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Career Planning Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for every stage of career planning. Check items off as you complete them — then use it to identify where to focus next.

Name: ___________________________Date reviewed: _______________

Self-Assessment

Written down my current role, experience level, and salary honestly

Identified my top 3–5 skills with specific evidence for each

Listed the skills I know I'm missing for my target role

Assessed my network strength honestly (not optimistically)

Reviewed my LinkedIn profile as a stranger would see it

Identified the gap between my current salary and my market value

Target Definition

Defined a specific target role (not just 'something better')

Identified the type of company and industry I want to work in

Set a realistic salary target based on market research

Read 10+ job descriptions for my target role

Identified 3–5 people who have the job I want

Had at least 1 informational interview with someone in my target role

Skills & Credentials

Listed all certifications that appear in my target job descriptions

Enrolled in or completed the highest-priority skill gap

Built or updated at least one portfolio piece for my target role

Identified which of my current skills are most relevant to my target

Set a specific completion date for each development priority

Networking

Connected with at least 5 people in my target role or industry

Asked for at least 2 informational interviews this quarter

Followed 10+ companies I'd like to work for on LinkedIn

Joined at least 1 professional association or community in my field

Have a warm contact at 3+ companies on my target list

Personal Brand

Updated my LinkedIn headline to reflect where I'm going, not where I am

Updated my LinkedIn summary to speak to my target audience

My LinkedIn experience section tells a story, not just lists job duties

Posted or shared at least 1 piece of relevant content this month

My profile photo is professional and current

My portfolio or website (if applicable) is current

Job Search Readiness

My resume is tailored for my target role (not my last role)

I have a cover letter template I can customize quickly

I can tell my career story in 90 seconds clearly

I have 5 STAR-method stories ready for behavioral interview questions

I know the salary range I'll accept and the range I'll negotiate from

I have a list of 20+ target companies to apply to

I'm applying to at least 5–10 positions per week (when in active search)

Plan Maintenance

My next 90-day review date is on my calendar

I've shared my plan with at least one accountability partner

I'm tracking my milestone completion rate

I've updated my plan in the last 90 days

How to use this checklist

Go through once to identify gaps. Then focus on one section at a time. Review quarterly and check off items as you complete them. The goal isn't 100% completion overnight — it's consistent forward motion.

Note next to each unchecked item: why it's unchecked and by when you'll complete it.

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