Print out this checklist to track your progress toward choosing a career path and preparing for your job search.

Self-Knowledge

Square  I have considered what is important to me in my career and life.
Square  I understand the need for self-assessment because I am my own best resource in the career and life planning process.
Square  I have identified my strongest abilities and skills.
Square  I have identified the personal values that are important as I make career decisions.
Square  I have identified my interests.
Square  I can describe my preferred work environment.
Square  I have thought about the type of lifestyle I want.
Square  I can articulate experiences and achievements that clarify a pattern of interests and abilities that are relevant to my career.

Knowledge of Employers and Careers

Square  I have focused my career choices and researched these fields using a variety of current career/employer information.
Square  I have conducted an informational interview with at least one person in each of the career fields I am considering.
Square  I have identified employers, faculty, alumni, or others to interview who are relevant to my career field.
Square  I have decided on a career field and have declared a major that is complimentary.
Square  I have started to develop a broad list of job titles to research.
Square  I have developed a well-defined career objective that focuses my job search on particular organizations and employers.
Square  I have participated in internships, extracurricular, work, and volunteer activities that relate to my chosen career.

Knowledge of Job Search Strategies

Square  I can answer the question, "Why should I hire you?" with hard evidence.
Square  I know how to network effectively.
Square  I have asked individuals to serve as professional references.
Square  I have taken advantage of the Career Services Center's resources.
Square  I have written an effective resume and cover letter and asked an expert for feedback.
Square  I have established a professional online presence through LinkedIn and other social media.
Square  I know where to search for jobs targeted to my specific field of interest.
Square  I have prepared for job interviews by completing a mock interview.
Square  I know how to follow up after a job interview.
Square  I know how to write a thank you letter.
Square  I know how to negotiate a job offer.