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THE CAREER COMPASS
Building Career-Ready Professionals

Workplace Readiness Checklist

Curated by Manoj Kumar — Founder & Mentor, The Career Compass.

Purpose & Overview

Your First Job Is Also a Test of How You Work. Purpose: Prepare for behaviours, habits and practical workplace expectations.

Key Checkpoints & Action Plan
24 Items
Professional Discipline
I understand that punctuality and reliability matter.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I complete commitments or communicate early when I cannot.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I track tasks, deadlines and follow-ups.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I understand availability and attendance as professional responsibilities.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

Communication
I listen before responding.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I communicate clearly and respectfully.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I know when to use email, chat, a call or a meeting.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I write professional messages.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I ask when expectations are unclear.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

Ownership & Work
I understand the expected outcome before important work.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I take responsibility for assigned work.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I check my work before submitting.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I communicate mistakes and learn from them.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I look for ways to improve.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

Working With People
I respect different working styles.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I receive feedback without becoming defensive.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I can disagree professionally.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I contribute to team outcomes.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I maintain professional workplace relationships.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

Learning & Growth
I seek feedback.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I maintain notes on what I learn.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I understand the business context of my work.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I am building relevant skills.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

I know what to improve over the next 3–6 months.

Reflect on this criterion against your current preparation. Mark when satisfied.

My Next 3 Priority Actions
Personal Reflection
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The Career Compass • Real-World Career & Industry Readiness

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