If you are about to embark on your quest for a new job, you need a map and the tools to reach your destination effectively.
Here’s what it takes to start a job search
Most people think that updating the resume is the first step. Nope.
You need to know where you are headed first. So where do you begin? It starts with assessment and research. Yuck. But this is the most important first step.
On any trek you take, you need to get directions and in order to do that, you have to know where you are going.
Here is your map
Once you understand this and have started the journey, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got all your gear!
Check!
Here is a checklist of the top 14 supplies you will need for your journey.
- Portfolio of work and evaluations
- Professional greeting on main voicemail
- Professional email address and email signature (Here’s what a good one could/should include)
- 20+ Accomplishment stories (Read the post and get the template)
- 10 or more ideal job titles
- Listings of “ideal” job postings
- 50+ companies that could potentially hire you for what you want to do
- Targeted, strategically focused resume for each job title and/or ideal job posting
- Elevator speech/15, 30 and 60 second commercial
- LinkedIn profile (Make your’s awesome with these tips)
- Listing of 100+ people you know
- 3-5 References (See how to ask people)
- Business cards (What should you include and why)
- A Personal Marketing Plan
If you are having difficulty pulling together these pieces, you are not alone. It is challenging for some.
Ready, set, launch!
Here’s Your Checklist
Job-Search-Checklist-2023-careersherpaHannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.