Job Search Checklist

Create your resume

Prepare several versions (a different one for each position you are applying for).

Create Electronic Versions of Resume

Use plain text, standard fonts for all resumes to be imbedded in e-mails or attachments.

Test your resume

Show it to several people and get their suggestions.

Define your limits

Geographic preferences, salary, job type.

List everyone you know

Categorize and prioritize your list (Your Network).

List companies who might hire you.

Categorize and prioritize your list (Your Target Companies)

Create a Record Keeping System

Calls/messages sent, companies/people contacted, responses received, resumes sent, information received, meeting and phone call notes, interviews, thank you notes sent.

Create a Weekly Schedule & List of Tasks

Set aside particular hours each day for job searching.

Create Self-Marketing Materials.

Brochure? List of projects? Paper versions? Electronic versions?

Create Business or Networking Cards

Hand them out at meetings, interviews, etc.

Create a Personal Marketing Campaign

Job search plan of what you will do when, how many people you will contact, etc.

Develop a Needs-Contribution Statement

List of industry requirements compared to your list of capabilities.

Contact people who may be references

Both professional and personal; use them as "advisors" for your job search.

Create your "30-Second Elevator" Speech

Name, qualifications, capabilities, history, skills.

Practice your "Reasons for Leaving" Speech

If you are going to need to leave your current job to pursue you new job, prepare a professional statement explaining why.

Write several sample Cover Letters

Different versions for different jobs, on both paper and electronic.

Prepare short versions of Your Biography

For inclusion in e-mails, job search internet sites, etc.

Check the Resource Center, Library, Bookstores, etc

For job search and how-to resources, book, and articles.

Gather office materials

Resume paper, stamps, envelopes, paperclips, a professional pen (that does not click).

Start an Appointment Calendar

Paper or electronic (whichever will keep you better organized).

Set up a Workspace

To keep your records and materials orderly, space for computer, printer, etc.

Set up E-mail

Make sure it is a professional sounding e-mail account (school e-mail addresses are fine), create your e-signature.

Set up phone Answering Service

Create a professional outgoing message.

Create a Personal Job Search Website

Include your resume, projects (remember anyone may be able to see it).

Contact everyone you know

Use this list you created in the Startup Phase (talk to anyone new you meet).

Contact people that know of openings

Ask them for additional opportunities & possibilities, names, companies, etc.

Contact people to ask for an interview

Ask them for advice about your job search, not for a job.

Attend Professional Society Events

Tell everyone you meet about your job search, pass out business cards, collect names.

Attend Social & Community Events

Tell everyone you meet about your job search, pass out business cards, collect names.

Join a career orientated support group.

Expand your Internet search

Respond immediately to any openings, in your field, that you see.

Subscribe to mailing lists and ENewsletters

May list jobs, networking information, events.

Revise Resume and other materials

Keep all your information updated as changes happen with you and the job market.

Register with Job Search Agencies

Employment agencies, placement agencies, temp agencies, etc.

Answer the Phone in a Professional Agency

Minimize background noise, be ready to take notes.

List Questions to Ask an Interviewer

The interviewer may call, so be prepared with questions and answers.

Practice Interview Questions & Answers

The interviewer may call, so be prepared with questions and answers.

Do something professional every week

Do volunteer work, or attend courses, workshops, events, trainings, or presentations.

Create an Interview Agenda

List items you want to cover in the interview and take it with you to the interview.

E-mails, letters, and thank you notes.

Phone calls.

Meetings.

Other networking activities.

Check printed want ads.

Updated resume and other documents.

Update and review Job Search Plan.

Update List of Tasks to be completed.

Updated Weekly Calendar.

Respond to any opportunities.

Check E-mail several times a day.

Check Internet Job Search sites and Newsletters.

Check Job Posting on Target Company Websites.

Contact more companies and people.

Check your messages in case you missed a call.

Maintain your personal appearance.

Do something fun and personal (to remain sane).