Career Readiness Checklist

Use this checklist to track your progress towards being ready to begin your professional job search. You may find that you need to return to this list often throughout your college career. By the time you are ready to graduate, you should be able to check the box for each statement. Feel free to print this page as a way to track your progress.

Self-Knowledge

I have considered what is important to me in my career and life.

I understand the need for self-assessment because I realize I am my own best resource in the career and life planning process.

I have identified my strongest abilities and skills.

I have identified the personal values that are important as I make career decisions.

I can describe my preferred work environment.

I have identified my interests.

I can articulate a number of experiences and achievements that clarify a pattern of interests and abilities that are relevant to my career.

I have thought about the type of lifestyle I want.

Knowledge of Employers and Employment

I have developed a well-defined career objective that focuses my job search on particular organizations and employers.

I have started to develop a broad list of job titles to research.

I have narrowed my career choices down to a manageable number and have researched these fields using current career and employer information from a variety of sources.

I have identified employers, faculty, alumni, or others relevant to my career field to interview.

I have conducted an informational interview with at least one person in each of the career fields I am actively considering.

I have identified and participated in internships, extracurricular, and volunteer activities that relate to my chosen career.

Knowledge of Job Search Strategies

I can answer an employer's question, "Why should I hire you?" with hard evidence.

I know how to network effectively.

I have asked individuals to serve as professional references.

I have taken advantage of the Career Services Center's resources.

I have asked someone to critique my resume.

I have written an effective resume and cover letter.

I have distributed my resume and letters of interest to the right people.

I have prepared for job interviews by completing a mock interview.

I know how to follow up after a job interview.

I know how to write a thank you letter.

I know how to negotiate a job offer.

 

Ways We Can Help

• Career Counseling
• Interviewing Guidelines
• Resume Assistance

Useful External Web Sites