Use this log book to make a list of your job applications, companies you’re interested in, jobs you’re interested in or have applied to, important contacts, and useful career websites.

Changing careers can be stressful, especially if you're unsure if you're moving quickly enough or doing everything 'correctly'. However, creating a plan that outlines each phase can help you visualize and organize your next steps.

To help get through it, I created a free planning tool with which you can build a plan for your career shift needs, and make your job search that much easier. Check it out here.

First, review the phases of your career shift and estimate how long each one will take. You can even assign a due date to keep yourself on track. This will provide a chart that visually lays out the timeline you set for yourself.

Then, write in the actual completion date of each phase compared to your originally planned date. It's normal for the steps to take you a shorter or longer time than you originally planned, so don't worry if these dates don't end up being the same. You can compare these dates and add in any notes about each of the phases.

Finally, create a career shift goal. This will help guide the tasks you need to complete your intention. Take a look at the action steps for each phase where you can edit or add your own, assign due dates, and mark when they're completed. This will help keep your career shift process organized and show the progress you've made.

When it comes to figuring out your next steps in your job search, it can be difficult to know exactly where to start. However, with a solid plan that outlines potential options, you can minimize the amount of time you spend searching for your next job without a clear idea of what you're looking for.

Even if you have a clear idea of what you're looking for, it's still useful to write out the different job paths available to you. By utilizing my free research sheet, you can organize all your career options and industries that interest you.

Start by brainstorming industries, companies, and functions that appeal to you. This will help refine your search and make your career shift that much easier. Think of companies that have caught your eye in the past or that you have admired and would enjoy working for.

Next, create a plan with your various skills, knowledge, experiences, and any skills you plan on learning for these potential roles. (If you need help thinking of skills, check out my free skills database.) In addition to creating a place with different career options, this sheet can be easily revisited when it comes time to prepare for a new job, allowing you to review the plan you put in place.

You may have heard the saying, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” While work won't always feel like fun, it can be beneficial to pursue something that naturally aligns with your interests so that you feel more invested in your day-to-day work. (Just a reminder that even if you love what you do for a living, it may still feel challenging at times.)

If you're unsure about what your passions are or could use some guidance with self-discovery, I've got you covered with this free workbook to help you identify and articulate your interests, which can facilitate your job search.

To get started, brainstorm your interests. Consider what you enjoy learning about, what you are interested in outside of work, and what projects you have enjoyed working on in the past. Can you think of any careers that may involve any of those things?

Next, identify your blockers—the things that may prevent you from taking your next career step. It could be the cost of a class to learn a new skill, or perhaps you're intimidated by the idea of switching industries. By coming up with realistic solutions to remove these obstacles, you'll be one step closer to achieving your goals.

When searching for a job, it's essential to find one that aligns with your goals and values, and that you're also the right fit for. It's helpful to make a list of what's important to you and why, which can aid in evaluating potential jobs.

Even if you have a clear idea of your values, taking the time to write down why they matter to you and how they can fit into your career can be a beneficial step in the job search process. My free workbook can assist you in organizing and identifying your values, allowing you to make informed decisions during your job search.

To begin, consider what you enjoyed and appreciated about past roles, and what you would like to find in future positions. What do you want to avoid, and what are your preferences for your next job?

Next, review the list of values and select which ones are most important to you, and rank them according to their significance. By ranking your values and needs in your career, you establish what you expect from a job and create a set of standards.

Finally, consider the "why" behind your choices. Why is career advancement important, and why do you need creative expression in your profession? Examining your top values and reflecting on why they matter to you helps to identify what drives you in your career.