on the Internet or any electronic form re-

quires a very plain, functional format (an example of which is
provided in the next chapter). As electronic résumés become the
norm, be aware that most résumés may never be scrutinized by a
person, and extra lines and frills are entirely unnecessary. Be sure
to follow directions for format and posting, and always state accom-
plishments and objectives for a position in a straightforward manner.

Your targeted occupation is very important and is the key

field that is scanned and sorted to connect with available jobs that
are posted. Avoid having a topic heading in front of your target job
title. Be sure to include your e-mail address, since prospective
employers using electronic résumé screening frequently choose to
use electronic mail as the first mode of contact. Checking your e-
mail frequently assures that you can respond quickly to any
inquiries. Coaching from an experienced acquaintance about this
process is invaluable to receive the maximum benefit from this new
mode of job searching.

Using the Web Site to Network

We know a product developer, “Bill Smith,” who created a
Web site to showcase his abilities when he was looking for a new
position and for freelance opportunities. On this site, he included
colorful images of his creative work, examples of his success, a
brief biography to personalize his presentation, and a résumé.
The “free” Web site was provided as part of his Internet
service, so it cost him nothing but the time to design and install a
professional-looking set of Web pages. He registered
“BillSmith.com” as a “domain name” for a small fee, and then he
found a “URL forwarding service” that for a small fee forwarded
hits to “BillSmith.com” to his free Web site.

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At job seeker meetings, he was able to refer people to his site
as easily as remembering his name, and it was easy for others to
recommend his site to their friends.
In contacting prospective employers and clients by e-mail, he
typed in his full Web site address (http://www.BillSmith.com) and
they were able to click on the name and go right to his display.
Make sure you have an e-mail link on each page. This will
allow your prospect to respond to you, directly from your site, with
questions or comments.
If this idea appeals to you, just keep professionalism in mind.
On your Web page, avoid busy backgrounds and blinking images.
Do not include a counter or other device that reports how many
people have visited your site. Do not use an Internet service that
imposes pop-up ads or banners on your site. Visit a few sites to see
how this can be done tastefully, and you will have a memorable way
to get your “virtual résumé” in front of others.

Using Letters to Network

There are times, other than not being able to reach someone
on the phone, that you may want to write rather than call. If you do,
remember these guidelines.
• Do not include a résumé unless you have specifically been
asked to do so by the person you are writing to.
• Ask for a brief appointment to discuss things like career
opportunities in the industry, future developments and
direction, or some specific expertise you would like the
person to share with you. Do not ask to talk about the
possibility of employment.
• Briefly highlight three or four of your major accomplish-
ments and/or credentials.
• Always mention the name of your referral, preferably in
the first sentence of your letter.
Here are some examples you might want to follow.

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PERSONAL CONTACT LETTER

(Phone follow-up)
1420 Glenview Rd
Brentwood TN 37027
January 5, 20__

Mr. John Archer

Vice President, Marketing Division
Petro Oil, Inc.
147 Tacoma Pl
Toledo OH 54321
Dear Mr. Archer: (Use first name when possible)
Thanks for speaking with me yesterday. As you suggested during our telephone
discussion, I am enclosing two copies of my résumé.
My goal is to become Project Manager of a medium-sized chemicals firm—
preferably one that is involved in sulphur pollution problems. I have almost 20
years of experience in process design, cost, and on-site construction engineering.
My work has taken me to numerous parts of the world and involved me in many
types of processes, mostly in petrochemicals. I am interested in medium-sized
companies in particular because I believe I can contribute more effectively to
overall management where there is a real need for a broad-based generalist. At
present, I prefer not to explore possibilities with consultants or contractors.
I have BSChemE and MSChemE degrees from the University of Tennessee
and have taken accounting and organizational behavior courses in Vanderbilt’s
Owen MBA program. I have supervised as many as 50 people on recent $40–$80
million projects in Tennessee and Canada. I will relocate and travel if required.
I look forward to hearing from you if you have any suggestions along the lines
I’ve described above.
Sincerely,

Ralph Brown

Enclosure

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COMPANY CONTACT LETTER

(Direct approach)

Canflex American, Inc.

101 Broad St
Knoxville TN 37425

December 7, 20__

Paula Bowman
Vice President, Advertising Division
Janes Electronics, Inc.
143 S 5th St
Nashville TN 37210

Dear Ms. Bowman:

I am seeking a position as director of advertising and would appreciate

exploring possibilities with your company. Mr. Francis McPhee of J. Walter
Thompson, Inc. suggested I get in touch with you.

As my résumé indicates, I have 18 years of direct experience in

advertising, promotion, and distribution. For six years, I was corporate
director of advertising for Canflex America, a $20 million consumer hi-fi
manufacturer. In carrying out those responsibilities, I built a successful
organization and a record of significant achievement.

As you may know, Canflex has been acquired recently and its advertis-
ing function shifted to the parent company. My goal, therefore, is to join a
small to medium-sized organization such as yours, where I can even more
actively participate in key policy-making decisions.

I have an MBA in marketing from Columbia University. I wish to stay

in the mid-south area of the country; however, travel poses no problem for
me.

I will call you in a week or so to discuss whatever opportunities there

may be with your company or any suggestions you may have regarding
possibilities with other organizations. If you would like to contact me, please
call me either at Canflex (615) 555-0004 or at my residence (615) 555-2102.
Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Roger C. Williams

Enclosure

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COMPANY CONTACT LETTER

(Indirect approach)

September 11, 20__

Mr. John A. Davidson

Executive Vice President, Operations
Krypton Art Manufacturing Company
43901 Verde Blvd
Greenleaf MN 10532

Dear Mr. Davidson:

Although we’re not personally acquainted, perhaps you could take a few
moments to help me with my information search.

I have been an internal consulting engineer for large corporations in the area of
process engineering for the past 20 years. I plan on leaving my present employer
and am seeking a new position with an organization in which I can apply my
broad range of skills to productivity improvement programs.

While I realize there may be no openings in your firm at this time, I thought you
might know of other people or organizations who would be interested in someone
whose background and achievements (as shown in my résumé) uniquely blend
practical problem-solving, creativity, and integrated concept engineering. These
are a potent combination for producing results in high technology and/or high
volume production settings.

I think you will agree that the best way to find a new position in the “hidden job
market” is through word of mouth, and I am hoping you can provide me with
some suggestions. May I count on your help? I will call in a week or so to answer
any questions you may have, as well as to obtain any leads you would be kind
enough to suggest. Once again, thanks for your assistance.

Very truly yours,

Joseph B. Keating

Enclosure

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STEP 5 - RESPOND TO CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
Although many companies place advertisements in major
newspapers, Web sites, and elsewhere in their recruiting efforts,
you should be aware that only 10 percent to 15 percent of positions
available are advertised.
There are two types of company-paid ads: open and blind. An
open ad lists not only the qualifications an individual employer is
looking for and what he or she is prepared to offer the right
candidate, but it also includes the name and address of that com-
pany (and sometimes even the particular person to whom you
should write and send your résumé). The advantage of an open ad
is that it affords you the opportunity of researching the company
thoroughly and/or making discreet inquiries about the job itself
through knowledgeable personal contacts. This, in turn, can help
you considerably in writing the cover letter that will accompany
your résumé and in tailoring it as closely as possible to the
company’s requirements.
Blind ads, on the other hand, do not include the name of the
company; instead, your response is forwarded by means of a
newspaper box number or e-mail address that appears at the end of
each ad. Such advertisements make your task more difficult be-
cause you really are not able to customize the letter you send to the
company. Furthermore, there is the very strong likelihood that
receipt of your letter may not even be acknowledged.

Where to Look for Advertisements

Check the classified sections of weekend newspapers, Na-
tional Business Employment Weekly, ad services that can be found
at your local library, trade and professional journals, job Web sites
that cater to your profession, and employment service sites, such as
those mentioned on page 35.

Helpful Hints
Be sure to read each advertisement attentively. Try to extract
as much information, implicit as well as explicit, as you possibly
can. An advertisement costs a company quite a bit of money, so you
should weigh each word it contains. Remember, your goal is to
decipher the message so that you are assured of being on target
when you respond to it.
Whether the ad calls for it or not, always include a cover letter
with a copy of your résumé; this will personalize your application.
Even if the ad explicitly states that you should indicate the
salary you expect to receive, the best thing to do is to skirt this issue.
The proper place to discuss the question of salary is at the interview
itself. When salary history is requested, be aware that some em-
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ployers will screen out candidates who do not include it. You must
make a personal determination whether to include it.

STEP 6 - CONSIDER EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES AND

SEARCH FIRMS
Both search firms and employment agencies tend to special-
ize in certain kinds of jobs, such as engineering, finance, marketing,
or production. Employment agencies seldom place “box number”
ads in newspapers, since they benefit significantly from high
visibility. On the other hand, executive search firms more often will
use “blind ads.” Employment agencies and search firms represent
businesses, not job seekers.
In most states, agencies are regulated and are not allowed to
charge clients for placement, or they are not allowed to charge until
after placement. Avoid those with up-front fees.
Search firms are commissioned to fill specific needs of a
company—generally limited to higher salary levels.
It is important to know something about the agency or search
firm you are dealing with.
• In what types of jobs does it specialize?
• Who are some of its clients?
• Is it also a temporary agency?
• Does it provide references? Who are some people it has
placed you can talk to?
• Who pays for its services?
If at all possible, meet the people you are talking with. Some
agencies tend to “push paper”—meaning the more résumés they
send out the greater their chances of placing someone. Be aware
that your résumé could end up anywhere.

STEP 7 - CONSIDER TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT

One of the fastest growing business concepts is the temporary
employment service. Temporary agencies are springing up in every
city and are providing a valuable service to both employer and the
unemployed.
The employer benefits by having someone to fill a need that
may or may not become permanent. Employers use temporaries to
fill a void while they conduct a thorough search for a replacement.
They also use temps to fill seasonal needs or to fill vacancies during
growth spurts. Using temps can be a good way to try out new
employees before committing to them.
Many temporary employees become full-time employees.
You should consider temporary employment as a way to pay your
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bills and as a way to get your foot in the door to show your
capabilities.

STEP 8 - CONSIDER CONSULTING/CONTRACTING

Do you have expertise in some areas in which you could be
a part-time consultant? If so, you should make some contacts to see
if others might be interested in using your services.
Independent contractors are becoming very popular in compa-
nies wanting to fill specific and limited needs without hiring full-time
employees. Contracting has become a practical and fulfilling career for
many who have become unemployed in recent years. Research the pros
and cons thoroughly, and be sure to read Chapter 10, “Starting a
Business,” before making the decision to become a consultant.

STEP 9 - FOLLOW A DAILY SCHEDULE, STAY ON

TRACK, KEEP YOUR FOCUS
If you are unemployed, your job search is your work. Set
goals and deadlines for carrying out your strategy. Make yourself
accountable by using deadlines. Develop a written work schedule.
Spend six to eight hours per day looking for work. Then relax, read,
and relate to family members. Get a good night’s sleep. Take care
of yourself physically: eat normally and exercise regularly.
Seek godly counsel: someone to share ideas on job search,
someone to encourage you when you are down, someone to hold you
accountable and encourage you to stay on schedule in your job search.
To keep focused,
• Expect difficulties and discouragement (see Chapter 11).
• Trust God (see Chapter 4).

STEP 10 - CONDUCT THE INTERVIEW

This is a critical step in securing your new job and, as a result,
we’ve devoted Chapter 9 to this topic.

STEP 11 - NEGOTIATE THE NEW JOB

When you are offered a job, the tendency is to go sky high.
That’s normal, but be sure to keep your feet on the ground and listen
carefully to what is said. You need to know exactly what is offered.
If you have questions, be sure to ask for clarification. Something is
always left unsaid. Many people view job negotiations simply as a
matter of coming to terms with an employer on the question of
salary. This is not the case at all. A number of other important
factors should be discussed and possibly negotiated.

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• Starting date
• Vacations
• Decision-making authority
• Support, budget, and resources
• Reporting relationships
• Relocation and its expenses
• Insurance and pension benefits
• Employment contracts
• Release time for professional memberships and activity
• Stock options
• Bonus arrangements
• Title
Though it is highly unlikely you will be able to negotiate
successfully on all of the above items, the extent to which you can
maneuver is generally determined by the nature and level of the job
and by the hiring policies of that company. Remember also that any
negotiating you have in mind should be opened only after an
agreement has been reached (at least in principle) that you will be
joining the organization.
The key to successful negotiations is knowing exactly what
you want from the potential employer. Don’t surrender anything
until you have to and, then, only if it is not one of your top priorities.
If possible, get the employer to make an initial offer. Once he or she
has done this, you can suggest whatever modifications you feel are
important or anything else that will make the offer more palatable
or attractive to you.
Depending on your personality style, negotiating may be
comfortable or uncomfortable. If you’re the type who likes chal-
lenge, remind yourself that you want to negotiate from the “same
side” of the bargaining table. Your process is “getting to yes,” not
drawing battle lines. If you are uncomfortable in negotiating,
remember that you are setting the tone for this job. Try to have a
little more confidence. Be a little more assertive. If you are very
task-oriented, try to warm up a little. Provide more complete
answers to questions. If you are primarily people-oriented, talk less
and listen more. Try to keep your answers short and focused.
Finally, remember that it never hurts just to ask for some-
thing. God’s Word says, “You do not have because you do not ask.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives,
so that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:2-3). Your
natural urgency to get the job shouldn’t prevent you from trying to
attain a benefit to which you’re legitimately entitled and that you’d
be unhappy not to have once you actually start working.

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SOME ADDITIONAL HINTS
Obtaining the top dollar for one’s services is not an easy
matter and requires some finely honed negotiating skills. Keep your
discussions of money on an impersonal level, and be as business-
like, dispassionate, and logical as you can.
If you have genuine conviction that you’re worth the money
you are asking for, your voice and manner will reflect this fact. By
itself, this by no means guarantees you’ll get the desired salary;
however, it will improve your general bargaining position.
Since most large companies have a more or less preset salary
structure for positions, usually there is not too much room for
maneuvering. Nonetheless, you should seek the level that is appro-
priate for your situation. (If you don’t know what their salary scale
is, ask.) You should be prepared to explore such key fringe benefits
as stock options.
As crucial as salary is, there are other considerations that are
as important, if not more so. These include—especially for senior
executives—matters such as scope of responsibility, degree of
autonomy, and the challenge the job offers. Don’t ignore or
underrate them!
One of the headiest experiences a person can have is to be
warmly courted for a desirable job. Obviously, there is a real
temptation to jump at such an offer, particularly if it represents a
significant salary increase. Experience has shown, though, that a
certain amount of restraint on your part (not to be confused with
lack of enthusiasm) will pay off in the long run. Remember, it is the
Lord God you are serving. Pray for humility during your negotia-
tions. Ask God to give you favor with the people with whom He
wants you to work. “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the
hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1).

CLOSING THE DEAL

Now that you are so close to having made your job campaign
a successful one, it is very important that you do nothing that might
jeopardize your chances. This is not the time to take foolish risks or
relax your efforts. Too many “sure things” have been known to slip
away at the very last minute simply because they were taken for
granted.
Here, then, are some final words of caution and ways to be
self-protective.
• Agree on a decision date, and be sure to give your answer
by that date.
• Don’t cut off other options until you have actually started
working. Until you’re on the payroll, you don’t have anything more
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than the employer’s word.
• If possible, try to get the employer to put it in writing.
• Be certain that no contingencies remain in the air. For
example, have all reference and security checks been made? Have
you passed the medical exam? Again, there is always something
left unspoken, always something not resolved.
• Don’t trumpet it about—to anyone—that you’ve found
new employment until it is truly a closed deal. Premature celebra-
tions have a funny way of backfiring.
• Once you’ve started on your new job, remember to write or
call the other people with whom you were negotiating, to thank
them for their time and interest in you. This is a time when the
informality of e-mail is not sufficient. Do it right.
• Don’t forget to thank the many individuals who were
instrumental in helping you during your job search. They have done
you a great service.

A TIME FOR GRATITUDE

After all the negotiations are completed and you are officially
with the company, remember to give thanks to God. We should be
as earnest in thanksgiving to Him as we were when seeking His
wisdom and direction in the job search. After all, it is very easy to
forget or slip into taking credit for what God has accomplished for
us.
Moses knew Israel would be tempted to do just that. For that
reason, he offered terse counsel to the nation prior to their entrance
into the Promised Land. Even though his entire admonition is found
in Deuteronomy 8:11-20, we are including just a portion of it here.
“Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not
keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes
which I am commanding you today; otherwise, when you have built
good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks
multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have
multiplies, then your heart will become proud and you will forget
the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out
of the house of slavery.
“You may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my
hand made me this wealth.’ But you shall remember the Lord your
God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He
may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is
this day” (Deuteronomy 8:11-14, 17-18).
After you have your new job, you have a wonderful testimony
to offer to all who will listen. Be sure your family, especially
children, understand God’s role in supplying your needs. Being

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hired in a new job provides a golden opportunity to teach and to
illustrate God’s principles.
You also will have a powerful word of encouragement to
those who are still searching for employment or who are unhappy
in their work. Give credit to the Lord. Someone may even accept
salvation because of your testimony.
You may want to honor God by inviting your intercessory
prayer partners, family, friends, and neighbors into your home for
a festive celebration in His honor.

Crown Financial Ministries

PO Box 100 85
Gainesville GA 30503-0100
 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 7

“Even if you’re not naturally the most gifted person, if

you’ll work harder at it and study and do your homework, you
can move up real close to that person who is.”

Alan Bean
NASA astronaut,
fourth man to walk on the moon
during Apollo 12 mission in 1969

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8 Writing a Résumé

Your résumé provides a well-thought-out, concise picture of you-

the job seeker. It must communicate quickly, clearly, and accu-
rately your objective, qualifications, experience, and accomplish-
ments. The résumé is usually a first impression of you and,
therefore, is a very important piece of paper.
Most people don’t like to write about themselves, so we
strongly encourage you to get some help with your résumé. Your
spouse, parents, or a knowledgeable friend might be able to provide
assistance. Also, someone who reviews résumés in the course of his
or her job could provide good insights. Finally, consider profes-
sional help but, as we have cautioned, check them out first.
We hope this chapter will provide you a sufficient foundation
so you’ll be able to develop your own résumé, with a little critique
from a friend or coach. The encouragement you get should help you
through the stress of the résumé process.

Your Sales Brochure

Your résumé is an extremely important document. It is your
personal sales brochure. Remember the following.
• You are the product the résumé is trying to sell.
• Résumés are designed to allow many people to get to know
you quickly and easily during the course of your job search.
• Your résumé must be high quality—both in content and in
appearance. Be sure it looks good!
• Nobody likes to feel that, in effect, he or she is being
reduced to a mere scrap of paper, but you have little choice
if you want a job.
• Just as in sales brochures, you must highlight the key
benefits of the product (you).
• Résumés are used at every level of the organizational world.
There may be times when you will need more than one
résumé; for example, if you want to emphasize skills and achieve-
ments that will be of special interest to a particular employer. Such
a résumé could give you a competitive edge by demonstrating that
you are the right candidate for a specific job. On the other hand,
Crown Financial Ministries
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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 8
don’t spend most of your valuable time rewriting résumés when
you actually should be involved in a job search. Much of the time
you can use a résumé cover letter to clarify how well suited you are
to a particular field. Consider computer programs that assemble
your résumé according to your own “interview” responses, much
like tax-filing software helps complete your income tax return.

Writing Your Résumé

• No one can write a top-notch résumé on the first try; you
will need to make several rough drafts.
• Your first draft should be as long as necessary to include
all the facts you think are important and relevant.
• Revise and edit it until you have tailored your résumé to the
desired length.
• Ideally, you should end up with a one- or two-page résumé.
Employers and search firms simply don’t have the time or
the patience to deal with too lengthy a document.
• Your résumé must do its job in the first five to twenty
seconds. That is the time you have to catch the eye of the
decision maker. Though that may not seem fair, it is
realistic.
• Your résumé should avoid being so slick that it comes
across as phony. Anyone whose job is to read and evaluate
résumés knows that often they are prepared by professionals.
• The most important thing in your résumé is the informa-
tion, not the fancy print or paper.
• As one of your key sales tools, your résumé should do the
following.
1. Identify the main features of the product (you).
2. Emphasize your special skills.
3. Highlight your achievements and the end result of your
activities.
4. Indicate the techniques and processes you are an expert
at implementing.
• Your future employer needs to know your potential, so
don’t downplay your achievements. If humility prevents
this, ask someone who knows you well to help you com-
municate the impact of your work.
• Don’t get hung up on describing your job duties and/or
your other credentials so literally that you forget about
what the prospective employer really wants to know:
namely, ample evidence of your capacity to handle the
particular job he or she wants to fill.
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• A résumé is a form of written communication, and all
communication is a two-way street.
1. Focus on the message you’re trying to convey.
2. As you review your résumé, put yourself in the place
of the person who will read it.
3. Ask yourself: “If I were the employer, would I have a
very clear understanding of the job candidate being
presented here?” Unless your answer is a solid “yes,”
you still have some work to do.
• Your résumé is your calling card; you want it to make the
best possible impression on the person who receives it.
Toward this end, take the time and effort needed for
putting your best foot forward.
• Your résumé should be well designed, informative, and
consistently formatted, organized with a layout that does
not require the reader to wade through huge blocks of
solid, unbroken type.

Even though a well-prepared résumé is important, it

does not get you a job; it gets you an interview. You
get the job!

Pitfalls to Avoid in Résumé Design

• Devoting more space to early jobs than to more recent ones.
• Overemphasizing your educational background. If you have
been out of school for five years or more, your résumé should reflect
that fact by being weighted in the direction of your work experience.
• Leaving gaps between employment dates. Avoid the ap-
pearance of any time gaps between jobs. You can accomplish this
in two ways.
1. Give a reason for being temporarily unemployed. For
example, returning to school full time for additional
training, traveling, or military service.
2. List your jobs by the year you were employed rather
than by the month and year. For example, instead of
ending one job “June 2000” and beginning the next one
with “February 2001,” omit the months, list only the
years, and eliminate the appearance of a time gap.
In the event the actual gap is more substantial than
this example, or if you’ve held several jobs in quick
succession, it may be best to omit dates altogether and
use a Functional Skills Résumé as discussed below.
3. Avoid being too lengthy. Your résumé is not a career
obituary!
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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 8
Types of Résumés
There are two primary formats for résumés that we recom-
mend: reverse chronological and functional. (Examples of both are
shown at the end of this chapter.) You can have small variations in
Avoid procrastinating these, depending on the unique situation of the individual. Gener-
or being so picky that ally, it is better to stick fairly close to these formats because they are
you never finish your what employers are accustomed to seeing. On the other hand, your
résumé. Concentrate goal in writing the résumé is to present yourself as a unique person
your efforts and get
done quickly.
with special gifts to offer the company, so achieve a balance.
1. Reverse Chronological Format. (See Example #1 on
page 96.) This format highlights your jobs and what you
did in them. It is especially good for showing a progres-
sion of responsibility as in Example #1. This résumé
format might be preferred if you are staying in the same
career field, where the job progression will have more
relevance.
Remember that the chronological résumé format is
not just a laundry list of when and where you worked. The
jobs should come alive and highlight the impact you had
on the organization. Avoid using more space for old jobs
than for recent ones.

2. Functional Skills Résumé. If you have not had an

outstanding job progression, if you have little experience,
or if you are changing career fields, you might want to
consider this format. It will focus on the strengths you
have to offer the company.
In the functional résumé you will use headings that
focus on the skills you have that would apply to the
specific job you are seeking. Use bullet statements to
highlight your experience and lend impact to the organi-
zations. A bullet statement is simply an action-oriented
statement that describes how you used or developed a
skill in the past. By using bullets you can highlight the
appropriate attributes you have to offer the employer.
As you can see in Example #2 (page 98), the individual
was changing career fields and wanted to highlight his
education and newly acquired skills, rather than his previous
Air Force jobs. In Example #3 (page 100), the individual had
some job experience, yet gained a stronger presentation of
her abilities by using the functional format. Examples #4 and
#5 on page 101 and 102 also use functional format résumés.
Because this format emphasizes skills, employers
and employment dates are downplayed and often are
shown toward the end of the document.
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What to Include in Your Résumé
The best way to develop your résumé is to look at some good
models and then adapt them to your specific situation. We’ve
included several résumés for your use as examples of what to
include. There are numerous books on résumé writing; because of
changes in the marketplace, any book you purchase with advice and
samples should have a recent copyright date.
Remember that you want to highlight your strong points and,
therefore, may want to make subtle adjustments to the format to suit
your situation. For instance, the résumés in Examples #2 and #5
present education before skills and experience, but Examples #3
and #4 show education near the end. The best résumés paint a
picture of a unique person.

The bottom line for your résumé: Be honest, show

your impact in the workplace, and make it look
professional.

What to Leave Out of Your Résumé

• Specific names of references (This should be reserved for
the interview.)
• Reasons for leaving a previous position (This also should
be dealt with during the interview.)
• Your present salary
• Outside activities which are not relevant to the job (In
some cases, you may want to include church or clubs, but
use discretion.)
• Dramatic or fancy type or styling (in fact anything that
might be considered eccentric)
• Colored résumé paper (use white, gray, or cream/buff bond)
• Personal data—age, marital status, number of children,
health conditions
• Typographical, spelling, or grammatical errors; these
can quickly eliminate you from consideration. Proofread
carefully, and ask at least two other people to read it
through.

Sample Achievement Statements

The general appearance of your résumé (neatness, accuracy,
organization) gives the first impression of you. Once the reader gets
into your work experience, it is the impact of your accomplish-
ments that attracts attention. You want to use strong verbs and
verifiable facts as much as possible.
Crown Financial Ministries
PO Box 100 91
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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 8
Here are some examples of how to describe achievements.
• Perfect attendance at work for last three years while
maintaining a 96 percent on-time delivery rate with EPS
Overnight Delivery.
• Provided expert lawn care to four businesses, two apart-
ment complexes, and nine residences for three years.
Business increased 50 percent during that period; never
lost a customer.
• Planned, organized, and supervised all activities for a
banquet of 300 people.
• Managed and maintained medical records of 1,200 pa-
tients for two doctors; received bonus and letter of recog-
nition five years successively for superior performance.
• Increased regional sales by 12 percent, resulting in an
increase of $42,000 net profit.
• Developed and conducted financial training seminars for
18 small businesses and nonprofit organizations.
• Selected as “Employee of the Year.”
• Wrote operations manual which is used by over 2,000
employees in three company plants.
• Established and implemented all personnel policies and
procedures to include recruiting, hiring, evaluation, and
benefits for an organization of 160 people.
• Opened and developed four accounts which generated
$420,000 in annual sales.
• Developed personal computer spreadsheets, pricing forms,
and quarterly account sales reviews.
• Typing speed 60 wpm; highly proficient in FoxPro,
Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Deployed and led a team of eight logistic technicians in
providing on-time supplies to 4,000 soldiers (31st Regi-
ment) during Operation Desert Storm.

A FEW FINAL HINTS

▼
▼

• Be sure to include non-skill attributes and strengths. Today’s

employers are looking for character and integrity, which
show the quality and stability of the applicant.
• Be realistic about your skills. Résumés sometimes empha-
size the applicant’s solid computer skills, but the applicant
is unable to type more than 20 words per minute.
• Most people use short phrases, rather than complete sen-
tences, when writing their résumés. But, whichever method
you employ, be sure you are consistent; in other words,
don’t shift indiscriminately from one form to the other.
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• Don’t abbreviate. The reader may not understand.
• Spell out all numerals up to and including the number nine.
Use the numerical form for 10 and above.
• Use bold type very discreetly to highlight important items.
Bullets may help a bottom-line reader absorb critical
information. Overusing type effects will have a counter-
productive effect.
• Wherever possible, use the present tense in describing
your current job (manage rather than managed). However,
if you are describing something already implemented or
achieved, you’ll obviously want to use the past tense.
• Squeeze out all the excess prose. If you can say something
in three words, don’t use 10. Don’t be like the man who
told all about where his watch was made whenever some-
one asked him the time.
• Try to design your résumé in such a way that you don’t
begin a description on the first page and continue it on the
next page.
• An employer should be able to read your résumé at a
glance. Careful design and clearly marked headings will
achieve this goal.
• Have you completed the Career Direct assessment? If so,
you have printed out a multipage report that highlights
your skills and personality traits. You have seen a list of
jobs for which you are well-suited. Draw from this infor-
mation for your résumé.

Your Résumé Checklist

1. Categories
Name, address, phone number(s)
Objective
Summary (optional)
Professional experience or skills
Dates
Company name
Job title
Job description
responsibilities
duties
achievements
Education
Name of institution
Degree(s)
Year(s)
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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
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Other
Professional memberships
Awards
Honors
Publications
2. Format
Logically organized
Reverse chronology (where applicable)
Internal consistency
Appropriate amount of space for each entry
3. Layout
Margins
external
internal
Airiness
Easy readability
Eye-catching (underlining and use of capitalization)
Individualized (has a personal touch)
Appropriate length, up to two pages of pertinent information
4. General
Avoidance of abbreviations
Inclusion of exact detail
Sentences versus phrases (consistent use of one
or the other)
Achievement-oriented
5. Proofreading
Spelling
Punctuation
Written style
corrections
naturalness
clarity
absence of clichés or business jargon

Effective Sentence Openers

People who read and evaluate résumés are interested in
results, rather than activities. So, be alert for any job description
that does not indicate precisely what you have achieved.
One way to be sure that you are seen as the person responsible
for the achievements you claim is to use strong, direct, and positive-
sounding verbs as sentence openers. (A list of such verbs is
provided on the following page.) At the same time, refrain from
employing verbs or verbal phrases that suggest either vagueness,
partial responsibility, or else a passive approach to the duties being
described (was responsible for, worked on, was a member of,
studied, analyzed, reviewed).
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accomplished developed launched renovated superseded
accelerated devised led reorganized supervised
achieved directed maintained replaced surveyed
activated doubled managed researched systematized
added eliminated modified revamped terminated
administrated established negotiated saved tested
advanced exceeded obtained scheduled trained
approved excelled organized serviced transacted
assigned expanded originated simplified transferred
assisted fabricated overhauled skilled translated
chose formulated participated sold tripled
completed guided performed solved trimmed
conceived generated planned spearheaded turned
conducted hired processed stabilized uncovered
consolidated identified programmed standardized unified
controlled implemented promoted started unraveled
coordinated improved proposed streamlined widened
created increased purchased strengthened won
decreased initiated recommended stretched withdrew
delivered installed recruited structured wrote
demonstrated introduced redesigned succeeded
designed joined reduced summarized

Electronic Résumé Requirements

Many companies scan paper résumés with an optical reader,
compiling databases and screening electronically by key word
searches. A few simple steps will enable your résumé to be scanned,
posted at Internet job sites, or e-mailed directly to companies.
1. Key words are buzz words the computer searches for
when trying to match applicants with a specific job. They
might be previous employers or job titles, computer skills,
colleges attended—whatever the employer values. Many
electronic résumés summarize key words just after objec-
tives, using many of the job listings key words that apply.
2. Scanning fonts are those that are read easily by the
software. Using a text-only format does not make a
“pretty” résumé, but its goal is functionality. Use a
monospace font, like Courier, rather than fonts that have
proportional space (like those used in this book).
3. Format appropriately, using type between 10 and 14
points in size. Do not exceed a 70-character line width.
Use capital letters, tabs, and spacing to create visual
interest. Bullets can be made with *, -, —, and o symbols.
4. Omit sensitive information like address, references,
employers. Add a note at the end saying that a complete,
hard copy version of your résumé is available upon request.
5. Save as text only or in rich text format (RTF).
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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
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Résumé Work Sheet
(Use worksheets like this to compile and organize your work
history. Then condense the information into impact statements for
your résumé.)

EXPERIENCE
Company name ______________________________________
Location ___________________________________________
Dates of employment _________________________________
Title ______________________________________________
Overview of position _________________________________
__________________________________________________
Accomplishments (Highlight the skills you want to use in your
next job.) ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Company name ______________________________________
Location ___________________________________________
Dates of employment _________________________________
Title ______________________________________________
Overview of position _________________________________
__________________________________________________
Accomplishments (Highlight the skills you want to use in your
next job.) ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

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Sample Résumé Cover Letter

234 Columns Dr
Athens, GA 00089
April 15, 20__

Mr. William Johnson, Manager

Toga Men’s Wear
2000 Shopping Dr
Athens GA 00090

Dear Mr. Johnson:

I am writing to request consideration for employment with your company.

Although young in age, I have demonstrated the ability to handle considerable
responsibility. In addition, I have developed job skills that will enable me to be
a successful sales representative for your company.

I also am interested in working for your firm because of your reputation

in the community for helping college students who are working their way
through school. I have been accepted at the University of Georgia, where I plan
to study finance and marketing. I am highly motivated and believe I could be both
a good student and a good employee for your firm.

As you can see from the enclosed résumé, my achievements at school, at

work, and in extracurricular activities have prepared me well for a position with
your company. I would be happy to provide references at your request.

I will call you during the week of April 21-25 to see if we can schedule
an appointment. Thank you for your time and for considering my résumé and
possible employment with your company.

Very sincerely yours,

Jim Wilson

Enclosure

Crown Financial Ministries

PO Box 100 97
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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 8
Sample Résumés

▼
▼
EXAMPLE #1 (Reverse Chronological Format)

James P. Smith
487 Cypress Lane
Yorba Linda CA 92686
(512) 555-1010

OBJECTIVE
Responsibilities in administration—finance or operations—of a sound, growing financial institution
or service company.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Union Savings Association, Yorba Linda, California 1993–present
Medium-sized thrift with nine locations.
President-Chief Executive Officer present
Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer 2000
Supervision of accounting, treasury, human resources, and
information resource management.
Senior Vice President-Information Resource Management
and Human Resources 1997–1999
Responsible for all computer resources and all personnel/payroll functions.
• Coordinated two investigations of alternative mainframe systems, resulting in a decision to
change processors.
• Coordinated the design and installation of in-house item processing system, ATM system,
and general ledger system.
• Selected, installed, and managed a local area network of microcomputers serving 18
workstations.
• Designed and implemented a corporate records management system, including the physical
facility and computerization.
Also served in the following capacities as a senior officer:
• Member of Senior Officer Committee, Chairman of Information Resource Management
Steering Committee, Employee Involvement Committee, and Employee Stock Ownership
Plan Committee.
• Responsible for all corporate insurance—evaluation, purchases, and claims.
• Designated liaison with state and federal regulators during examinations and with all
potential acquirers of the Association.
• Managed sale and liquidation of two wholly owned subsidiaries: an insurance agency and
a lease financing company.
• Participated in or chaired task forces to:
1. Improve the quality of customer service,
2. Design a formal structure for evaluating and compensating employees,
3. Work out recurring problems with negotiable items, and
4. Solicit proxies from stockholders for a tender offer for the association’s stock.

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Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer 1995–1997

Vice President-Controller 1993–1995

Swift, Bridges and Company, Wilmington, Texas 1990–1993

Regional accounting firm serving Texas and New Mexico.
Audit Manager
Complete engagement responsibility for all financial institution audits.
• Partner-level responsibilities in audit quality control program.
• Instructor for local office training programs.

Michael Drefuss & Co., Oakland Texas 1986–1989

International accounting firm
Audit Manager 1983–1985
Full engagement responsibility for banks, savings and loan associations,
a commercial finance company, and a regulated investment company.
• Served as firm’s primary liaison with thrift executives in North Texas through
involvement in industry organizations.
Audit Senior 1982–1983
Audit Staff 1980–1981

EDUCATION AND AFFILIATIONS

Stevens College, Abilene, Texas 1980
Bachelor of Business Administration
Certified Public Accountant, licensed in Texas 1981
East Point Chapel, Wilmington, Texas 1981
Treasurer and member of Finance Committee 1985–present
Christian Financial Concepts, Gainesville, Georgia 1989–present
Seminar leader and counselor in personal financial management

- REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST -

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EXAMPLE #2 (Reverse Chronological Format)

JOHN CASEY
3310 Abbey Lane
Akron OH 82503
607-568-1536

Summary

Self-motivated, well-organized human resource management professional with over fifteen years in
employee/labor relations with a proven ability to manage this complex area in a way that contributes
to the bottom line profitability of an organization. Excellent interpersonal and communication
abilities and a consistent record of establishing productive and effective working relationships
between management and labor. Capable of handling a diversity of responsibilities simultaneously.

• Human Resources • Labor Relations • Problem Solver • Creative

Professional Experience

Goodyear Tire Corporation

Akron, Ohio 1990 – Present

Logistics Manager 1996 – Present

Manage and direct a shipping inventory of over $18,000,000.

• Operational liaison between manufacturing and customer service.

• Recently implemented SAP software for accurate inventory control and on-time shipping.
• Effective working knowledge of warehouse operations.

Human Resource Manager 1990 – 1995

Managed the total human resources function at a tire manufacturing facility. Plant had 670 employees
with two separate bargaining units.

Key Employee Relations responsibilities included wage and salary, executive recruiting, training,
workforce utilization and control, benefit administration, EEO, ADA, FMLA, workers’ compensa-
tion, grievance resolution, OSHA compliance, safety, and security:

• Developed positive and proactive employee relations.

• Provided leadership in area of personnel, payroll, training, affirmative action.
• Facilitated group development activities, i.e., team-building programs.
• Directed employment and recruitment efforts; managed company benefits and compensation.
• Acted as liaison for state and federal regulatory agencies.
• Recommended appropriate resolutions to employee relations problems; interpreted company
policies to management and staff.

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John Casey

Goodyear Tire Corporation (continued)

Key Labor Relations responsibilities include negotiation and administration of two labor agree-
ments, employee benefits agreements, supplemental unemployment benefits agreements, and a
four-step grievance procedure including arbitration.

• Chief spokesperson in many successful contract negotiations.

• Acted as liaison with union representatives; researched and determined appropriate contract
terms.
• Provided assistance in policy information, implementation, planning, and dissemination.
• Interfaced with legal staff in dealing with progressive discipline and grievances.
• Interacted with staff members, union representatives, and management to develop recommen-
dations.
• Provided management staff with interpretation and application of collective bargaining
agreements, benefit agreements, personnel practices, grievance policies, and designed agree-
ments.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

New Stanton, Pennsylvania 1985 – 1990

Personnel Administrator

Administered, interpreted, and enforced labor agreements, workers’ compensation, EEO, workforce
efficiency, and all employee benefit programs.

Senior Industrial Relations Representative

Administered, interpreted, and enforced the labor agreements between Volkswagen and United
Auto Workers, representing over 5,000 employees.

Junior Industrial Relations Representative

Responsible for 2,500 employees, administering labor agreement.

EDUCATION

St. Vincent College Major: Industrial Relations

Latrobe, Pennsylvania Minor: Business Administration

Numerous management seminars and training programs

- REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST -

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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
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(Functional Skills Format – Electronic)

EXAMPLE #3
JANE A. SMITH
4110 DOGWOOD ST
CORNELIA GA 30531
(404) 555-1919

WRITER AND DESKTOP PUBLISHER: Writing/editing position, with opportunity to work

with desktop publishing systems

QUALIFICATIONS
Over three years experience in the publishing field
Reputation for accuracy in writing and editing
Skilled in research and organization of written articles
Highly conscientious worker with experience in meeting deadlines while maintaining quality

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Write/Edit/Proofread
Organized, developed and wrote factual articles for three respected regional publications
Edited news releases and other submitted materials to a suitable size
Proofread copy for publications
Collaborated with production manager in making sure advertisements were produced to
specifications, ensuring client satisfaction
Completed proofreading workshop sponsored by Superior Builders, 1994

Research/Interview
Conducted research for articles utilizing various print media
Interviewed food industry executives both by telephone and in person as part of research
for articles

Computer Operation
Over three years experience on IBM personal computer, utilizing WordStar and Microsoft
Word word processing systems
Trained on Macintosh QuarkXpress desktop publishing software system

EXPERIENCE
1997-present—Associate Editor
1993-1997—Business Writer/Reporter
Detail Wrightsville Publishing Company, Inc.
Wrightsville, GA
1990, 91, 92 Summer Day Camp Counselor
Wrightsville Parks and Recreation Dept.
Wrightsville, GA

EDUCATION
A.B., English, University of Georgia, Athens, 1993. Summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa
A.A., Gainesville College, Gainesville, Georgia, 1991. Dean’s List

- REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST -

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(Functional Skills Format)

EXAMPLE #4
KATHERINE A. WILSON
1000 CHATTAHOOCHEE RD
GAINESVILLE GA 30503
(404) 503-4951

Objective: Position in Administrative Services, with an opportunity for personal growth and
career development.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ABILITIES
* Highly organized and detail oriented
* Excellent communication skills
* Supportive team worker; committed and responsible
* Reliable and adaptable; learn new processes quickly; and take initiative

RELEVANT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Office Experience
* Maintained folders and information for over 5,000 clients.
* Operated a wide range of office machines: copiers, printers, typewriters, voice mail
* Processed incoming and outgoing mail.
Telephone and Communication Skills
* Managed inbound and outbound call activities:
-customer service
-customer and home office correspondence
* Explained insurance policies to clients.
Computer Knowledge
* Operate various software applications: word processing, databases, statistical testing
analysis. (IBM compatible)
* Process and scan test packages daily.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Present Administrative Assistant Mountainview Nursing Home, Gainesville, GA
1997-00 Administrative Assistant World Insurance, Athens, GA
1997 Scoring Technician Life Pathways, Gainesville, GA
*1995-97 Waitress/Event Organizer Columns Country Club, Athens, GA
*1994 Packaging/Customer Assistance Bigg’s Grocery Store, Athens, GA
*1993-94 Children’s Clothing Specialist Mall Dept. Store, Athens, GA
*1992-93 Banquet Waitress University of Georgia, Athens, GA
*1992 Cashier Flavers Dept. Store, Athens, GA
*Part-time jobs held during high school/college

EDUCATION
North Georgia College, Dahlonega, GA 1994-95, Psychology Major.

- REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST -

Crown Financial Ministries

PO Box 100 103
Gainesville GA 30503-0100
 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 8

EXAMPLE #5 (Modified Functional Skills Format)

James T. Wilson
234 Columns Dr
Athens GA 00089

OBJECTIVE: A part-time position in sales or customer support. Desire to build an employment

relationship that will continue throughout four years as a college student.

SUMMARY: A confident, outgoing individual who enjoys meeting people and presenting products
or ideas. Personal strengths:
Enjoy selling, results-oriented
Energetic with strong initiative
Strong verbal skills
Enjoy meeting people
Dependable, seek responsibility

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Customer Assistance/Stocker, 1999-2001. Sky-Mart, Commerce, Georgia. Fourteen hours
per week. Outstanding attendance record. Started at bottom and moved up to weekend supervisor of
sporting goods and auto accessories. Paid cash for first auto from earnings.
Lawn Care, 1996-1999. Self-employed lawn business. Began with three customers and
increased to nine. Gained experience in promotion, financial management, and customer relations.
Never lost a customer. Saved $1,500 for college expenses.
Paper Route, 1994-1996. Self-employed. Serviced a forty-customer route, five days per week.
Missed only three days in two years. Collected 95 percent of debits.

EDUCATION: Graduated Commercial High School; Commerce, GA; June, 2001; Top 25 percent
of class

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
Debate team, two years
Student Council, senior representative
Baseball team, cocaptain (short stop)
Fellowship for Christian Athletes, social chairman
Peer counselor, teen hotline

PERSONAL: Enjoy challenges and responsibility. Career goal is to be a certified financial planner
and investment counselor.

- REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST -

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9 Making the Most

of Your Interview

The Top Five Ways to Flunk Your Job

Interview
(The following incidents are true stories and are listed in
descending order.)
5. Scoot your chair up to the interviewer’s desk and begin
thumbing through the IN basket.
4. Arrive 30 minutes late, and drag in 12 family members,
including your grandparents and children—even the maid—
all of whom lobby frantically on your behalf.
3. After dinner with the senior vice president, ask the waiter
for a doggie bag.
2. Wear a cow watch that moos on the hour.
1. Prop your feet on the interviewer’s desk and ask for a
Coke!1

These stories were gleaned from veteran corporate and ex-

ecutive recruiters, who considered them the worst mistakes they’ve
seen.

Everything you have done to this point—identifying

your career goals, your résumé, your phone contacts,
your letters, and much more—has been for one
purpose: to get an interview.

Congratulations! Landing an interview is a significant step

toward your new job. Your hard work, research, and résumé
preparation have paid off. Don’t let your exhilaration distract you
from the twofold purpose of the interview. The employer will be
checking you out, first to see if you’re the best qualified candidate
for the job and, second, to determine if you will fit with the team.
Just as important, this is your opportunity to determine if you
match the job. The interview is simply a key step toward your
goal—getting a job where you use your talents for God’s glory.

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 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 9
Preparing for the Interview
SPIRITUAL STEPS
Being scrutinized is seldom easy, so keeping the big picture
in mind will help as you prepare for the interview. Remember who
you are, and Whose you are. Nothing can change that (Romans
8:31-39)— not even a poor interview.
1. Pray and ask God for wisdom (James 1), grace, and insight, both
for you and the interviewer. Since it’s not automatic that you
will want the job, you will need discernment.
2. If you’re nervous, acknowledge that to the Lord. Ask for His
peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4).
3. Give thanks for the way God has created you (Psalm 139).
4. Give thanks for God’s work through your job search (Romans
8:28-29) and for the ways He is reshaping you to be like His Son
through these circumstances.
5. Remember, you have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians
6:19-20). The value of your personhood does not rest on the
affirmation from an interview.

RESEARCH STEPS
In order to be fully prepared and ready for your interview,
consider the following steps.
1. Investigate the company and its mission statement. Ask for
company promotional materials. Check libraries and search the
Internet for recent announcements or newspaper and magazine
articles. Be as familiar with company’s products and services as
possible. Network with employees of the company or peers in
the field. You are literally on trial, so go with as much evidence
as possible.
2. Be sure you know the name of the interviewer.
3. Call the day before to confirm time of the interview, the
length, location, and address.
4. If possible, make a dry run the day before. Drive to the
location, see where the entrance is, and identify several areas to
park. Fill the car with gas. You may even want to vacuum the
car and get it washed to add to your confidence.
5. Obtain a copy of the job description if possible. Focus your
preparation on how your particular background, training, and
talents match you to this job. If you’re not clear on this prior to
the interview, it won’t clear up while under the stress of the
interview. Try to anticipate questions you might be asked. Have
examples you can share that highlight skills on your résumé.

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WHAT TO WEAR
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” That saying captures
the primary rule to follow when dressing for an interview. Simply
dress in clothing that you typically would wear to work in the new
job. For instance, there’s no need to wear a three-piece European
designer suit to an interview with Midas Muffler.
If possible, secure a copy of the dress code of the company.
If that’s not possible, dress in a conservative manner that won’t
distract from your mission: presenting yourself for the new job. Ask
a secretary or telephone attendant when you call the day before.

HINTS FOR MEN

As a general rule, the darker the suit, the more authority is
implied. However, don’t wear a black suit with a black tie to the
interview (unless it’s with a mortician).
Ties should complement your suit. If you’re not sure, take the
suit to a men’s clothing store and purchase a new tie with the assistance
of the manager. Don’t wear a tie with a nature scene, animals, or
sporting events. A splash of red is almost always welcome.
Usually a long-sleeved white shirt is perceived as profes-
sional and businesslike. Save the loud prints for a more informal
social gathering, not your interview.

HINTS FOR WOMEN

As with men, the operative word is businesslike. A business
suit is preferred in conservative colors such as navy blue, gray, or
a charcoal.
Avoid overkill on makeup, fragrances, and jewelry.

IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING

Be sure to bathe, have your hair trimmed and presentable, use
deodorant, and brush your teeth. You won’t impress anyone if
you’re wearing lunch in your teeth. If you have a problem with
recurring bad breath, take along a roll of breath mints or a pocket-
size breath spray. Fingernails should be clean. Go to the restroom
before the meeting, and check the mirror while you’re there.
Your shoes should be clean and polished. Avoid wearing
fabrics that wrinkle severely. Brush away any dandruff flakes or pet
hair before you leave home, and check again before you enter the
office.
Remember, you have one chance at a solid first impression.
Make it good so you can focus on your real mission: presenting
yourself in a positive light as the best candidate for the job opening.
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You are at a tremendous advantage if you have completed a
Career Direct personality style assessment. Your report has pro-
vided you with more insight into yourself than most people ever
receive. Take a moment to go over its main points. What are the
strengths you offer to this employer? What areas of struggle do you
want to check in this meeting? How can understanding your style
better equip you for this meeting?
Recently someone called Larry Burkett’s daily radio program
to tell how he had shared the results of his Career Direct report in
his job interview. He was able to show the contribution he would
make to the team, and he demonstrated awareness of areas that
needed improvement. The employer was very impressed with his
grasp of the issues and hired him on the spot. Consider ways to share
information about yourself through your printed report.

WHILE YOU’RE WAITING

Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. You may get invited in
for extra informal chat time. Don’t overlook the receptionist, who
may be informally sizing you up. If you have to wait, use your eyes
and ears. Learn all you can from simply studying the reception area.
Relax. Focus your thoughts on greeting the interviewer. Keep your
wits about you so you can engage in small talk, if it’s appropriate.
Do not chew gum.

Maximizing Your Interview

No matter how well planned your search has been, how
professional your résumé is, or how eloquent your phone conver-
sations were, the interview is what will get you the job offer. Do not
underestimate the importance of this phase of the job search.
Companies do not just interview applicants without purpose. Once
you have been asked to interview, you have already successfully
reached one of your goals; but the next goal—getting the job
offer—requires keen preparation.
Knowing how to handle yourself and come across well in an
interview is a skill. Like any skill, it is something that must be learned
and practiced before you become proficient and feel confident.

FACE TO FACE WITH THE INTERVIEWER

• First impressions are very important.

• Get and use the name of the interviewer often; ask for a
business card.
• Appearance is very important.
• Give a firm handshake; it’s more important than you think.
• Your enthusiasm will be the single most important quality.
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• Maintain good eye contact, demonstrating confidence.
• Keep your answers short but informative.
• Be yourself, confident, cheerful, frank, honest.
• Be as relaxed as possible as the interview progresses.
• Sit up straight in your chair, leaning forward a bit.
• Don’t be afraid to smile.
• Expect some easy, folksy questions; do not respond too
informally.
• Also expect “curve” questions; listen carefully.
• Don’t step on the interviewer’s “lines.”
• Pick up on phrases or important comments from the inter-
viewer, using one or two in your answer to other questions.
• Think about your answer; then speak.
• It’s okay to pause on tough questions.

Interviews often fall into five phases: opening, fact-finding,

information-giving, questioning period, and closing. The conver-
sation may spill over between these phases.

PHASE 1—OPENING
• Practice what you will do and say in the first two minutes.
• Include normal pleasantries; ask interested, noninvasive
questions about the interviewer.
• Determine the time frame for the interview.
• Thank the interviewer for making time to see you.
• Be pleasant, cooperative, and very observant.
• Allow the interviewer to set the tone.
• Display focused interest, controlled energy, and a positive
attitude.
• Pray inwardly during pauses (see Nehemiah 2:4).

PHASE 2—FACT FINDING

• The interviewer will explore your background, experience,
and skills.
• Be positive, brief, and to the point.
• Never lie about your experience.
• Relate your experience to the company’s needs.
• Show your technical/professional knowledge.
• Identify your major achievements.
• Don’t go off on tangents.
• Watch for signals to stop talking.
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PHASE 3—INFORMATION GIVING

• Keep your answer to any question between one and two

minutes.
• The interviewer will give information on company and job.
Listen intently; taking notes is okay.
• Limit your questions at this point.
• At the right time, ask about work to be done, company
goals, problems, key elements needed for success.
• Do not offer management suggestions that suggest you
know how to solve all of their problems. Be humble.

PHASE 4—QUESTIONING
• Your chance to ask questions often blends with other
phases.
• Focus on the job.
• Be sure you learn what the new job entails.
• Ask probing, intelligent questions.
• Remember that the questions you ask may provide the
prospective employer with as much information about you
as the questions you answer.

PHASE 5—CLOSING
• Depending on who is interviewing, seek some sort of
commitment.
• Arrange some sort of follow-up if they haven’t.
• Don’t overstay your welcome.
• Leave an extra copy of your résumé.

TRAPS TO AVOID
• Watch out for habitual signs of nervousness (i.e., laughing,
finger fidgeting, squirming, leg swinging). Everyone is nervous
during an interview, but you can control the amount of nervousness
you display.
• Do not be overly concerned with the possibility of a
rejection. Instead, focus on the possibility of getting the job and
how your experience can help this company. Every interview is a
learning experience.
• Never be critical of a company or the performance of
anyone employed there. Above all, don’t bad mouth a former boss,
even if encouraged by the interviewer.
• Do not argue. Sell yourself with confidence, but always
keep the discussion friendly and open.
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• Do not show irritation with delays or interruptions, even if
you are irritated. Help the interviewer conduct a good interview. Be
courteous and considerate. Always leave yourself plenty of time for
an interview.
• Do not apologize for things you cannot change or are not
responsible for (your age, education, or work history).
• Do not embellish or pretend; never lie.
• Do not be afraid that there is something you don’t know. No
one is totally knowledgeable about everything.
• Do not tell “war stories” or give long descriptions of “what
happened when,” unless you have been encouraged to do so.
• Do not smoke, even if the interviewer indicates you may.
• Do not use expressions such as “like” and “you know.”
Avoid too many “ers” and “uhs.” Take your time and think before
you speak.
• Do not be in a rush to answer every question immediately;
not all questions have simple, easy answers. Interviewers tend to be
suspicious (and rightly so) of glib, simplistic solutions.
• Do not underestimate the influence of a receptionist, per-
sonnel department employee, or some other non-decision maker.
They often have input and could make or break your chances. He
or she should be viewed with respect—not as being unimportant.

Typical Interview Questions

Having a good understanding of how you are going to answer
specific questions is crucial to presenting your unique background,
knowledge, skills, and abilities to a prospective employer.
Shown below are some hypothetical, often-asked interview
questions for your review and for which you need to prepare written
answers. Writing your answers will allow you to formulate your
thoughts and ideas. It also will provide a quick and easy way to
review and refresh your memory prior to your interviews. Study
each question before you start jotting down your answers, and do
not underestimate its potential difficulty.
• Tell me about yourself. or Give me a thumbnail sketch
of yourself. (Have a concise response ready. Exactly what you say
is not usually as important as providing a clear, orderly, and logical
response. Avoid rambling and needless detail.)
• What were your duties, responsibilities, and accom-
plishments in your last job? (Be specific and show that you know
what you are talking about. If your last job was not related to the job
for which you are interviewing, give your answer based on your
most recent job that does apply.)
• Briefly describe your educational background. (Answer
Crown Financial Ministries
PO Box 100 111
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all questions the way they are asked; when an interviewer says
briefly, that’s what is meant.)
• Would you briefly summarize your work history? (Again,
answer the question; be specific but not wordy.)
• Why are you leaving your current job? or Why are you
interested in a new position at this time? (Give an answer that
does not reflect negatively on you, the company, or other individu-
als.)
• What are your career goals? (Phrase your response in a
way the potential employer can relate to.)
• What do you consider your major assets? or What are
your strengths? (This is not a time for you to be overly modest.
Present your assets with assurance.)
• Do you have any weak points? or What are your
struggles? (Everybody has some, but indicate only something that
has positive implications. For example, “Because I want to see a job
done correctly, I tend to be somewhat of a perfectionist.”)
• To what do you most attribute your success (failures)?
(This could be one or two questions. It deals with values and
attitudes. Your strategy for this question should be both candid and
positive. You should deal mainly with success, but if you must
discuss a recent failure or disappointment, like losing your job,
emphasize what you have learned as a result. Remember, do not bad
mouth your previous employers.)
• What represents success to you? (This question directly
asks you to express your values. It is essential not to try to answer
this question based on what you think the prospective employer
wants to hear, but you must answer what is in your heart. You may
fool the interviewer, but you will not fool yourself. Not answering
honestly, on this or any question, may mean you will get a job where
you will be miserable.)
• What was your biggest accomplishment at your most
recent job? (Tell what you have actually accomplished, not merely
the tasks you have performed.)
• What do you tend to do outside of work? (Give a rounded
and balanced picture of yourself, but be honest.)
• Is there anything else you would like to say about
yourself with regard to this job? (You may answer this question
somewhat differently at each interview, but you should have an
overall strategy for your answers. In most instances, this question
is your opportunity to summarize and to sell yourself.)
Several books are available to help in this process, such as
Knock ‘Em Dead Interviews. Check libraries, bookstores, and
online if you want more practice with interviewing.

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After the Interview, Follow Up Your
Contacts

Be diligent in following up every contact, every lead,

and every interview.

Timely follow-up shows you are motivated and professional,

and you really appreciate the interest and assistance of others. If
you were not able to catch the name of the person with whom you
spoke, ask the receptionist or call back later.
Follow-up is important because it also provides others an
additional opportunity to get to know you better. It demonstrates
your sincere interest in the position and your appreciation for their
time and consideration. Follow-up may be done in several ways:
• Personal note to each person with whom you interviewed.
• Personal note and résumé, or printed 3" x 5" card with your
qualifications (résumé highlights).
• Brief telephone call. (Voice mail messages lack impact;
they are not the same as a one-to-one phone conversation.
Follow up a voice mail message with a note.)
In most cases, e-mail seems too informal for an interview
response. In addition to expressing your thanks and reminding the
interviewer of who you are, your note offers another brief oppor-
tunity to sell yourself, so you will want to make the best impression
visually. Typically, e-mail does not create a strong, visual impres-
sion. Certainly, it is better than no follow-up at all, but there are
better, more professional ways to accomplish the task.
If you feel the interview did not go well, do not apologize or
beg off. Rather, recognize the interview’s positive elements, and
express your sincere interest in working with the company.
You may also use this opportunity to add another detail you
may have overlooked in the interview. This positive information is
meant as another reason the interviewer might want to say yes to
you. It might even suggest a thoughtful solution for a problem
mentioned by the interviewer, to which you have given serious
thought. Demonstrate that the interviewer or company has been on
your mind since the interview.

ENDNOTES
1. “Doomed Days: The worst mistakes recruiters have ever seen,” The Wall Street Journal,
February 27, 1995, sec. R: 4.

Crown Financial Ministries

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 A Guide to Career Decision Making

“Behind the word vocation is the notion that every

legitimate kind of work or social function is a distinct calling
from God requiring unique God-given gifts, skills, and tal-
ents.”

Dr. Edward Veith

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10 Starting a Business

Many people who are unhappy in their jobs, or who are

without jobs, consider going into business for themselves. Some-
times this is a good option and sometimes it’s not. Starting a
business can be a complex undertaking, requiring much prayer and
consideration, and we could not begin to cover every aspect in this
manual. However, Crown Financial Ministries has learned a lot
from counseling with those who have been both successful and
unsuccessful in business start-ups. In this chapter we will touch on
some of the key areas and ask some questions that will help you
evaluate the wisdom of starting a business of your own.
Full-time at-home workers tend to be men; part-time at-home
workers tend to be women. Many stay-at-home mothers are consid-
ering starting a home business. We think this is a good way for
many women to use their talents to generate some income and still
stay at home with their children.
According to “At-Home-Income-Generation,” a study pub-
lished by Economic Development Quarterly in February 1999, the
average home-based business grosses about $53,000 annually, and
the average home-based business owner’s income is between
$25,000 and $35,000. For this reason, generally home businesses
are for supplemental income and usually are much simpler to get
going than full-fledged businesses. Still, it’s important for the
home entrepreneurs to know what they are getting into.
Whatever your situation, working through this section will
introduce you to some of the issues you’ll need to consider before
starting a business. Answering the questions below will help you
count the cost before you begin the building process.

Motivation
As in most other decisions, you should always analyze your
motivation for pursuing a course of action. Proper motivation for
starting a business might include a strong desire to provide a
product or service or a specific talent or idea that could be marketed
by you better than by someone else. Among the strongest motiva-
tions are flexibility and care of a family member. Among the
drawbacks are never getting away from work and interference with
family life. There is a delicate balance between owning a business
and that business owning you. Quite often people want to start a
business out of frustration with their current employment situation.
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That may or may not be a good idea since, for most people, there are
other alternatives. The following questions will help you analyze
your motivations.
a. What is your real motivation for considering self-em-
ployment? List your reasons in order of priority.
(1) ________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________
(3) ________________________________________
(4) ________________________________________
(5) ________________________________________
b. What don’t you like about your current situation?
___________________________________________
c. What options have you considered other than self-em-
ployment?
___________________________________________
d. What values and needs are not being met in your current
situation?
___________________________________________
“Whatever you do in
word or deed, do all in e. Starting a business requires commitment and hard work.
the name of the Lord It can be a challenge of enormous magnitude, and it
Jesus, giving thanks usually takes a burning desire to overcome the obstacles.
through Him to God the Is this something you really want and feel strongly led to do?
Father” (Colossians
3:17). _____________________________________________

Knowledge/Experience
Larry Burkett often advises us to avoid getting
financially involved in things we don’t know anything
about. That principle especially applies to starting a
business, because it requires an investment of money,
plus time and energy.

a. What is your knowledge level about the business you

would undertake?
___________________________________________
b. Do you know what defines a Christian business, and have
you studied God’s principles for operating a business?
___________________________________________
Note: If not, we recommend you read Larry Burkett’s
Business by the Book (Moody Press).
c. How much actual hands-on experience do you have in the
occupational field you are considering?
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__________________________________________
__________________________________________
d. Do you have any business experience (profit and loss
responsibility)?
___________________________________________

e. Have you investigated government regulations concern-

ing the potential business? Are professional licenses or
registrations required?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
f. Are you knowledgeable about the income and Social
Security tax requirements that govern self-employed
individuals?
___________________________________________
NOTE: This can be a shock to those who have not had to
pay quarterly taxes or self-employment tax.
g. Do you know how to write a business plan? Have you
written a business plan? (If not, check with the Small
Business Development Center near you, or investigate
computer software programs designed to help you write
your business plan.)
___________________________________________

Start-Up Capital
“He who tills his land
Most businesses fail in the first two years because will have plenty of food,
they are undercapitalized. Before launching into a but he who follows
business, you need to count the cost of everything you empty pursuits will have
will need to succeed. poverty in plenty”
(Proverbs 28:19).

Rather than be too optimistic, plan conservatively regarding

income and liberally regarding expenses. A frequent problem is
that the business does not generate adequate income to pay over-
head and provide a livable income. Entrepreneurs tend to be too
optimistic about how long it will take to develop a business to the
point of profitability. Thus they end up living off the money that
should be paying the overhead (creditors), and they sink further in
debt while trying to hold on until the business takes off.

During business start-up, a common mistake is to live

by using credit cards. This virtually guarantees a
financial disaster and should be avoided.

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a. Where will your start-up and operating capital come
from? Do you have enough cash or liquid assets to operate
18 months to two years without a profit? (That’s a good
planning figure for how long it will take for most busi-
nesses to become profitable.)
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
b. Are you considering forming a partnership?
___________________________________________
NOTE: Experience shows that partnerships seldom work
out. If you are yoked to someone whose own (or whose
spouse’s) values and motivations are different from yours,
you won’t be very happy. It’s similar to a marriage, except
more difficult to maintain. Successful partnerships re-
quire both parties to have the mind of Christ (a servant’s
attitude toward the other partner). With two or more
families involved, this rarely occurs.

Keeping Financial Records

Quite often those who have an entrepreneurial bent

are the very ones who don’t enjoy detail work, such
as record keeping.
“The sluggard is wiser
in his own eyes than Not having good financial records can cause major problems
seven men who can give because a business owner must make decisions every day, based on
a discreet answer” how things are going financially. If you don’t know where you
(Proverbs 26:16). stand financially, you run a high risk of acting out of ignorance and
making a bad, costly decision.
Keep in mind that the best record-keeping system for you will
be something you can thoroughly understand. You may have to get
some help at first and do some study on your own as well, but the
keys to remember are simplicity and timeliness. Having something
that is simple and current is essential for sound financial manage-
ment. Two such systems are listed in the Resource Section of this
chapter, in addition to computer programs that are capable of
keeping track of a small business.

a. What plans have you made for keeping simple, timely,

and accurate financial records?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
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b. Who will be the detail person in your operation? Can you
do it? Will your spouse be better suited to this task? Or
will you hire someone to assist you?
___________________________________________
c. If you are not experienced with financial records, such as
income statements, balance statements, and budgets, how
will you become knowledgeable about them?
___________________________________________ “Listen to counsel and
___________________________________________ accept discipline, that
you may be wise the rest
of your days” (Proverbs
Counsel and Information 19:20).

You’ll need information from several sources, but your

counsel should come from those who have wisdom that comes from
a godly perspective toward everything in life. Local Christian
businesspeople can be your best source of counsel.
Small Business Development Centers are located in most states,
operated through state universities. They provide help to people who
are considering business start-ups and to those who already own
businesses. Information is usually free or provided at low cost.

a. Have you sought and received adequate counsel regard-

ing the pros and cons of owning your own business?
___________________________________________
b. Have you developed a list of sources for counsel and
information?
___________________________________________
NOTE: Some of the books listed at the end of this chapter
contain excellent resource lists.

Personnel
The simplest business by far is a one-person operation, in
which the owner is the business. However, many situations will
require additional employees. The minute you hire one person, the
situation changes considerably because many laws and rules apply
that complicate the workload. You need to be familiar with with-
holding taxes, FICA, the Fair Labor Employment Act, OSHA,
Worker’s Compensation, and many other areas.
Also, in any business, getting the right person is so important.

A bad hire is one of the worst things that can happen

to a small business owner. Develop a job description
and criteria for the job before you start looking for
the person. Understand your personality’s strengths
and struggles so your employees will complete you.
Crown Financial Ministries
PO Box 100 119
Gainesville GA 30503-0100
 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 10
As you look for your personnel, keep in mind the principles
you have learned about matching the person to the job in Chapters
1-4 of this manual. The same concepts apply. If you know the
pattern of what it will take to do the job, then you can look for a
person with that pattern when hiring. Generally, we find that an
entrepreneur’s first hire should be someone who is opposite from
him or her. If you are a big-picture person, you will likely need a
detailed person to follow through on day-to-day activities and
record keeping. Conversely, if you are a detailed person, you will
likely need an outgoing, enterprising person to promote the business.
You should seriously consider obtaining a Career Direct
assessment for any prospective employee. Additional unlock codes
are available for the CD-ROM on which you completed your
assessment. Go back and study the personality style section in
Chapter 2 as you think about the traits of the person you want to hire.
Consider the following questions before hiring someone.
a. Are you familiar with the rules and regulations that apply
to employees?
___________________________________________
“The body is not one
member, but many” b. Have you developed a written job description for the
(1 Corinthians 12:14). opening you want to fill?
___________________________________________
c. Have you given consideration to the pattern of the person
you want to hire?
___________________________________________
Skills and Abilities ___________________________
Vocational Interests ___________________________
Work Values ________________________________
Personality Style _____________________________

Timing a Business Start-Up

As in any other endeavor, timing can be of the utmost
importance. Timing can apply to you in your life and situation, and
it also can apply to the product and services you offer.

a. Is the endeavor compatible with your life and other

responsibilities at this time? Has the window of opportu-
nity closed, has it just opened, or will it not open until
some future date?
___________________________________________
b. Is the timing right for this particular product or service?
___________________________________________
This is really a marketing question that will require some
careful thought, advice, and research.
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Personality
Generally, entrepreneurs tend to operate from a confident,
results-oriented, problem-solver, and challenge-oriented (Domi-
nant type) personality style. They are usually big-picture visionar-
ies who believe they can overcome any obstacles that arise. There
are, however, good examples of every personality style being
effective as business leaders.

The secret is to know your areas of strength and

struggles and work within them, and adapt to the
situation as necessary.

You should be aware, however, that any time you adapt very
much for an extended period of time, stress results. If you have high
needs for stability and security, you may not want to undertake the
risks of being an entrepreneur. At the very least, you need to
understand how people with your personality style recharge after
stressful work outside their areas of strength.
Entrepreneurs generally must be willing to take risks; some-
times they succeed and sometimes they fail. The principle of risk
versus return applies here the same as in any other investment. The
higher the anticipated return, the higher the risk. You should
understand your personality style, along with your tolerance for risk,
and give this area high priority in your decision to start a business.
Is your temperament suited to owning and operating your
own business? Evaluate your strengths based on the information in
your “pattern,” the information on personality in Chapter 2, the results
of your Career Direct report, and the entrepreneur appraisal below.
“The way of a fool is
ENTREPRENEUR APPRAISAL right in his own eyes,
but a wise man is he
Assess your personal potential to operate your own home-based business. who listens to counsel”
Circle a number for each statement to indicate how well it describes you or how (Proverbs 12:15).
you feel. (1=not at all, 2=sometimes, 3=often, 4=usually, 5=always)

1 2 3 4 5 I like to be in charge and usually lead groups in which I work.

1 2 3 4 5 I tend to see the whole picture and all aspects of any project.
1 2 3 4 5 I am a leader of people; others look to me for direction.
1 2 3 4 5 I realistically assess my talents and abilities.
1 2 3 4 5 I ask for advice from experts in fields in which I need help.
1 2 3 4 5 I am thorough and I accurately complete the tasks I begin.
1 2 3 4 5 I enjoy solving problems and see obstacles as opportunities.
1 2 3 4 5 I schedule my day and my activities and stick to my schedule.
1 2 3 4 5 Taking risks gives me a feeling of excitement.
1 2 3 4 5 I delegate work to others, remove myself from the project,
and accept their processes and results.
Crown Financial Ministries
PO Box 100 121
Gainesville GA 30503-0100
 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 10
1 2 3 4 5 I usually bounce back very quickly after a setback.
1 2 3 4 5 I am willing to devote myself to my business.
1 2 3 4 5 My attention is not easily diverted from tasks.
1 2 3 4 5 I have a planned budget that I do not exceed.
1 2 3 4 5 I don’t usually buy from door-to-door or telephone solicitors.
1 2 3 4 5 I accept responsibility for the outcome of projects I undertake.
1 2 3 4 5 Disappointments and delays do not deter me from plans or
goals I have set for myself.
1 2 3 4 5 I am goal-oriented and have a 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year plan.
1 2 3 4 5 I balance my checkbook every month.
1 2 3 4 5 After much prayer, I feel strongly that God is leading me in
the home-based business direction.
Scoring Instructions: Add the circled numbers. If you scored 80 or above, you
should have no problem operating your own home-based business. If you scored
below 60, you may want to look at those items in which you scored the lowest and
ask yourself, “What prevents me from doing these things?”
The Entrepreneur Appraisal was developed by career counselor Valerie Acuff,
and it is reprinted by permission of HomeWork: The Home Business Newsletter
with a Christian Perspective, a resource for home business, PO Box 394, Dept
CP, Simsbury, CT 06070.

Time - Energy - Family

A realistic evaluation of the time commitment required to
start and operate a business is essential. Solving one problem after
another will require energy—physical energy and emotional en-
“No servant can serve ergy—that comes from your drive and enthusiasm to see a project
two masters; for either completed. Counting the cost is important, because we know three
he will hate the one and things that are true about pursuing success at any level:
love the other, or else he
will be devoted to one 1. The price you pay to succeed is intensely personal—it is not
and despise the other. the same for any two people.
You cannot serve God 2. The price is always costly; worthwhile things never come
and wealth” (Luke
16:13). without investment of time and resources.
3. The price is not negotiable; either you do what is required or
you don’t. You can’t barter with true success.
So, a business start-up can be an all-consuming experience,
and frequently marriages and families suffer, even to the point of
breakup. Consider these questions in this area.

a. Do you understand the time commitment required to

see this undertaking through successfully?
___________________________________________
b. Are you a high-energy person? Is your enthusiasm so high
or motivation so great that your work will seem like play?
___________________________________________
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c. How will the business affect your relationship with your
spouse?
___________________________________________
d. How will the business affect your relationship with
your children? Will you be able to spend quantity time,
as well as quality time, with your family?
___________________________________________
“Whatever you do, do
e. How will your business endeavors affect your relation- your work heartily, as
ship with the Lord? for the Lord rather than
for men” (Colossians
___________________________________________ 3:23).

God’s Will
Go back to the first section on motivation in this chapter.
Consider your true motivations for pursuing this course of action in
light of what you believe God wants you to do.

a. Have you truly sought God’s will in this decision?

___________________________________________
b. Will this decision enable you to better glorify the Lord in
your work?
___________________________________________
c. Do you and your spouse both have peace in the decision
that this is truly God’s will for your life?
___________________________________________

Conclusion
We have taken you through the above issues because they
cover the “Hall of Horrors” museum of common mistakes made
when starting a business. It is not intended to discourage you but to
assist you in making a good decision.
Remember, every situation is different, so every issue won’t
apply with the same significance. If you are going to sell homemade
pies to your friends and neighbors, your situation is fairly simple,
but if you expand into a small baking operation that employs
several people, your situation will be quite different.
We can’t emphasize enough the importance of prayerful and
patient consideration when making a decision to start a business. If
you are committed to doing God’s will in your life, you can
experience the advantage of being in business for yourself, but not
by yourself. The Lord will supply His wisdom when you ask with
a motivation to serve Him humbly. Do your homework and let the
Lord guide you into His will.
Crown Financial Ministries
PO Box 100 123
Gainesville GA 30503-0100
 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 10
Resources
BOOKS
*Business by the Book, Larry Burkett. Nashville, TN: Thomas
Nelson, 1998.
*Money Matters, Larry Burkett. Nashville, TN: Thomas
Nelson, 2001.
*Women Leaving the Workplace, Larry Burkett. Chicago, IL:
Moody Press, 1995. (Contains a chapter on home-based
business.)
*Loving Monday, John Beckett. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity
Press, 1998.
Today God Is First, Os Hillman. Shippensburg, PA: Destiny
Image Publishers, Inc., 2000.
Transforming Your Workplace for Christ, William Nix. Nashville,
TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1997.
Character Works, William Nix. Nashville, TN: Broadman and
Holman Publishers, 1999.
Homemade Business, Donna Partow. Colorado Springs, CO: Focus
on the Family, 1992. (Contains an excellent resource section
for any new business.)
*A Christian’s Guide to Working from Home, Lindsey O’Connor.
Eugene, OR: Harvest House,1997. (Contains an excellent
resource section for any new business.)
*Can be purchased from Crown Financial Ministries at 800-722-
1976 or on the Web at www.crown.org. Additional books are
recommended at this site.

NEWSLETTERS
HomeWork: The Home Business Newsletter with a Christian
Perspective, PO Box 394 Dept CP, Simsbury, CT 06070
A bimonthly newsletter for people who work at home or
plan to. Written with a Christian perspective.
Money Matters, 601 Broad St SE, Gainesville GA 30501
A monthly Christian economic newsletter from Larry Burkett
and Crown Financial Ministries. Also available online via
monthly e-mail. Sign up at www.crown.org.

TAPE SERIES
God’s Principles for Operating a Business, Larry Burkett.
Gainesville, GA: Crown Financial Ministries, 1989

CAREER DIRECT ®
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CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING
BUSINESS LEADERS “Masters, grant to your
slaves justice and
Christian Businessmen’s Committee of the USA fairness, knowing that
6650 East Brainerd Rd, Ste 100, Chattanooga TN 37421 you too have a Master
in heaven” (Colossians
(423) 698-4444, http://www.cbmc.com 4:1).
This organization’s purpose is to assist businesspeople
in operating their companies according to God’s principles
and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ through their businesses.
Crown Financial Ministries
601 Broad St SE, Gainesville GA 30501
(770) 534-1000, www.crown.org
Provides business seminars given by qualified instructors
throughout the United States. A business seminar schedule
is available upon request.
Fellowship of Companies for Christ, International
PO Box 270784, Oklahoma City, OK 73137
(800) 664-3224, www.fcci.org
This is a membership organization that conducts various
business seminars for its members, and publishes resource
materials for Christian business owners.
Turnaround Ministries
PO Box 760, Gainesville GA 30503
(770) 503-9038, www.turn-around.com
This ministry counsels people who are facing, or have
already filed for, business bankruptcy.

BUSINESS RECORD KEEPING SYSTEMS

McBee Systems
299 Cherry Hill Rd, Parsippany NJ 07054
(800) 662-2331, www.mcbeesystems.com
Safeguard Business Systems
455 Maryland Dr, Fort Washington PA 19034
(800) 523-2422, www.gosafeguard.com
Additionally, check computer catalogs for small business
bookkeeping software. Ask other business owners which programs
they use and why the programs suit their needs. Sometimes, the
learning curve on financial software can be steep, and you will
benefit from having an experienced user nearby. If you have never
worked with business figures, much of accounting theory will be
strange to you. Plan to get help as you first set up the program and
your various accounts.

Crown Financial Ministries

PO Box 100 125
Gainesville GA 30503-0100
 A Guide to Career Decision Making

THE ROAD OF LIFE

At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the
things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when
I die. He was out there sort of like a president. I recognized His picture
when I saw it, but I really didn’t know Him.
But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather
like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in
the back, helping me pedal.
I don’t know just when it was that He suggested we change places,
but life has not been the same since.
When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but
predictable . . . It was the shortest distance between two points.
But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up
mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds; it was all I could
do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, “Pedal!”
I worried and was anxious and asked, “Where are you taking me?”
He laughed and didn’t answer, and I started to learn to trust.
I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I’d
say, “I’m scared,” He’d lean back and touch my hand.
He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing,
acceptance, and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord’s
and mine.
And we were off again. He said, “Give the gifts away; they’re extra
baggage, too much weight.” So I did, to the people we met, and I found that
in giving I received, and still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought he’d wreck
it; but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp
corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to
shorten scary passages.
And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and
I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my
delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.
And when I’m sure I just can’t do anymore, He just smiles and says
. . . “Pedal.”
—author unknown

(Taken from Holy Sweat, Tim Hansel, Dallas TX: Word Inc., 1987. Used with permission.)

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11 Facing Tough Times

From time to time, we all experience adversity in our lives. In

fact, the older we get the more we realize that conflicts, difficulties,
and hardships are a major part of life. Unfortunately, there are times
when the weight of the situation seems overwhelming, and we
become discouraged.
This chapter has been included to encourage those who are
bearing a heavy weight due to difficulties with career, family,
finances, or some other problem area. We hope it will help you
attain a clearer perspective of your situation and provide some practical
ways to overcome the discouragement and deal with the problem.

Adjust Your Perspective

When you are faced with severe difficulties, the problems
come closer and closer, until your perspective is out of focus.
Diagram A graphically depicts what a counselor commonly ob-
serves in a client’s situation. The problem has become so great that
perspective is lost, like holding a penny in front of your eye to
obscure your view of the sun.
B B
I I
G G
Field of View P Field of View P
Obscured by I I
Problem C PROBLEM C
T T
U U
R R
PROBLEM E E

Diagram A Diagram B

One of the first steps a counselor takes is to try to help the

client move the problem back into a more realistic focus, as shown
in diagram B. Somehow the client has to be able emotionally to step
back and look at the situation objectively. At a distance you can see
the magnitude of the problem better, compared to the big picture of
life.

Crown Financial Ministries

PO Box 100 127
Gainesville GA 30503-0100
 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 11
Look at the Examples of Others
A good technique for getting a more objective view of a
problem is to focus on someone else’s situation. It’s usually easier to
see a biblical principle in someone else’s life, rather than in our own.
Then we can compare our situation to theirs, apply the
principle, and see God’s grace and sovereignty at work in our lives.
Consider several examples from history to help you gain a
new focus on your problem.
Remember the experiences of Joseph, a favored child who
“I am your brother was sold into slavery by his brothers. Taken to Egypt, he moved up
Joseph, whom you sold
to estate manager only to be falsely accused, imprisoned, and then
into Egypt! Now do not
be grieved or angry with forgotten for two years by a former cell mate he had helped. But as
yourselves, because you Joseph said to his brothers when he became prime minister of
sold me here, for God Egypt, “It was not you who sent me here, but God” (Genesis 45:8).
sent me before you to Joseph saw the principle that God uses our struggles, our suffering,
preserve life” (Genesis
our imprisonment to glorify Him and to prepare us for greater
45:4-5).
responsibilities in His Kingdom.
Next, think about Moses, a man who had been groomed to be
a leader of his country, yet he found himself an outcast, sitting by
a well in the desert. Moses went from the king’s court to unemploy-
ment, then to 40 years of service in the lowest job in society. All this
was in preparation to fulfill his calling as a leader of God’s people
and the architect of God’s law.
Twelve hundred years later, we see the apostle Paul, probably
the most brilliant mind of his time, sitting in jail. Talk about an
unfair situation, hard times, depravity! What a comedown for a man
of his intellect and potential! Paul experienced it all. But, he is a
great role model for us because he understood hard times. His
comments are instructive to us. “He has said to me, ’My grace is
sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ . . . I am well
content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with perse-
cutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak,
“All discipline for the then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
moment seems not to be During my own experiences as a prisoner of war for five and
joyful, but sorrowful;
one-half years in North Vietnam, I remembered Paul’s words. I had
yet to those who have
been trained by it, only two meals a day of pumpkin soup and rice or bread, no
afterwards it yields the television, magazines, or any of today’s necessities, and no mail for
peaceful fruit of years. In fact, I could carry everything I owned under one arm.
righteousness” Threats, torture, and constant negative propaganda were a way of
(Hebrews 12:11).
life in the POW camp. Still, I had peace of mind. I was able
somehow to trust that God would use that experience to His honor
and glory. My suffering had a purpose. I made it through that
experience—not because of my own strength but because of God’s
faithfulness. I was held up by His everlasting arms and the prayers
of thousands back home.
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It is usually through our suffering that we learn the true
lessons of faith. When everything is going our way, we tend to rely
on ourselves. But when suffering brings us to the end of ourselves,
it is quite amazing how we begin to see our weaknesses—our
fallibility. Confronted with our own inadequacies, we begin to “Thus says the Lord,
relinquish control and trust in our Lord and King. And it is through ‘Let not a wise man
boast of his wisdom,
hardship that we usually come to know the power of our Savior and and let not the mighty
the spiritual principles He wants us to live by. He often uses us in man boast of his might,
our weaknesses, rather than in our achievements, to further His let not a rich man boast
Kingdom. of his riches; but let him
who boasts boast of this,
These examples emphasize the point that even in tough times that he understands and
it is our faith, our convictions, and our attitudes that make the knows Me, that I am the
difference. If we really believe that God is who He says He is, then Lord who exercises
our job is to serve wherever we are. At times we suffer; at times we lovingkindness, justice
prosper; but, at all times, let us live so that others will see Jesus in us. and righteousness on
earth; for I delight in
these things,’ declares
In whatever state we are in, we can be encouraged the Lord” (Jeremiah
because we know that God is in control, and He has a 9:23-24).
plan for our lives.

If you are feeling the pinch right now, hang in there. Remem-
ber, God has placed you on this earth for a purpose. In the broadest
sense, your purpose is to glorify Him, and this includes even the
details and quality of your work. I believe your role is to honor Him
by your attitude while waiting, preparing, or even suffering.

Practical Helps
“So faith comes from
STUDY GOD’S WORD REGULARLY hearing, and hearing by
Jesus is both the Word and the Bread of Life. To be spiritually the word of Christ”
(Romans 10:17).
strong, you need daily nourishment from the Word. His Word
reminds us of God’s great love for us, it shows us truth, and it
teaches us the principles that exemplify a godly character. As we
feast on His Word, we come to know Jesus as the Way, the Truth,
and the Life. As He comes to live in us, we see our burdens start to
lift, and we feel the comfort of His everlasting arms.

PRAY AND MEDITATE

As we come to know the mind of God, we are able to pray in
His will. Praying in His will is a powerful tool that He has directed
us to use in life and labor. As we meditate on His Word and His will,
the Holy Spirit (Counselor, Messenger, and Comforter) comes to
us with encouragement and enlightenment.

Crown Financial Ministries

PO Box 100 129
Gainesville GA 30503-0100
 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 11
SEEK GODLY COUNSEL
This has been covered earlier but bears repeating here. Godly
counsel can come from a spouse, parent, friend, pastor, deacon,
elder, prayer partner, or a Christian counselor. Sharing your burden
with someone else who is holding God’s hand is very important.

GET INVOLVED WITH THE BODY OF CHRIST

The responsibilities of the body of believers include bearing
one another’s burdens and sharing fellowship and love during difficult
times. Whether your needs are emotional, financial, spiritual, or
physical, you need to let others in your church know about your needs.
If you are not in a church, find one, and join the body of Christ.

READ ENCOURAGING BOOKS

Proverbs 12:25 states, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down,
but a good word makes it glad.” When facing discouragement, borrow
from the faith and strength of others by reading uplifting Christian
books. Browse through your church library or local Christian book-
store for books that speak to the particular issues you’re encountering.

MAKE A PLAN AND START FOLLOWING IT

Your role is to do the process; God will take care of the results.
Go back and look at the diagram on page 36 and think about your
process.

AVOID BITTERNESS
It takes only the slightest amount of bitterness to ruin your
attitude and undercut your joy. Others will pick up on your attitude
and begin to avoid you. Ultimately you have no credibility as a
witness if you are driven by bitterness. If you are feeling bitter, you
need to identify the root cause. Don’t point the finger at others; they
don’t control your attitude.
“For I consider that the
sufferings of this present LOOK FOR WAYS GOD CAN USE YOUR ADVERSITY
time are not worthy to TO HIS GLORY
be compared with the
glory that is to be If you want to follow the model of Christ, you must also be
revealed to us” willing to suffer to carry out God’s plan for your life. If you are
(Romans 8:18). feeling unjustly persecuted, think how Jesus felt. Even though
totally innocent, He was falsely accused, convicted in a trial that did
not follow established legal procedures, and crucified in an agoniz-
ing and humiliating way.

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Yet, it was through His suffering that we were
blessed. Ask yourself, “How will God use my suffering
to be a blessing to others?”

WASH SOMEONE’S FEET “If I then, the Lord and

the Teacher, washed
Look around in your community and find those who are your feet, you also
hurting worse than you are. Go to their aid; be a servant to them as ought to wash one
Jesus was when He washed the feet of the disciples. In doing so you another’s feet” (John
will gain a new perspective on your situation, and you’ll begin to 13:14).
see God’s grace at work in your life. See how He can use your
hardships to prepare you for further work in His kingdom.

When we claim our “rights” or “justice,” we know some area

of sin is having its way. When we surrender control of our lives to
Christ, we give up our rights and become servants. If Christ lives
in us, we are not concerned about our honor or our rights. We know
that when we honor Him, He takes care of us through His love and
grace, which far surpasses our understanding.

ACKNOWLEDGE THE LOVE OF GOD

Imagine how good you might feel about yourself if the
president of the United States called you personally and said, “You
are a very important person to me and my administration; I am very “It is the Lord your God
interested in your future and I’d like to help you.” Naturally, having who will cross ahead of
you. . . . Be strong and
the commander-in-chief of the most powerful country in the world
courageous, do not be
take a special interest in you would tend to make you feel pretty afraid or tremble at
good about yourself. But even that would not last, and eventually them, for the Lord your
you’d have to look elsewhere for a way to sustain your value and God is the one who goes
importance. with you. He will not
fail you or forsake you”
(Deuteronomy 31:3, 6).
When we realize how much God really loves us, we
have a legitimate and lasting source for our self-esteem.

We have been singled out by the Creator of the universe—the

one true God—to be His covenant partner. Stop and think for a
minute what that means. The most important person in the world
has your best interest at heart. He wants to help you in your journey
through life, and He has provided you with a Savior, an Advocate,
a Counselor, and every spiritual blessing. How can we look down for
long, when we have such a wonderful Friend who is ready to lift us up?
It is in times like these we would do well to read again that
short, four-page letter written by Paul to the Philippians. It can be
summed up in a selection of verses from Chapter 3.
“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! To write the same
things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. . . .

Crown Financial Ministries

PO Box 100 131
Gainesville GA 30503-0100
 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 11
That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the
fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. . . . Not
that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but
I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold
of in Christ Jesus. . . . one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind
and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal
for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians
3:1, 10, 12-14).
Step back from your trials and adjust your focus. Rejoice in
God’s great mercy and love and His ability to use your suffering for
His glory. Then, press on, using the talents God has given you. Let
His Holy Spirit guide you in your journey. He has already prepared
the destination.

CAREER DIRECT ®
132 Guidance System
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CHAPTER 12

12 Establishing a Budget

A Sound Financial Plan Is Essential for

▼
▼

Good Career Planning

Finances will be a critical factor in your career planning. A
good financial plan will allow you to make career choices based on
biblical principles, rather than just the need for a paycheck.
Many people today are not able to pursue a career that God
called them to because they are locked into repayment schedules
that can be met only with a certain income. Many others could have
much more career flexibility if they had managed their money and “He who does not take
paid off their bills. his cross and follow
after me is not worthy of
Sound financial planning is integral to sound career planning. Me. He who has found
his life will lose it, and
Unless you are able to control your spending and live he who has lost his life
within your means, your career decisions will always for My sake will find it”
(Matthew 10:38-39).
be driven by the need for more money.

For example, though your heart’s desire and your God-given

talents may be to lead and teach young men at the YMCA, you may
feel pressured to be a stockbroker in order to make more money to
pay your bills.
Larry Burkett and Crown Financial Ministries have been
teaching the concept of stewardship since 1976. Based on that
experience, we know that most Christians struggle with finances.
It seems that Jesus anticipated the depth of faith needed to surrender
control of our finances to Him, because He taught about money and
possessions more than anything else. Although financial manage-
ment can be a struggle, at Crown, we hear or read many testimonies
each month describing how people became debt free and achieved
the blessings of financial freedom by living on a budget.

By first recognizing that “our” money and possessions

are really the Lord’s, and then becoming good managers
for Him, we become truly free to follow His calling.

Crown Financial Ministries

PO Box 100 133
Gainesville GA 30503-0100
 A Guide to Career Decision Making
CHAPTER 12
Listed below are a number of materials that can help you.
They are available at Crown Financial Ministries. Call 1-800-722-
1976 or go to www.crown.org for more information.

Cash Organizer
This envelope budgeting system will simplify your budgeting
process by keeping you in control as you track your cash expendi-
tures. Twelve envelopes bound in a durable navy blue cover (with
six extra envelopes) neatly divide your cash among budget catego-
ries. This is the easiest way to begin a controlled spending plan,
which is so critical during a period of career transition.

The WORD on Finances

Now you can have the Bible references on money at your
fingertips. All the relevant Scriptures on finances have been com-
piled in this easy-to-reference volume. Larry discusses more than
70 topics under the following eight comprehensive headings: right
attitudes, wrong attitudes, credit, giving and providing, God’s
blessings/curses, investing, work and wages, and government.

Debt-Free Living
Learn the biblical principles for getting out of debt as you
follow true-to-life examples of those who sought God’s sovereign
direction. In this book Larry warns about certain kinds of credit and
discusses alternative methods. He also addresses home ownership
versus renting, the consequences of bankruptcy, common errors
that lead to debt, and going from a two- to a one-income family.

The Family Financial Organizer

The complete edition of this notebook system includes the
Family Financial Workbook, the Set Your House in Order work-
book, audio messages on credit cards and marriage communica-
tion, and a copy of the SnapShot Gold ® debt management software.
The Family Financial Workbook has easy-to-follow worksheets
and step-by-step instructions that allow you to structure and main-
tain your budget.

Business by the Book

This book will help you discover how to build a business that
will glorify the Lord and nurture employees. You’ll be surprised to
find out just how much God has to say about private business in His
Word. A convenient study guide, included in the book, is perfect for
individual or group study.

CAREER DIRECT ®
134 Guidance System
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CHAPTER 13

13 Striving for
Contentment
. . . thoughts from Larry’s desk

“Godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompa-

nied by contentment” (1 Timothy 6:6).
One of the great mysteries of Christianity is contentment—at least
one must presume it is a mystery, because so few people have found it.
Actually, contentment is an attitude.
▼

STUDYING THE EXTREMES

On the one hand, there are many people who have seemingly little
or no regard for material possessions. They accept poverty as a normal
living condition, and their major concern is in which doorway to sleep.
Are they living lives of contentment? Hardly so, because that description
aptly fits the winos found in the Bowery of New York.
In contrast are the affluent who have the best our society has to offer
at their disposal. Their homes are the community showplaces, their
summer cottages are actually small hotels, and their automobiles cost
more than most families’ houses. Does their abundance guarantee con-
tentment? From observing millionaire businesspeople, star athletes, and
entertainers, it’s hard to imagine this group is any more content than the
previous one.
▼

THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT

If money can’t buy it and poverty doesn’t provide it, what is

contentment? Contentment, contrary to popular opinion, is not being
satisfied where you are. It is knowing God’s plan for your life, having
the conviction to live it, and believing that God’s peace is greater than
the world’s problems.
▼

THE ENEMIES OF CONTENTMENT

Christians get trapped into discontented lives by adopting worldly

goals. These goals always boil down to more . . . bigger . . . better.
Scripture defines them as indulgence, greed, and pride. Often successful
people come to the Lord out of desperation when they realize that their
lives are characterized by fear and anxiety. The accumulation of assets
has not alleviated the fear.
Regardless of the amount of your material possessions, or lack
thereof, you can have an attitude of contentment. Knowing God’s plan for
your life and having the conviction to live it will open the doors for
contentment. Pursue contentment as a priority in your career planning.
Crown Financial Ministries
PO Box 100 135
Gainesville GA 30503-0100
 CROWN CAREER RESOURCES
“Career and educational resources designed to help people discover
how God has uniquely gifted them for work and life”

Career Direct ® Guidance System—Occupational

and Educational versions. Career Direct ® is a
complete guidance system to assist those making
career or educational decisions at various stages in life.
u Adults/Occupational—for those seeking career

direction who need confirmation that they are in the

right career, feel that a career change may be needed,
or are entering or reentering the work force.
u Students/Educational—for high school

juniors/seniors who are making postsecondary educa-

tional decisions and college freshmen/sophomores
deciding on a major course of study. Both packages
contain assessment instruments that profile personality,
interests, skills, and work priorities/life values and instantly generate over 30 pages of
individualized reports. They also come with a career matching feature, an “Action Plan,
a “Job Sampler,” a resource book (The PathFinder —Occupational, or Guide to College
Majors —Educational), and a series of audio messages to aid in occupational and educa-
tional decision making. (Available in paper, CD-ROM, and soon-to-be-released online
formats!)

Career Direct—YES!® (Youth) Guidance System.

The Career Direct—Youth Exploration Survey is for teens
13 to 16 years old. It helps young people identify their
unique, God-given design and understand how their tal-
ents fit into career fields. Included is an exciting and
engaging guidebook with self-scoring assessments that
measure personality style, interests, abilities, and priori-
ties. YES! teaches students a biblically based process for
making decisions about their current activities and rela-
tionships, as well as future careers. The entire program
integrates biblical principles of work and stewardship of
talents in an innovative format that engages and informs
the student. The YES! packet includes a Passport that guides them through their
results and encourages them to set goals for the future. Also included is a Parents’
Guide to involve them in the process. A YES! Leaders’ Guide is also available.
(Available in paper format only.)
 A Guide to Career Decision Making

Guide to College Majors and Career Choices is a reference

book for those contemplating higher education. It offers principles
for making sound career decisions and evaluating schools, how to
choose a college major, tips on the college admissions process, how to
stay on schedule in applying for college, and how to find a job while
you’re in school. It also cross-references academic majors to more
than 700 related occupations. (Ellis/McNeilly, 195 pages, softcover)

Finding the Career That Fits You workbook is a low-cost option

for career assessment. This companion workbook to Your Career in
Changing Times includes the Personality I.D., as well as surveys for
examining skills and work priorities. It is totally self-scoring and enables
a person to work through the self-assessment process to gain a clear
understanding of talents and job search strategy. This workbook is suit-
able for individual or group use. Available in paper only. A soon-to-be-
released Leaders’ Guide will be an excellent resource for conducting small
group studies or large seminars. (Ellis/Burkett, 122 pages, softcover)

Team Personality I.D. is a relationship-building tool for teams

in any setting by using a unique, enhanced DISC-based personality
assessment. This assessment is useful, informative, and fun for all
types of groups up to six persons including families, church boards,
small group studies, college dorm groups, and pastoral counseling
of couples and groups. Use the results to enhance relationships and
generate acceptance, agreement, and cooperation within the team.
The program produces detailed individual, two-person comparison, and team reports.
(Available in CD-ROM format only.)

ABOUT CROWN CAREER RESOURCES

Crown Career Resources is the career guidance outreach of Crown Financial Ministries of
Gainesville, Georgia. Since 1976, under the leadership of Larry Burkett, Crown (formerly
Christian Financial Concepts) has focused its ministry on teaching biblical principles of han-
dling money. Crown Career Resources expands Crown’s emphasis on stewardship to include
stewardship of our other talents, i.e., our unique gifts, abilities, and personal style of work.
Crown Career Resources seeks to help individuals discover their talents and career direction by
teaching biblical principles of stewardship for career and life planning and by providing practi-
cal assistance through guidance materials. 5/2002

To order any of these products, call 1-800-722-1976

®
or visit our Web site at www.crown.org.
CAREER DIRECT
138 Guidance System
Key Component