✅ Job Seeker Checklist
📝 1. Clarify Your Goals
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Define the type of role you're targeting
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Identify your non-negotiables (location, remote/hybrid, salary, mission alignment)
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Know your “why” — what drives your interest in this next step
📄 2. Update & Tailor Your Materials
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Update your resume to highlight leadership, outcomes, and relevance to your target role
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Write a cover letter template you can customize for each application
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Refresh your LinkedIn profile (headline, summary, accomplishments)
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Prepare a professional bio (100–150 words) for quick intros or networking
💼 3. Prepare for the Search
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Create a list of target institutions or conferences
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Set up alerts on NCAA Market, CSC, HigherEdJobs, TeamworkOnline, etc.
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Track your applications and follow-up dates (spreadsheet or tracker tool)
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Get your references lined up and notify them ahead of time
🤝 4. Network Intentionally
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Reconnect with past colleagues, mentors, and supervisors
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Reach out to 2–3 contacts per week with a personalized message
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Attend virtual or in-person events (e.g., NACDA, CoSIDA, Women Leaders, etc.)
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Comment on and share relevant content on LinkedIn to stay visible
🗣️ 5. Practice Your Pitch
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Create and rehearse a 30–60 second elevator pitch
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Prepare thoughtful answers to common interview questions (especially “Tell me about yourself”)
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Develop 2–3 stories that showcase leadership, problem-solving, and results
🔍 6. Stay Sharp & Informed
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Read blogs, newsletters, and updates (e.g., D3.ticker, Extra Points)
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Follow trends in college athletics (NIL, DEI, media strategy, enrollment impact)
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Keep growing with webinars, certifications, or short courses
🧘 7. Take Care of You
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Set boundaries — job searching is a job, but it’s not your whole life
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Celebrate small wins (e.g., sending 3 resumes, scheduling an informational interview)
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Stay connected to a support system (mentors, friends, faith, therapy)
