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June 18, 2007
Check out Checkster for career help

Dear Joyce: At 25, I am doing OK, I guess, but not being selected for promotion. Because I am trying to pay off my student loans as fast as I can, I don't feel I can afford to pay for counseling to be sure I'm in the right career. I've read two books you recommended, but that didn't help as much as I'd like. Advice?

Checkster launched in early June. Free to individuals, Checkster is an entirely new idea aimed at solving these kinds of questions: How am I doing in my career? What do others think about my work? What do others see as my strengths? How can I do better to move up faster? Am I in the right career?

"After graduation we don't get frequent feedback on how well we are performing," according to Mill Valley, Calif.-based Checkster founder and CEO Yves Lermusi, a well-known veteran in the recruiting field. "Checkster creates the `personal feedback management' industry and can be used by job seekers to find out how to distinguish themselves from other candidates."

The service will ask your boss and others you designate for a confidential appraisal of your abilities and performance. You won't know who said what, but you'll get a group opinion that individuals may not tell you to your face.

Although individuals can use the new Web-based tools at no cost, employers will pay a fee to use Checkster to hire, retain and grow the right talent.

Learn more about the Checkster program at checkster.com.

Another free online assessment program may also open your eyes. This one is designed to help you discover your assets and strengths: Monster.com's JASPER (visit monster.com; scroll down left to "Top JASPER types"). JASPER measures eight dimensions, including work values, environment and work personality.

The Checkster program reflects what others think about your work life; JASPER reflects what you think about your work life. Together, they're a dynamic duo. And the price is right.



URL:http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/columnists/sfl-ybcareers18jun18,0,5964255.column?coll=sfla-business-col