Essential Tools

 

We've curated some of our favorite tools to help you move through the process as efficiently as possible. You'll find even more in the Tools and Resources section at the bottom of each "Learn" page. 

Checklists / Planners / Trackers

• Job Search Journey and Roadmap: See an overview of how to progress through your search.
• Job Search Checklist: Get a more detailed checklist of the entire process to help guide you.
• Networking Tracker: Track your networking outreach activities.
• Application Tracker: Stay on top of your job applications and interviews.
• Target List Template: Build and prioritize your target list.
• Weekly Job Search Planner tool (Excel, Word)
• Get Your Foot in the Door at Target Companies: Use this checklist once you have a target list.
• Job Search Weekly Planner (.docx | .xls): Celebrate your top weekly wins and plan priority activities for the next week.

• How to Combat Ageism Checklist: Counter ageist stereotyping.

   

Self-Assessment 

• Self-Assessment Summary Table (WORD): Capture your thinking about your strengths and talents, and what you might want to do next. Use it as a "north star" to guide your efforts, even though the journey will likely not be a linear one.
• Book Recommendations:
  • Designing Your Life, by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
  • What Color is Your Parachute, by Richard Bolles
  • Change Your Questions, Change Your Life, by Marilee Adams

  • Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes, by William Bridges and Susan Bridges

     

AI Tools

AI Overview 

• How to Use AI in Your Job Search: A comprehensive guide with many useful prompts.
• Custom Instructions to Cut and Paste: Ban em dashes and other AI "tells"
• Job Search Writing Guidelines: Upload when writing resumes and cover letters

Additional AI Prompts and Tools

• "Brutally Honest" Job Fit Prompt: Should I Apply? In depth feedback on individual jobs
• Use Projects to Streamline Resume and Cover Letter Customization: Save a ton of time
• AI Prompts for Networking
• AI Prompts for Creating a Base Resume
• AI Prompts for Resume Customization
• AI Prompts for Cover Letters
• AI Prompts for Target Lists
• AI Prompts for LinkedIn Profile Optimization
• AI Prompts for Headshot Clean-Up
• AI Prompts for Company and Industry Research
• AI Prompts for Interview Prep
• Interview Prep Skill: A comprehensive tool
• Open Job Finder Toolkit for Claude: Streamlines finding and evaluating jobs
• Qualifications Matrix Prompt
• 30 60 90 Day Plan Prompt

Other AI-Powered Tools

• TealHQ.com: Easy target list creation, job and network tracker, resume customization.
• CareerFlow.ai: LinkedIn profile optimizer, job and network tracker, resume customization.
• Jobright.ai: Scrapes company websites for open jobs, customizes your resume, and finds LinkedIn contacts.
• JobLogr: AI-enabled job search that searches for jobs based on your resume.
• Grammarly or LanguageTool: If you struggle to write well, get help! Chrome extension; free tier available.

 

Resumes and Cover Letters  

• Resumes 101: Optimize your resume section by section and format it like a pro.
• Networking One-Pager or Open to Work document: Use when networking - a resume is for job apps.
• Cover Letters:  Learn why cover letters are more important than ever, and how to write a compelling one.
• Storytelling Worksheet: Document your top 10+ achievements/success stories to strengthen resumes and interviews.
• CliftonStrengths Resume Translator: Use these action verbs to communicate your CliftonStrengths.
• Letter of Interest: Send a letter to your target companies expressing interest when no relevant job is posted.
• Resume Examples
  • Hybrid:  Consider this format if you have a non-linear career, are making a significant career pivot, or want to highlight transferable skills.
  • Chronological: Use this format for more linear careers -- it is preferred by recruiters and works well with ATS.
  • Executive Level: Use this format for Director and above positions when you have stellar accomplishments to highlight.

  • New Grad: Highlight your Education, Projects, and Experience.

     

LinkedIn and Personal Branding  

• LinkedIn 101: Optimize your Profile for BOTH people viewing and the algorithm.
• LinkedIn 201: Find potential contacts at your target companies.
• Open to Work posts on LinkedIn - be intentional, don't use the LinkedIn default!
• LinkedIn: Free vs Premium. If you are active on LinkedIn, you may need the Premium version.

• LinkedIn Settings:  Control visibility, privacy, and enable settings to enhance engagement.

   

Job Search Strategy

• Job Search Strategy 101: Leverage networking, recruiters, and online search.
• Job Boards: Use this database to find industry and other niche job boards. Also review the Job Search Strategy PDF linked above.
• Staffing Firms and Recruiters: Learn how to find and contact them and see our list.
• Online Job Scams: How to spot and avoid them.
• Book Recommendations:  
  • The 2-Hour Job Search by Steve Dalton

  • Never Search Alone (consider joining a Job Search Council to find fellow job seekers online)

     

Networking

• Networking 101: Start connecting with confidence (and even enjoy it!).
• Networking 201: Expand your efforts with more intention
• LinkedIn 201: Find potential contacts at your target companies.
• The 2-Hour Job Search LinkedIn group (and book): Connect with boosters who can help.
• Informational Interview Questions:  Come prepared with great questions.
• Sample One-Pager:  Create an overview of your value and what you're looking for.
• Guide to Networking: Read for best practices for networking on LinkedIn.
• Personal Business Cards: Create a card to help contacts remember to take action.
• How to Start and Continue Conversations at a Networking Event: Ideas for non-awkward questions to get you started
• Networking from Your Kitchen Table: A LinkedIn Commenting Strategy
• Book Recommendation:  

  • The 20 Minute Networking Meeting: Learn how to network successfully.

     

Interviewing

• Interviewing 101: A comprehensive guide to interviewing
• Interview Debrief Form: Complete this form immediately after your interview.
  • See instructions here
• How to Prepare for Your Job Interview: Many job seekers fall short here.
• Storytelling Worksheet:  Review your success stories to answer behavioral questions.
• Tell Me About Yourself: Learn how to craft a strong yet concise answer.
• 110+ Best Interview Questions and Answers (According to 250+ Recruiters)
• Indeed; The Muse; Harvard Business Review More good interview information.
• Do You Have Any Questions for Me?  Prepare several questions to ask.
• Free AI Mock Interview Tools: Practice and get feedback.
• Professional Portfolio Template: A portfolio can wow your interviewers.

• 30/60/90 Day Onboarding Plan: Easier than a portfolio, but still impresses.

   

Offer and Negotiation

• Visit the Offer and Negotiation page to learn about salary research and how to talk about your value.

• Book Recommendations:

  • Getting to Yes, Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In, by Fisher, Ury, and Patton
  • Pay Up, Unlocking Insider Secrets of Salary Negotiation, by Kate Dixon

   

Staying Motivated

Book Recommendations 

• Emotional Agility, by Susan David
• GRIT - The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth
• Atomic Habits, by James Clear

Other

• Ideas to Move Forward When You're Feeling Stuck