APPLYSTEAD GUIDES
Career advice: choose a direction, change careers or move on
Big career decisions go better in small, tested steps: learn what you want, check it against real occupations, try it cheaply, then move deliberately. These guides cover choosing a direction, planning a change and leaving a job well.
If a move was not your choice, start with the layoff guide: it covers the first week, benefits to check and a job search plan you can start right away.
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How to choose a career: assess, research, test and decide
How to choose a career in five steps: assess interests and values, research occupations with free government tools, talk to workers, test cheaply, decide.
Career goals examples: 20 short- and long-term goals you can adapt
Career goals examples for students, career changers and experienced workers, with SMART rewrites and scripts for interviews and performance reviews.
How to make a career change: a step-by-step plan with examples
Plan a career change step by step: define the move, research the target, map transferable skills, test before you commit and follow a worked 90-day plan.
All 7 guides on career advice
How to choose a career: assess, research, test and decide
How to choose a career in five steps: assess interests and values, research occupations with free government tools, talk to workers, test cheaply, decide.
Career goals examples: 20 short- and long-term goals you can adapt
Career goals examples for students, career changers and experienced workers, with SMART rewrites and scripts for interviews and performance reviews.
How to make a career change: a step-by-step plan with examples
Plan a career change step by step: define the move, research the target, map transferable skills, test before you commit and follow a worked 90-day plan.
How to quit a job professionally: prepare, tell your manager, leave well
How to quit a job professionally: check pay and benefits first, tell your manager with a script, give notice, hand off work, and handle counteroffers.
Resignation letter templates: two weeks’ notice, short notice and email
Resignation letter templates you can copy: standard two weeks’ notice, short notice, immediate resignation, retirement and email, plus what to include.
What to do after being laid off: first-week checklist and job search plan
What to do after being laid off: review final pay and severance, file for unemployment, keep health coverage, explain the layoff, and restart your job search.
Two weeks’ notice letter: count your last day, copy a template, know what’s next
Write a two weeks’ notice letter: check whether notice is required, count your last day correctly, copy a template for your job, and plan the notice period.
More guides by topic
Job search
Practical job search guides: where to find openings, how to apply online, how many jobs to apply for, networking, recruiters, internships and follow-up.
Resumes and cover letters
Resume and cover letter guides with examples: formats, summaries, skills, action verbs, ATS-friendly layouts, tailoring to a job and LinkedIn profiles.
Applicant tracking systems
How to apply through Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, iCIMS, Taleo, SmartRecruiters and Ashby: accounts, uploads, application questions and common errors.
Interviews
Interview guides with sample answers: tell me about yourself, strengths and weaknesses, behavioral questions, STAR, phone and video interviews and follow-up.
Salary and job offers
Guides to salary expectations, negotiating pay, evaluating a job offer, accepting or declining it by email and asking for a raise, with scripts and templates.