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Job Search Checklist for Job-Hunting Success

by LiveCareer Staff Writer

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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:

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

Part 2: Resumes

I have:

reviewed the Resume Tutorial.
a clear understanding of the different types of resumes formats. Read more.
developed a list (3-4) of key accomplishments for each work experience.
used bullets and short phrases to describe my accomplishments.
avoided the usage of "responsibilities included" or "duties included," "responsible for."
provided as much contact information as possible on my resume.
composed a "summary of qualifications" or "key accomplishments" section. Read more.
reviewed samples of strong resumes. Read more.
avoided using personal pronouns ("I," "my," "me") in my resume.
considered using transferable skills (especially if I am a career changer or recent college grad without much experience). Read more.
not listed any personal information (age, marital status, etc.) on my resume.
not lied or provided any false information on my resume.
not listed any references directly on my resume.
proofread my resume carefully and eliminated any errors, typos, and misspellings.

Part 3: Cover Letters

I have:

reviewed the Cover Letter Tutorial.
read about the basic strategy and importance of using a cover letter. Read more.
reviewed the basic structure of a dynamic cover letter. Read more.
examined examples of strong, dynamic cover letters. Read more.
used action verbs to describe my accomplishments. Read more
focused my cover letter with specific information. Read more.
addressed each cover letter to a named individual.
tailored each cover letter to the specific needs of each employer.
clearly stated how I can meet the employer's needs.
demonstrated my knowledge of the company.
kept my cover letter to one page.
not rehashed my resume, but highlighted specific critical points.
not stated anything negative. Read more.
avoided the three most common cover letter mistakes. Read more.