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Whether you’re seeking work or transitioning into a new phase, here is an alphabetical list of terms to learn, actions to take, and resources to access that can set you up for career-long professional development.
1. Alumni Resources
Inquire with your alma mater about networking events, career development workshops, job fairs, career coach directories, mentor pairing, and how-to articles and videos.
2. Applications
Whether online or paper, applications should be filled out thoughtfully and precisely. Applications may be retained on file for months, even years. However, you’re not finished when you sign your name. Networking and proactive follow-ups are essential to getting applications noticed.
3. Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships consist of “on-the-job training and often some accompanying study ... to gain a license to practice in a regulated profession. Most of their training is done while working for an employer who helps the apprentices learn their trade or profession, in exchange for their continued labor for an agreed period after they have achieved measurable competencies.”
4. Assessments
Quality assessments can pinpoint strengths, skills, values, and interests that add depth to career exploration/development. They are part of a larger career strategy and should not be solely relied upon to provide answers to important career questions. Assessment tools that are not research-backed or rigorously evaluated for efficacy/accuracy are misleading and should be avoided.
5. Career Coach/Counselor/Consultant
Professionals are available, locally or virtually, who are experienced with career development tools, strategies, and support. Depending on their specialty, there are professionals who can help with any topic on this checklist. They can be hired for one-off assistance or serve as a long-term career development collaborator.
6. Career Exploration
A methodical exploration of the numerous factors that align a person with a focused career path. It can be performed independently or with a career expert. A thorough career exploration assesses skills, strengths, interests, experience, career and personal goals, values alignment, personality style, abilities, family and financial needs, and on-the-job preferences.
7. Career Fairs
Networking events that bring job seekers face-to-face with employers. Inquire with college alumni offices and/or state/local government employment offices for event calendars. Attendees should dress to impress and be prepared with resumes.
8. Career Notebook/Journal
Keep all career development/exploration materials in one place: notes and to-do lists, questions, keywords, resumes, business cards, and journaling. This is a long-term resource that becomes invaluable over the course of a career. When computers crash and phones die, you’ll always have your notebook.
9. Continuing Education/Skills Enhancement
Give your resume a refresh with classes, workshops, and certifications that show employers your knowledge base evolves with the ever-changing demands of the workplace. Continuously enhancing our skillset makes us feel vital, confident, and prepared.
10. Federal, State, and Municipal Employment
While the application process can be significantly more laborious than applying for jobs in the private sector, government jobs abound and often come with good pay, benefits, and job security. Look for a civil service exam schedule/application by visiting official government websites. U.S. federal jobs are posted at USAJobs.gov.
11. Flexible Employment
A growing alternative sector of today’s workforce consisting of arrangements outside of traditional employment that allow flexible schedules/locations. Examples: “job cobbling,” gigging, temping, freelancing, consulting, moonlighting, virtual employment, seasonal employment, self-employment, passive income, online selling, investing/trading, and travel-based positions. Get some inspiration at FlexJobs.com.
12. Going Off The Grid, Living Off The Land
It may not fit the traditional definition of employment, but people who exit the workforce to live off the land certainly work hard to sustain their lifestyle. It requires specialized skills, ingenuity, and daily discipline. More and more people are choosing to live on and with less and less.
13. Hidden Job Market
There are specific strategies for uncovering jobs that are not advertised, of which there are many. Networking is essential.
14. Informational Interviews
It’s surprising just how many organizational leaders will make time for a meeting, or even a site visit, even if not for a formal job interview. Pick their brains, it might open doors.
15. Interviewing
First, learn about screening calls, as they are increasingly common. Then, prepare for the various interview styles such as behavioral, situational, and case study. Be prepared with stories from your past that show you at your best. Interview responses should be detailed but concise, clearly organized, and genuine. Avoid cliché responses. Always follow up with a thank-you note.
16. Internships
These are temporary positions, often unpaid, designed to give candidates skills and experience. They may or may not lead to formal employment with the sponsoring organization. They are good resume builders and transitional positions.
17. Job Search
A smart job search is one that is targeted, methodical, and customized. Submitting dozens of generic resumes to online job boards yields disproportionately low results. Consult expert advice for making the most of your time and make sure networking is part of your strategy.
18. Keyword Collection
Every industry and job title uses specific jargon. Collect the specific keywords that describe you, your target industry, and the job titles you’re pursuing. These keywords streamline your job search and get strategically sprinkled into your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile.
19. LinkedIn
I can’t recommend it highly enough. It is an essential tool for making and maintaining connections, searching jobs, and staying abreast of work-related news. Invest time in perfecting your profile. It won’t be time wasted. Tip: Don’t just copy and paste your resume. Create a thoughtful self-portrait of how you want to be represented.
20. Mentoring
Mentorships are valuable relationships with professionals who can guide and support your career development, either temporarily or career-long. Many highly successful professionals credit mentors for their success. Here's how to find one.
21. Networking
Networking is at the top of practically every career development to-do list. Whether for landing jobs, landing clients, or climbing the ladder, connecting with people yields results. Networking strategies can be designed to complement one’s unique personality and preferences. The rules have changed and some of the best networkers are introverts who skip the cocktail mixers and baseball games.
22. Portfolio
A simple but professional looking website can serve as a professional portfolio of your accomplishments. The link can be added to your resume and LinkedIn profile.
23. Process Recording
Immediately after a job interview, take a few minutes to jot down notes before your memory fades. Record the questions that were asked, those which caused you to stumble, how you responded, and the names of the people you met. Save this in your career notebook for future interview preparation.
24. Recruiters, Headhunters, Talent Agencies, Temp/Placement, and Employment Agencies
These professionals place candidates in jobs or help candidates position themselves well for employment. In many cases, they have developed connections with organizations and can get your foot in the door. Look locally and search LinkedIn for reputable and experienced help.
25. Resume and Cover Letter Development
Create these documents from scratch and tailor them to each job you’re applying for. Avoid templates and all the nonsense flourishes, graphics, colors, and pretty formats that distract readers. It’s essential to have someone else proofread your documents. The documents must represent you accurately and authentically. Cookie-cutter resumes are a dime a dozen, so don’t bother trying to fit in with the pack—you won’t stand out from the stack.
26. Self-Promotion
Set yourself up as an expert in your field by creating a body of quality work such as articles, blogs, videos, and LinkedIn posts. Give talks in your community. Your work should be insightful and fresh, not regurgitated or cliche.
27. Skilled Trades and Crafts
They don’t get talked about often enough, and they are in demand. Whether as a hobby or through an apprenticeship program, the development of a skilled trade can be a valuable and rewarding endeavor. Craftsmanship never goes out of style. Examples: carpentry, welding, sign painting, stone masonry, master gardening, engine repair. This article discusses the pros and cons.
28. Support Resources
When career development gets frustrating and overwhelming, you should be able to reach for a book or video in your personal career library that inspires you and calms your anxieties. Ask your friends and colleagues for their favorite career resources. Buy those friends and colleagues lunch—they might be a source of inspiration or a new job lead. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People like helping people.
29. Testimonials, Recommendations, References
Speaking of asking for help, do ask people with whom you’ve worked with for a short testimonial that you can add to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile. Ask if they’ll serve as a reference and help them prepare for what to say if a potential employer calls them. Importantly, offer the same in return.
30. Volunteering, Peace Corps, Study/Work Abroad, Activism and Social justice
These options can fill in gaps on your resume, provide unique experiences, and connect you with new people, all while making the world a better place. They can also show employers that your experience is in alignment with their corporate values and community initiatives.
