Career Compass Challenge

Here’s a comprehensive Career Compass Challenge Program that

targets the four key areas you've outlined: Resume Development,

Interviewing & Networking, Preparation, and Salary Negotiation.

This program is structured as a multi-day interactive challenge, ideal for

students, recent grads, or early-career professionals.

�� Career Compass Challenge Program

Program Overview

The Career Compass Challenge is a guided, actionable 4-part program

designed to empower participants with the essential skills to navigate the

modern job market. Over the course of this challenge, participants will

build job-ready resumes, master interview and networking strategies,

prepare thoroughly for job applications, and confidently negotiate salary

offers.

�� Challenge Structure

�� Day 1: Resume Development – “Build Your Brand”

Objective: Craft a powerful, ATS-friendly resume that reflects skills,

accomplishments, and career goals.

Activities:

 Resume audit: Review your current resume or start from scratch.

 Workshop: Learn how to write compelling bullet points using the

STAR method.

 Optimization: Tailor resumes to specific roles using job

descriptions.

 Peer feedback session or AI-powered review.

Deliverable: Submit a polished, tailored resume for at least one target

job.

�� Day 2: Interviewing & Networking – “Own the Conversation”

Objective: Practice and refine strategies for impactful interviewing and

strategic networking.

Activities:

 Mock interview practice (1-on-1 or AI simulation).

 STAR-based storytelling exercise.

 LinkedIn profile optimization.

 3-2-1 Networking Challenge: Connect with 3 people, comment on

2 posts, send 1 informational interview request.

Deliverable: Record a mock interview response and share 3 new

LinkedIn connections or takeaways.

�� Day 3: Preparation – “Be Application-Ready”

Objective: Build a system for efficient job searching, application

tracking, and role readiness.

Activities:

 Create a Job Tracker (template provided).

 Identify 5 target companies and align qualifications.

 Write a master cover letter and learn to customize it.

 Research industry-specific keywords and expectations.

Deliverable: Submit one complete, ready-to-send application package.

�� Day 4: Salary Negotiation – “Know Your Worth”

Objective: Learn to evaluate and negotiate job offers with confidence

and data.

Activities:

 Salary research using tools like Glassdoor, Payscale, Levels.fyi.

 Script writing for salary conversations.

 Role-play negotiation scenarios (live or recorded).

 Understand offer letters, benefits, and equity components.

Deliverable: Submit a salary negotiation script and a salary range cheat

sheet.

�� Final Challenge Recap: Compass Reflection & Strategy Map

Objective: Build a personalized career action plan.

Activities:

 Reflect on personal growth in each area.

 Set 30-60-90 day goals.

 Share wins and insights with peers or mentors.

Deliverable: Create and submit a Career Compass Map (template

included).

�� Program Delivery Suggestions

 Format: 4-day sprint, 1 week challenge, or 4-week guided cohort

 Platform: LMS, email series, Slack/Discord community, or in-

person sessions

 Support: Mentorship sessions, peer reviews, expert Q&A panels

**Audience:** Career Changers

**Tone:** Friendly & Encouraging

**Branding:** Placeholder (no specific logo or colors provided)

1. Resume Development – North: Your First Impression

**Objective:** Craft a professional, tailored resume that highlights your strengths, aligns

with your target roles, and passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

**Core Activities:**

 - Resume audit using a checklist.

 - Target job analysis and keyword integration.

 - Formatting for impact and readability.

 - Writing compelling bullet points using the STAR method.

**Deliverables:** A fully optimized, role-specific resume.

**Milestone Checkpoint:** Resume review session with peer or coach for targeted feedback.

2. Interviewing & Networking – East: Building Bridges

**Objective:** Master the art of presenting yourself authentically in interviews and building

valuable professional relationships.

**Core Activities:**

 - Create a personal elevator pitch.

 - Conduct two mock interviews (behavioral and technical).

 - Build or refine LinkedIn profile.

 - Complete a 3-day networking challenge (reach out, follow-up, engage).

**Deliverables:** Polished LinkedIn profile, mock interview feedback summary, and

networking activity log.

**Milestone Checkpoint:** Group role-play session and networking reflection.

3. Preparation – South: Laying the Groundwork

**Objective:** Research and plan effectively for job applications, company culture

alignment, and career direction.

**Core Activities:**

 - Identify 3 ideal companies and analyze their mission, values, and job postings.

 - Complete a job application tracker with deadlines and notes.

 - Reflect on personal strengths, career goals, and alignment.

**Deliverables:** Company research dossier and a completed job application tracker.

**Milestone Checkpoint:** One-on-one coaching session to align goals and strategy.

4. Salary Negotiations – West: Know Your Worth

**Objective:** Gain confidence and knowledge to negotiate salary and benefits assertively

and respectfully.

**Core Activities:**

 - Research market rates using reliable sources.

 - Practice negotiation conversations and scripts.

 - Learn how to evaluate offers (compensation, benefits, growth).

 - Explore counteroffer techniques and when to use them.

**Deliverables:** Salary benchmark report, negotiation script draft.

**Milestone Checkpoint:** Role-play negotiation with mentor or peer.

Completion & Recognition

Upon completing all four areas, participants receive a Career Compass Certificate of

Achievement and a personalized career map summary. Outstanding participants may be

offered bonus opportunities such as recruiter introductions, professional resume reviews,

or one-on-one mock interviews.