Goal Setting Worksheet

Use this worksheet template to outline your short-term and long-term career goals. Break down each goal into actionable steps to help you stay focused and motivated throughout your job search journey. Using a Goal Setting Worksheet helps you stay focused and motivated during your job search by breaking down your career goals into actionable steps. It provides clarity on what you want to achieve and helps keep track of your progress along the way. Combined with other free resources like the Job Application Tracker and Networking Checklist, you’ll be equipped to manage your time effectively, stay organized, and boost your chances of success.

This Worksheet works better in printed format. Free Download available below.

Free Download of this Goal Setting Worksheet

Section 1: Personal Information

Record key details of your personal information such as: name, date, current career information.

Section 2: Vision for Your Career

What is your overall career vision?
(Write a brief statement about where you see yourself in your career, considering your passions and interests.)

Section 3: Short-Term Career Goals (1 - 2 Years)

When setting career goals, it's important to make them specific, measurable, and realistic. For example, instead of just aiming to "find a new job," you could target more precise milestones like "apply to five management-level positions in my industry each week" or "network with three senior professionals in my field this month to explore advancement opportunities." If you're aiming for the next career level, such as a more senior role, set goals like "complete leadership training in the next six months" or "secure a promotion to a senior management role within the next year." Defining these actionable, time-bound steps helps create a clear pathway to success and keeps you motivated throughout the process.

Goal #1

Description:

Why is this goal important to you?

Action Steps:

  • Step 1:

  • Step 2:

  • Step 3:

Deadline:

Goal #2

Description:

Why is this goal important to you?

Action Steps:

  • Step 1:

  • Step 2:

  • Step 3:

Deadline:

Goal #3

Description:

Why is this goal important to you?

Action Steps:

  • Step 1:

  • Step 2:

  • Step 3:

Deadline:

Section 4: Long-Term Career Goals (3-5 Years)

For long-term career goals, focus on setting broader, more ambitious objectives that align with your overall career vision. For instance, if you're aiming for a senior leadership role, your goals could include "becoming a director or VP within the next five years" or "building a strong personal brand by speaking at industry events and publishing thought leadership articles annually." You might also set goals like "develop expertise in a niche area of my field through advanced certifications" or "lead a cross-functional team or large-scale project." By setting clear, measurable long-term goals, you’ll be better positioned to continuously advance in your career and maintain a steady focus on growth.

Goal #1

Description:

Why is this goal important to you?

Action Steps:

  • Step 1:

  • Step 2:

  • Step 3:

Deadline:

Goal #2

Description:

Why is this goal important to you?

Action Steps:

  • Step 1:

  • Step 2:

  • Step 3:

Deadline:

Goal #3

Description:

Why is this goal important to you?

Action Steps:

  • Step 1:

  • Step 2:

  • Step 3:

Deadline:

Section 5: Progress Tracking

How will you track your progress towards these goals?
(Write down any methods or tools you will use, such as journals, apps, or check-ins with a mentor.)

Section 6: Reflection

What challenges might you face in achieving these goals?
(List any potential obstacles and how you plan to overcome them.)

What resources or support do you need to achieve your goals?
(Identify any people, organizations, or materials that can assist you.)

By outlining your goals and breaking them down into actionable steps, you’re creating a roadmap that makes the journey to your next opportunity clearer and more manageable. As you move forward, remember to celebrate your progress and revisit your goals regularly—staying adaptable is key. You’ve got the tools and the drive, and Open to Work Now is here to support you every step of the way. Keep going—your next career success is just around the corner!

Free Download of this Goal Setting Worksheet