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Job Search Checklist for Job-Hunting Success

by Randall HansenCareer Advice Expert

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by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

This job-search checklist follows the six essential steps of job-hunting. To have a successful job search, all job-seekers must be sure to have every element on this list checked. To truly master the job search, you'll want to master each element on the list.

 

Job-Search Checklist

Part 1: Job Search Planning & Preparation

I have:

Small Quintcareer Checka clear understanding of the job search process and have developed a job-search strategy. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checka clear understanding of the jobs that interest me -- and that I am qualified for.
Small Quintcareer Checkoutlined a clear career path/track for myself. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checkidentified my strengths and weaknesses. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checkdeveloped my unique selling proposition, which will help me distinguish myself from other job-seekers. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checkidentified my key accomplishments from all school and work experiences. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checkidentified my core transferable skills. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checkidentified the main industries/companies that interest me.
Small Quintcareer Checkresearched the companies that most interest me. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checka clear understanding of the importance of marketing skills when job-hunting. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checkgathered a key list (including contact information) of references. Read more.

Part 2: Resumes

I have:

Small Quintcareer Checkreviewed the Resume Tutorial.
Small Quintcareer Checka clear understanding of the different types of resumes formats. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checkdeveloped a list (3-4) of key accomplishments for each work experience.
Small Quintcareer Checkused bullets and short phrases to describe my accomplishments.
Small Quintcareer Checkavoided the usage of "responsibilities included" or "duties included," "responsible for."
Small Quintcareer Checkprovided as much contact information as possible on my resume.
Small Quintcareer Checkcomposed a "summary of qualifications" or "key accomplishments" section. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checkreviewed samples of strong resumes. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checkavoided using personal pronouns ("I," "my," "me") in my resume.
Small Quintcareer Checkconsidered using transferable skills (especially if I am a career changer or recent college grad without much experience). Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checknot listed any personal information (age, marital status, etc.) on my resume.
Small Quintcareer Checknot lied or provided any false information on my resume.
Small Quintcareer Checknot listed any references directly on my resume.
Small Quintcareer Checkproofread my resume carefully and eliminated any errors, typos, and misspellings.

Part 3: Cover Letters

I have:

Small Quintcareer Checkreviewed the Cover Letter Tutorial.
Small Quintcareer Checkread about the basic strategy and importance of using a cover letter. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checkreviewed the basic structure of a dynamic cover letter. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checkexamined examples of strong, dynamic cover letters. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checkused action verbs to describe my accomplishments. Read more
Small Quintcareer Checkfocused my cover letter with specific information. Read more.
Small Quintcareer Checkaddressed each cover letter to a named individual.
Small Quintcareer Checktailored each cover letter to the specific needs of each employer.
Small Quintcareer Checkclearly stated how I can meet the employer's needs.
Small Quintcareer Checkdemonstrated my knowledge of the company.
Small Quintcareer Check