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📖Overview
Stage 1: Evaluating Yourself Stage 2: Establish Your Career Objectives Stage 3: Prepare Your Documents Prepare Your Resume Templates Prepare a Cover Letter Template Optional: Prepare Your References Sheet Optional: Prepare Your Certificates Optional: Optimize Your Online Presence Optional: Showcase Your Projects Stage 4: Prepare a List of Target Companies Identify Target Companies Optional: Identify Industries Optional: Reach Out To Recruiters Optional: Industry Events Research the Company & Role Practice STAR Behavioral Interview Questions Optional: Practice Technical Questions Stage 7: Right Before the Interview Dress & Groom for Success Stage 8: During The Interview Strong Positive Impression Be Positive & Positive Body Language At The End: Ask Smart Questions Stage 9: After the Interview Send Personalized Thank You/Follow Up Emails Optional: Self Reflect On Your Interview Optional: Ask For Feedback Optional: Negotiate Your Offer Stage 11: New On-The-Job Training Make Introductions and Build Relationships Seek Feedback and Guidance Know the Roles Within Your Organization Optional: Identify Factions and Leaders ❓Stage 1: Evaluating Yourself
Clarify Your Interests
Why Is This Important?
Our work often takes up significant portions of our lives, so finding meaning and fulfillment in what we do is crucial. Knowing your interests ensures that you pursue a career that resonates with your values, passion and overall purpose, leading to greater personal fulfillment. Examples:
I am passionate about sales so I will focus my job search on sales positions across various industries. Here I can leverage my communication skills and meet new people who can be a long-term connection. The fitness industry is where I want to work because I myself like to stay in shape. Finding employment in this field will satisfy, inspire, and motivate me to be healthy on the daily. Actionable Tasks:
Identify activities that have brought you satisfaction and fulfillment List industries and job roles that align with your interest How do I know I passed this?
You can list 3 of your biggest interests You can list 3 industries and 3 job roles that excite you because your interest is also related Skills Assessment
Why Is This Important?
When you understand your skills, you can utilize your self-understanding to tailor your job search appropriately. Some people may want to improve some skills and take on certain jobs, while others may choose to avoid certain skills and thus avoid certain jobs. Examples:
I don’t have any knowledge of photo editing and video editing nor any interest, so I will stay away from any job posts that cites “Photoshop” as a needed skill I don't enjoy using the computer all day, so I will find a job in sales that’s specifically outdoors so I can meet clients outside and to better my social skills. Actionable Tasks:
List your skills, and for each skill, list your proficiency level & interest level Understand what skills your current job search will end up using and how that ties in with your existing skills and interest levels How do I know I passed this?
You can list your top skill and know how it complements your current job search You can list your worst skill and know how to address it in the long run (whether or not you want even to use this skill or improve it in the long run) You can list the skills that will be used and gained for the current role that you’re applying for Personality Assessment
Why Is This Important?
A personality assessment provides insights into your strengths, preferences, and behavioral tendencies. They help you better understand yourself, your work style, and your interactions with others, increasing the likelihood of finding a satisfying and fulfilling career. Examples:
I am an introvert & prefer working independently, so I will avoid jobs that require extensive teamwork and constant people interaction. I am an active person. Instead of looking for only computer work, I will look for jobs that allow me to move more and be active rather than sit all day. Actionable Tasks:
Here at , we recommend taking the 16 personality test: Once you receive your assessment results, take the time to reflect on them. Review provided insights, strengths, and potential areas for development Explore how the assessment results relate to your career choices and preferences How do I know I passed this?
You completed the assessment with honesty You identified how your personality traits align with specific job roles or work environments You can identify 2 job roles that is a good fit for your personality 🏆Stage 2: Establish Your Career Objectives
Work-life Balance
Why Is This Important?
Do you want to go to work every day feeling burned out? Maintaining a proper work-life balance is crucial for your physical and mental well-being. Work-life balance enables you to allocate time for personal relationships, interests, and hobbies and even sustain a better long-term performance for your career. Examples:
I want to spend quality time with my family every weekend, so I’ll find a job with a weekend off. I want to achieve my fitness goals, so I will get a job that will still give me the time and energy to work out after every shift. Actionable Tasks:
Know your goals and priorities outside of your career to achieve work life balance Bonus points: You’re able to put a price or weight on how important a goal is to your work life balance How do I know I passed this?
You identified 3 personal goals and priorities outside of your career You know how your personal goals and priorities aligns with your current job search or career (or, how it’s not aligned) Set Specific Goals
Why Is This Important?
Specific goals provide clarity about what you want to achieve. They define the desired outcome clearly, and concisely, leaving no room for uncertainty or confusion. Goals are more likely to motivate and drive you toward action. You may track your progress and accomplishments by breaking your goals into attainable milestones. Examples:
I want to explore multimedia marketing roles in the future because the work is interesting is not prone to AI takeover, so I will enroll in different multimedia courses to gain knowledge and make a career shift. I plan to obtain a managerial position in my department within the next few years. So I will enroll in a leadership training program, acquire project management skills, and try to demonstrate my strong management skills in my future job. Actionable Tasks:
Set achievable goals that are as specific as possible Bonus points if you know WHY you want to achieve those goals How do I know I passed this?
You identified 3 goals that are super specific For each goal, because they are specific, you have an actionable plan on how to achieve it Set Strategic Goals
Why Is This Important?
Setting strategic goals benefits your long-term career planning and life. Strategic goals are the opposite of specific goals, and can be left intentionally vague. This can include considering the potential for growth, advancement opportunities, industry trends, and the overall trajectory of your career. Examples:
In my next role, I want to be in a stable company that offers long-term job security, benefits, and professional growth. A company that’s stable is strategically my focus above all else. I am looking to build a diverse and versatile skill set. I will seek job opportunities that expose me to cross-functional roles or allow me to work on various projects, enabling me to develop a well-rounded skill set within the following year. Actionable Tasks:
Reflect on your values, passions, strengths, and long-term aspirations, and create some strategic goals which can be vague in nature How do I know I passed this?
You come up with 3 strategic goals Optional: You can identify the actions or tasks required to move closer to the goal Optional: You have set a specific timeframe for accomplishing each goal Identify Trends
Why Is This Important?
The job market constantly evolves, and new trends often shape business operations. Identifying trends helps you stay agile and adaptable in the job market. By understanding where the market is heading, you can anticipate changes and proactively adjust your career plans and skill development. This flexibility enables you to navigate shifting job market dynamics and position yourself for long-term success. Examples:
I think the automation field is bound to make a breakthrough in the next 10 years. So I will first identify several top companies in this space, and I will actively search for roles such as R&D where I can be exposed first-hand to new innovations I want to pursue a career in the marketing field. I need to stay updated on emerging marketing channels and platforms, especially anything digital. I also need to monitor the changes in digital advertising regulations and privacy concerns as the government tries to interfere more and more in this space. Actionable Tasks:
Research and identify current trends, emerging technologies, and future skills within the target industry Review job descriptions for positions you are interested in to identify common skills, qualifications, and keywords that indicate industry trends Invest time acquiring or enhancing skills related to these trends to make yourself more marketable How do I know I passed this?
You know your target field's latest industry developments, emerging technologies, and changing dynamics You can identify opportunities where your skills and knowledge align with emerging trends and market needs You can identify future sought-after skills in your target industry 📄Stage 3: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare Your Resume Templates
Why Is This Important?
Nowadays, ATS systems filter applicants based on keywords, so having the right keywords is very important. By having a template that you can quickly swap certain words or lines, you can quickly optimize your resume to be the most relevant to the position you’re applying for. Examples:
I want an interview invitation for this marketing role; I will update my resume to include keywords that a hiring manager might search for I’m looking for an advanced R&D job which I know makes use of a special software. I’ll include that keyword in my resume and research about it later, or I’ll even learn that software in my spare time. Actionable Tasks:
Research the buzzwords that are commonly used for the job you’re searching for Research what makes a good resume, and make sure your resume fits those criteria If you’re applying for several different job roles, prepare at least 2 resume templates which you can quickly swap out different keywords easily How do I know I passed this?
You are able to explain why and how your resume/CV is best optimized for the job you’re applying for Bonus: if you are applying for multiple jobs, you have at least 2 resume templates Prepare A Cover Letter Template
Why Is This Important?
Companies love enthusiastic candidates. If you submit a cover letter and other applicants didn’t, it could make put you on top of the radar, because the hiring manager knows you’re much more enthusasiastic. Nowadays, cover letters are less important. However, we recommend them anyway, as they are not too time-consuming to create if you prepare a template and can make a difference that puts you over the edge. Examples:
When I clearly stated in my cover letter how I could solve their problems and help them with their needs, the hiring manager scheduled me for an interview. When I showed enthusiasm and explained why I was the best person for the job, they immediately set up a phone interview. Actionable Tasks:
Learn what a good cover letter looks like Prepare a cover letter template that addresses what you can do for the company and why you’re a strong fit How do I know I passed this?
Be able to explain why or how you have a good cover letter Bonus points: Your cover letter is easily tailored to swap out certain lines or words to tailor it to the company you’re applying for, without it seeming too robotic or template-y Optional: Prepare Your References Sheet
Why Is This Important?
Positive references from trusted individuals can enhance your credibility and strengthen your candidacy, showcasing your track record of performing well and maintaining a positive relationship in previous roles. Nowadays, they are less important but some companies will still ask for them. Examples:
I am applying for a managerial role. I will put my previous supervisors as a reference who can speak to my leadership abilities, decision-making skills, and ability to manage teams effectively. I am seeking an opportunity as a graphic designer. I will include clients who have worked with me as references and can provide insights into my creativity and ability to deliver high-quality work. Actionable Tasks:
Identify individuals who can serve as strong references for your job application Contact each potential reference to seek their permission first Be sure to inform them about the types of positions you are applying for and the specific skills or qualifications that are important for those roles How do I know I passed this?
You have compiled a list of references with their names, titles, and contact information You obtained permission from each of your references to include their contact information in your references sheet You are sure that your references can speak to your skills, qualifications, and work experience that align with the requirements of the positions you are applying for 
Printout | Master Checklist Of Things You MUST Do On Your Job Search
