Subject: The Table Playbook: 30 Self-Paced Action Steps Hello Table Fam, This is The Table: Career Power Playbook. It's a living guide you can step into anytime you want structure, focus, and momentum. The Table was built to help Black women stabilize after setbacks, activate proven strategies, and move forward with clarity and confidence. This version is self-paced. You don't need to finish in 30 days, but I recommend using an accountability partner to keep you consistent. Each phase has a focus, daily action steps, extra actions if you want to stretch further, and a power phrase to anchor your mindset. | Phase 1: Set Up for Success—Ready, Visible, and Active This phase is about grounding and clarity. Before you start applying, you need to know your target, update your materials, and establish daily practices that keep you visible and consistent. Action Step 1: Set Your Target Job Write the main job title you want to pursue at the top of a doc. Example: Project Manager in Healthcare Tech. Extra Action: Add 2–3 similar job titles for flexibility. |
Action Step 2: Build Your Job Search Checklist List essential actions for this week: update your resume, refresh LinkedIn, identify companies, block your search hour. Extra Action: Add three specific companies you'll research. |
Action Step 3: Update Resume Headline and Summary Update your resume headline and summary to match your target job. Use skills- and results-driven language. Extra Action: Pull 3–5 keywords from job postings and add at least two. |
Action Step 4: Lock In Your Job Search Hour Block one hour each weekday for your job search. Treat it like a real meeting. Extra Action: Create a tracker titled Search Hours and mark off each day. |
Action Step 5: Choose a Skill to Strengthen Identify one skill to sharpen (Excel, Canva, public speaking, interview prep). Start with a free course or tutorial. Extra Action: Set a mini-goal, like "Complete 3 tutorials this week." |
Action Step 6: Apply for One Job Today Apply for at least one job that matches your strengths. If you fit 60%, apply. Extra Action: Write one insight from the posting (skill required, industry trend). |
Action Step 7: Weekly Catch-Up and Win Review Finish any action you missed. Reflect on what worked. Extra Action: Write your biggest win from this week. |
Power Phrase for Phase 1: I have the power to make decisions and I'm choosing to take the next step that feels right to me. |
| Phase 2: Positioning, Story, and Visibility This phase is about sharpening how you present yourself. You'll clarify your strengths, practice telling your story, and build visibility through LinkedIn and recommendations. Action Step 8: List Your Top Strengths Write down five strengths relevant to your target job. Extra Action: Add one sentence on where you used each in the last year and circle two power strengths. |
Action Step 9: Write Your STAR Story Draft one STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) story that shows your value. Extra Action: Underline the skill that matches job postings. Create a short "headline" for your story. |
Action Step 10: Update LinkedIn Headline and Photo Update your headline to match your target job. Refresh your photo if needed. Extra Action: Add one repeated skill from job postings and align your summary to your headline. |
Action Step 11: Write Your Value Statement Write two sentences about your impact and what you do best. Extra Action: Tie your statement to one job posting and practice saying it aloud. |
Action Step 12: Practice Your Elevator Pitch Draft a 45–60 second pitch about who you are, what you do best, and what you want next. Extra Action: Identify one keyword to emphasize and time yourself. |
Action Step 13: Request a LinkedIn Recommendation Ask a manager, peer, or mentor for a recommendation. Keep it short and specific. Extra Action: Draft your request in advance and prepare 2–3 options of people to ask. |
Action Step 14: Weekly Catch-Up and Win Review Finish any missed prompts. Reflect on what you've built. Extra Action: Write your biggest win and one thing you learned about yourself this week. |
Power Phrase for Phase 2: The work I'm doing is making a real difference and people are noticing the results I'm creating. |
| Phase 3: Expand Your Network, Build Resilience This phase is about visibility and connection. You'll map target companies, grow relationships, and strengthen resilience with intention. Action Step 15: Target Companies List List five companies where you'd like to work. Extra Action: Circle your stretch target and write one sentence on why each appeals. |
Action Step 16: Informational Interview Outreach Reach out to one professional for an informational interview. Keep it short. Extra Action: Draft your outreach first. Include one clear question. |
Action Step 17: Attend a Virtual Event Register for or attend one free industry event this week. Extra Action: Note one thing a speaker shared and ask a question during Q&A or in chat. |
Action Step 18: Digital Presence Audit Google yourself. Review LinkedIn and other profiles. Extra Action: Update one element and check recent LinkedIn activity for alignment. |
Action Step 19: AHA Reset—Attitude, Habit, Action Write down one attitude, one habit, and one action you'll focus on this week. Extra Action: Share it with an accountability partner. |
Action Step 20: Tap a Community Resource Use one job search resource—career center, job club, or peer group. Extra Action: Save the resource details and ask one specific question while you're there. |
Action Step 21: Weekly Catch-Up and Win Review Finish anything left undone. Reflect on your progress. Extra Action: Write down your biggest win and one new connection this week. |
Power Phrase for Phase 3: I have the support and connections I need, and I'm comfortable both asking for help and offering assistance to others. |
| Phase 4: Interview, Negotiate, and Lead Forward This phase is about moving from preparation into leadership positioning. You'll practice interviews, negotiate with clarity, and stretch toward bigger opportunities. Action Step 22: Practice Interview Questions Answer three questions: Tell me about yourself. Why this role? Describe a challenge you overcame. Extra Action: Refine your hardest answer. Keep "Tell me about yourself" within 60–90 seconds. |
Action Step 23: Mock Interview or Video Practice Do a mock interview, record yourself, or use a simulator. Extra Action: Write one strength and one area to improve. Note your energy level. |
Action Step 24: Draft Your Negotiation Script Use the L.A.T.T.E. Framework: Look, Anticipate, Think, Talk, Evaluate. Draft a salary or rate script. Extra Action: Practice aloud until it feels natural. Prepare backup options. |
Action Step 25: Research Market Salary Data Use Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, or Salary.com to research your range. Extra Action: Note one benefit besides salary and rank your negotiation priorities. |
Action Step 26: Apply to a Stretch Role Apply to a job one level above or outside your industry. Extra Action: Write one reason you're qualified. Customize your cover letter opening. |
Action Step 27: Reconnect With a Former Colleague or Mentor Send a short update and ask a question about their current work. Extra Action: Include one shared memory or project. |
Action Step 28: Set Your 30-Day Forward Plan Write three specific actions for the next 30 days. Example: "Apply to 5 jobs per week." Extra Action: Write your biggest win this week and name one person to thank or update. |
Power Phrase for Phase 4: I know what I'm worth and I can communicate my needs clearly when it's time to negotiate. |
| Phase 5: Reflection, Community, and Growth This phase is about honoring your progress and setting direction for what's next. Action Step 29: Reflect on Your Growth Write down three things you learned or accomplished that show growth. Extra Action: Add a note on how each will help in your next chapter. |
Action Step 30: Write Your North Star Statement Complete this line: "After The Table, I am walking away with…" Extra Action: Set a one-sentence intention for the next 30 days. |
Bonus Step 31: Give Feedback and Set Your Next Goal Write down what worked, what could improve, and what you want more of next time. Then set one clear goal for the month ahead. Extra Action: Name one way you'll support another woman's journey this month. |
Power Phrase for Phase 5: I am complete as I am, and I have a clear sense of where I want to go next. |
| | One last thing, Table Fam... this playbook is more than a checklist. It's a companion you can return to anytime your path feels uncertain. Use it to reset, rebuild, and remind yourself that your career story is still being written ... and you are the author. Lean on your accountability partner, celebrate every win (big or small), and trust that steady steps create lasting results. If you want guidance or feedback on how to apply these steps, reach out to me at [email protected] . Keep leading with courage,
🫶🏽 Jacqueline | |
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