Gather your materials

Before you begin, gather your career tools:

[ ] Current résumé (both paper and digital versions) if available

[ ] Names and contact information for your past employers

[ ] Exact dates (month and year) of your employment

[ ] Exact dates and names of academic institutions, degrees, and credentials

[ ] Course listing for professional credentials and academic degrees

[ ] Exact names of professional associations and affiliations

This would be a good time to update your records and centralize your information. Compiling your information in this manner helps you prepare for career advancement discussions and interviews, since you will be organized and articulate about the details of your professional expertise.