Job Search Checklist

This job search checklist is designed to keep you from being overwhelmed by the job hunt. To win the job you must develop a job search game plan and then follow it through.

In addition to following your game plane, there are four more actions to take to insure your success.

1. Know or learn how to execute every step of the job search well.
2. Devote the same time, care and effort to the job hunt as you would to the job itself.
3. Stay up-beat and positive even in the face of adversity.
4. Recognize when you need outside help and don't be afraid to ask for it.

The following job search checklist is designed to help you navigate the hiring process. It contains the basics from which you can form a step-by-step game plan. Many of the steps include links to pages containing additional insight, examples and how-to's.

Job Search Checklist

• Define your individual job hunt preferences including the functional role(s) you are targeting and your market savvy pay range.
• Identify your employment trump cards.
  
• Prepare your career profile statement a/k/a career power statement a/k/a elevator speech and become fluid in its delivery.
• Understand how and when to use your career profile statement.
  
• Update or create a strong master resume for each targeted functional role.
  
• Write a master cover letter.
  
• Contact and prep the people you would like to use as employment or job references.
  
• Create your hand-out sheet for job references and make color copies of any employment reference letters you have.
  
• Make a list of your networking contacts.
  
• Identify, research and prioritize other job lead sources.
  
• Set up a record keeping system to track your efforts.
  
• Make sure the outgoing message on your voice mail is business like.
• Create a business like email address just for your job search.
  
• Put together your interviewing attire.
  
• Understand the basics of networking for a job.
  
• Begin contacting the people on your networking list.
  
• Set aside time every day to move your networking efforts forward.
• Check selected job lead sources daily. Pursue new opportunities as they are identified.
  
• Customize your resume and cover letter as appropriate.
  
• Post your resume on selected job boards as appropriate.
  
• Send unsolicited resumes with customized cover letters to targeted companies as appropriate.
  
• Apply with selected third party recruiters or staffing firms as appropriate.
  
• Check voice mail at least twice daily.
  
• Prepare for telephone screening calls.
  
• Follow up on resume/candidacy submissions as appropriate.
  
• Schedule interviews as appropriate.
• Prepare for interviews by:
  • Comparing your credentials to the job opening to identify the experience and accomplishments you need to highlight.
  • Reviewing common job interview questions and deciding how you will answer them.
    
  • Developing short (1 to 2 minute)stories about your accomplishments or employment trump cards.
    
  • Reviewing interviewing do's and don'ts.
    
  • Making a list of questions to ask in the interview.
    
  • Reviewing how and preparing to negotiate pay rate.
    
  • Polishing your personal presentation by reviewing how to ace an interview.
    
  • Gathering the materials you need to take to the interview.
• Participate in interview(s).
• Review interview performance, as appropriate, to improve in future meetings.
• Let job references know to expect a call as appropriate. Tell them about the job and what you would like to have emphasized.
  
• Send a personal note(s) or formal letter(s) as a follow-up to the interview.
  
• Continue to follow-up on your candidacy as appropriate.
  
• Keep your chin up and know it will happen.
  
• Continue to locate and pursue opportunities until you reach your goal!

Stay focused and keep moving ahead. You're half way to your goal once you know what to do along with how and when to do it.

That said, please understand that this job search checklist is general in nature in order to benefit the largest number of people. However, because of all the variables involved, stumbling blocks may arise that are unique to individual situations.

If you find that you're hitting a brick wall, could use the advice of a knowledgeable objective third party, or would just like to know that you're supporting your own best interests at every step along the way; please keep my services as a job search strategist in mind.

To find out whether my employment coaching services are right for you, please contact me to arrange a free no obligations phone consultation.

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