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Part I: Personal and Professional Development

1. I regularly read key media sources in print and online (including trade journals) to stay abreast of key issues in business and my field of interest.
   Yes
   No

    

2. I attend seminars and workshops (in person or online) that will add to my knowledge and expertise.
   Yes
   No

    

3. I belong to at least one professional or industry trade group.
   Yes
   No

    

4. I have had increasing levels of responsibility, been promoted in the past five years, and seek out new opportunities to showcase my talents.
   Yes
   No

    

5. I am actively building a professional online identity and career brand.
   Yes
   No

    

Part II: Job-Search Preparation

6. I have identified my key skills and abilities, as well as my strengths and weaknesses.
   Yes
   No

    

7. I know proper business etiquette and how to dress professionally.
   Yes
   No

    

8. I know the key elements of my (the Unique Selling Proposition) that differentiate me from other job applicants.
   Yes
   No

    

9. I know exactly the kind of job I want next -- or am in the process of determining my next career step.
   Yes
   No

    

10. I can research companies and industries -- and know how to use the information in all aspects of my job-hunting once I gather it.
    Yes
    No

Part III: Career Networking Basics

11. I understand that the vast number of future job opportunities (job leads) will come from people I know -- people in my network -- rather than any other job-hunting technique.
    Yes
    No

     

12. I keep in regular contact with colleagues I have worked with (and attended school with) in the past and others I have met through professional and community activities.
    Yes
    No

     

13. I have several versions of my Elevator Speech prepared so that I am ready for any networking opportunity.
    Yes
    No

     

14. I attend professional conferences, trade shows, and conventions -- and make contacts with colleagues and leaders in my field during those events.
    Yes
    No

     

15. I am actively engaged in at least one online networking site (such as LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.).
    Yes
    No

     

Part IV: Cover Letter Essentials

16. I take advantage of using cover letters -- and when I do, I address all my cover letters to named individuals (hiring managers) when possible and use non-sexist language when I don't.
    Yes
    No

     

17. I always carefully tell what I can do for the company rather than what the company can do for me.
    Yes
    No

     

18. I create custom cover letters, tailored to each situation, job, and employer.
    Yes
    No

     

19. I know how to write a traditional printed cover letter as well as one that is emailed to prospective employers.
    Yes
    No

     

20. I have eliminated all errors from my cover letters, carefully proofreading and editing them before sending.
    Yes
    No

Part V: Resume Necessities

21. I have a very clear focus to my resume, using either a career/job objective (entry-level job-seekers) or a qualifications summary (and possibly a keywords section).
    Yes
    No

     

22. I have described at least three key accomplishments (not job duties) -- using action verbs -- for each job I am listing on my resume.
    Yes
    No

     

23. I have determined my best format (chronological, functional, or chrono-functional), the ideal length, and an attractive design for all my resumes -- printed, online/Web, job boards, and emailed/text versions. (See our Resume FAQ for more details.)
    Yes
    No

     

24. I update my basic resume regularly, adding new accomplishments, recognition, certifications, or other important information.
    Yes
    No

     

25. I have eliminated all errors from my resumes, carefully proofreading and editing them before sending.
    Yes
    No