Title:Checklist for a Job Search
Author:Hannah Morgan
Date:September 2024
Source:Career Sherpa - Reprinted with permission
Having a checklist for job search makes sure you have the right equipment and tools to compete. Without having everything you need, you potentially waste a lot of time. While gathering this checklist of items in this order is not required, it is *highly* recommended you do them all.
Job Search Checklist — Things You Need For Your Job Search
- Portfolio of work and evaluations
- Professional email address and email signature
- Professional greeting on main voicemail
- 20+ Accomplishment stories
- 10 or more ideal job titles
- Targeted, strategically focused resume for each of those job titles and/or ideal job postings
- 50+ companies that could potentially hire you for what you want to do
- Craft answers to the dreaded interview questions
- Elevator pitch/45 second commercial (here's how to create yours)
- LinkedIn profile (here's how to make your profile awesome)
- Listing of 100+ people you know
- Business cards
- Cover letter and thank you letter templates (Use AI to generate rough drafts)
- Networking email templates (Use AI to generate rough drafts)
- Folders/system to retain job postings, resume, and cover letters by company (version control)
- Spreadsheet to track jobs applied for and followup (Try Teal Job Tracker)
- Spreadsheet/system to track networking contacts and follow up
- Time blocking system (here's what a structured week can look like)
- Calendar to keep track of meetings
- Positive mindset, anything is possible!
20 is the most important. Take care of yourself emotionally and physically. Don't allow negative self talk . Surround yourself with positive reinforcement. Prepare for the long haul and try to enjoy this exploration of the new world!
2024 Job Search Check List
Here's a pdf to download.
