Job Search Checklist
Looking for a job can sometimes feel overwhelming, so it’s helpful to break it down into
manageable steps. You don’t have to do every step in order; for example, you can start working
on your resume before you decide what you want to do. Check off as many of these steps as
you can, and you will be well on your way to a job opportunity.
Step 1: Assessment – Know yourself
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Identified my personal values, interests and skills
Made a list of potential job titles and/or fields of interest
Decided on two or three careers/jobs I plan to pursue
Step 2: Exploration - Know where you want to work
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Identified the top three geographic areas where I would like to live and work
Researched potential career fields: typical entry level jobs, typical salaries, best
geographic location for jobs
Researched organizations or companies that hire someone with my skills, interests and
experience
Targeted ten (10) employers for the type of work I am seeking
Conducted informational interviews for additional information and career advice
Step 3: Preparation - Get ready for the job search
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Developed my resume and cover letter and had them reviewed by a CEC career coach
or a professional in my field
Wrote and practiced my “30 second speech” for short encounters when networking and
with employers
Developed my two-minute verbal marketing presentation to tell my story while
networking and interviewing
Created my networking contact list
Requested and prepared three individuals to be my references
Incorporated networking into my job search strategy
Responded to job postings and considered temporary work with employment agencies
Used a neutral/professional email address to give employers
Created a professional sounding voice-mail message for when an employer calls
Own an interview suit/outfit that is appropriate for the field in which I plan to work
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Step 4: Implementation - Implement your job search strategy
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Prepared for interviews by practicing my responses to typical questions and/or doing a
mock interview
Networked with friends, parents, faculty, alumnae/i and others to uncover the “hidden
job market”
Attended career events, such as career fairs, company presentations, professional
association meetings, and forums
Broadened the scope of my job search to include alternative Plans A, B and C as part of
my job search strategy
Used the Library Career Guides to locate additional job boards in my targeted field
Next steps:
Action Plan
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Adapted for Simmons CEC Career Development Model from www.udel.edu/CSC/pdfs/jobsearchchecklist