FAQs about the workbook

What is it?
Hard work!!!.... and thirty four pages. Most people take several hours to complete it - a challenge in itself for those with a busy career or lifestyle. Even for those who are not working, the questions and exercises are searching and thought provoking and it may not be possible to answer some immediately. We find most people complete it in sections over a period of one to two weeks.

It must be completed for entry into the Career Review (which in turn is the only way to join a face to face programme with us) and we also recommend completing it before signing up for a telecareerclinic appointment or prior to seeking career support in the workplace.

What format does it take?

The right format for you will depend on where you are planning to work on it, how quickly you want it and whether you are considering joining a Career Review Programme for our feedback...

1. free shorter sample version by pdf when you register in the guest reception
2. full hard copy version 34 pages posted to you by mail.
3. full version via pdf instant download /handwriting  Needs Adobe Reader & printer
4. fully electronic version (to be launched in late 2009) to fill in on your PC

Why is the workbook so important?
When we launched Medical Forum in 1990 we started with workshops. It soon became obvious that while these were enough for some people a good proportion needed something much more tailored to them personally. We started to offer one to one meetings - BUT - there was a problem.... neither the guidee nor the guidor were sufficiently prepared to make the best of the allotted time together - with the guidee having a lot of difficulty answering some basic questions about their career. There was clearly a need for them to do some "homework" and self study BEFORE any career discussion could be truly useful.

This is where the workbook emerged and its gestation has taken it from the initial conception of a couple of pages to its current 34 page searching, innovative and creative format.

Why can't I just send you a copy of my CV?
This is because CVs are usually very dry and dull documents that do not say much about an individual's "career factors" - these include things like motivating forces, dreams, personality, values, strengths, fears, social situation, ambition levels etc. These are all things that one needs to address.... you - because until you start to acknowledge the influence of all sixteen "career factors" on your career and us - because should you wish to return the workbook for our input we need to know your perspective on these career factors before we can offer realistic and unbiased but also well informed feedback.

How does the workbook integrate with your other facilities?
The workbook represents a simple starting point for career re-appraisal and planning with us.

The workbook and the career guide - when combined together with the audiotape - form the core materials that are essential reading and "homework" before we can offer any personalised feedback. These three materials can be obtained separately or together. They are each useful as stand alone career development materials and compliment each other. However, they really come into their own when the workbook is fully completed and returned to us as part of a full Career Review.

Why do I have to fill it in before any discussion with you?
Attempting to give careers support or advice to anyone without first knowing a lot about them is like trying to make a diagnosis without first taking a history, doing an examination and ordering investigations (ie inexcusable). However it is quite astounding just how many people will proffer careers advice without doing this basic preparation work. CVs in general are rather bland and soul-less documents that do not reveal that much about an individual. As our approach to career management and careers support is very much a "holistic" one - we need to know what makes you tick, what your skills and ambitions are, what your values are, your personality, your current situation and how you got there as well as family or health influences.

When do I need the guide and audio section too?
You can choose to use just the workbook on its own. Some people find that merely allocating some protected time to their career thoughts and writing these down in a  structured way - gives them a whole new perspective. However most people find that filling in the workbook provokes more questions than it immediately solves which is why most people progress to a Career Review

There are two pages in the workbook that relate to the Guide and audio respectively. The reason these pages are included is to ensure that you have digested both the audio and Guide contents should you wish to join a Career Review The Guide is important for the CRP as it offers vital background information for anyone starting out on career re-evaluation. The audio is important as it offers a number of crucial observations on things like goal setting and planning, vision and positive mental attitude - all things that impinge dramatically on all forms of career and personal development. The workbook, the Guide and the audio components compliment each other. Together they ensure that you are fully prepared for the feedback part of the Review.