How to assess your job search
Assessing your job search is a crucial step in ensuring you're on the right path to landing your next opportunity. Without regular evaluation, it's easy to overlook critical gaps or areas that need improvement. That’s where the job search checklist comes in.
I created a free job search checklist (which you can find below!) that acts as a report card, helping you systematically review and grade the key aspects of your job search strategy. Whether you're just starting out or have been searching for a while, the checklist offers valuable insights to guide your next steps and keep your job search on track.
In this article, I’ll explain how to use the checklist, what each section entails, and how to move forward from your results.
Understanding the Job Search Checklist
The checklist is divided into three major sections: Job Search Essentials, Applying to Public Listings, and Networking. These categories cover the aspects of the job search process that you can directly influence, helping you maximize your chances of landing that new job.
Each section includes sub-questions scored on a 3-point scale: red (urgent attention needed), yellow (needs improvement), and green (excellent). These criteria are based on my years of coaching PhD professionals and observing which actions lead to the most successful outcomes. Ultimately, what matters is securing interviews and real opportunities—not just going through the motions of clicking “easy apply” and never hearing back.
How to Use the Checklist
The checklist is designed to be straightforward and should be used at the outset of your job search. I recommend reassessing your search about once a month to identify any weaknesses. Because this tool is meant to be reused, many of the criteria are based on rates over time, providing a better measure of your progress.
To use the checklist, go through each category and grade yourself based on the 3-point scale. In the PDF provided, you’ll find specific criteria for each question. Answer honestly; if you're unsure, err on the side of caution. The goal is to identify your weak spots, so it’s perfectly fine if you score lower in the beginning.
At the end, tally your scores: 2 points for each green answer, 1 point for yellow, and 0 points for red. Your total score will give you an overall sense of how your job search is going. While the overall score is motivating, it’s more important to score well across all categories.
Category Breakdown
Job Search Essentials
This category covers the key documents and plans necessary for a strong job search. Regardless of your field, a tailored resume, compelling cover letter, and optimized LinkedIn profile will help you stand out.
A job search plan is equally important. Without tracking key indicators, you won't know if you’re heading in the right direction. Plans are crucial for maintaining motivation, as they focus on the process rather than just the outcome.
In this section, we evaluate how prepared and tailored your materials are. The strongest candidates I’ve coached have resumes that tell compelling stories of their successes while highlighting their top skills. Effective cover letters demonstrate not only your skills but also your interest in and connection to the company. Having these documents ready can significantly speed up your ability to apply to more jobs and improve your response rate from companies.
A strong LinkedIn profile is vital in today’s job market. Most public job listings appear first on LinkedIn, and hiring managers frequently check profiles to cross-reference applications. Undeveloped profiles can make candidates appear less professional, reducing their chances of being considered.
Applying to Public Listings
This section addresses a common misconception: that clicking “easy apply” on LinkedIn is enough. In reality, with AI tools and overburdened hiring managers, public applications yield fewer results than before. However, many companies still post public openings, so it's worth continuing to apply—but you’ll need to submit a high volume of applications.
I recommend applying for at least three positions per day, ideally for roles posted within the last 24-48 hours. Applying to older listings is unlikely to yield positive results.
From my experience with top clients, a response rate of 3-5% (i.e., three replies for every 100 applications!) indicates you're doing well. This can be surprising, but it underscores the need for aggressive application strategies. If you’re a strong candidate, an interview rate of 20% or more from these responses suggests your application materials are effective. If you’re not seeing these results, it may be due to a mismatch of skills or insufficiently tailored materials.
If you're unsure how many applications have received responses, check out my free application tracker spreadsheet here!
Networking
Given the low response and interview rates from public listings, I always advise clients to focus more on networking. Networking yields far better results, both in response rates and in uncovering opportunities that haven’t been publicly posted.
There are four major areas to focus on for networking:
Engaged Close Connections: These are friends or colleagues actively searching for you and asking their network for opportunities.
A note on engaged connections: I once asked a client if their network knew they were job hunting. They said, “Of course, everyone knows!” But when I asked how many people had brought opportunities to them, they admitted, “None.” Simply stating you're looking for a job isn’t enough—you must explicitly ask for help. A LinkedIn post stating you’re open to work won’t suffice.
Engaged Weak Connections: These are people you may not know well but who work at companies you’re interested in or are friends of friends. Building relationships with weak connections is crucial, as they can expand your network beyond your immediate circle. A warm introduction via a mutual connection is more effective than cold outreach.
Informational Interviews: These help you build stronger relationships with engaged weak connections and gain valuable insights into the industry or companies you’re targeting.
Referrals: The best way to bypass the application process is through referrals from your network. Tracking the number of referrals you receive is an important metric for your job search as it highlights how developed your new connections are.
Interpreting Your Results
After completing the checklist, review your score and consider the factors that contributed to it. For example, if you scored low, reflect on whether recent events like a big work push or a medical emergency may have affected your job search.
Your overall score is a snapshot of your current job search performance and highlights areas for improvement. Determine whether your score reflects a chronic issue or a temporary setback, then focus on eliminating any weaknesses in your strategy. As mentioned earlier, it’s better to score well across all categories than to score very poorly in one area.
Conclusion
Regularly assessing your job search with the job search checklist is key to staying focused and effective. By using this tool, you can clearly identify your strengths and areas that need improvement, allowing you to take targeted actions that will bring you closer to your career goals. Remember, a successful job search is not just about sending out applications—it’s about consistently refining your approach and adapting to new challenges. Revisit the checklist periodically to ensure you're always moving forward and making the most of every opportunity. With this strategy, you'll be better equipped to navigate the job market and land the role you’re aiming for.