What is a job report card and why should you create one?
Creating a Job Report Card to Reflect on Your Career Progress
The concept of a job report card appeared on a popular podcast I listen to called Per my Last Email.The powerful self-assessment tool, a personal job “report card,” involves reviewing your current role through three lenses: career goals, learning accomplishments, and organizational comparison.
Career Goals
Start with your career goals—are you progressing toward them? Assess whether your current responsibilities, promotions, or professional development align with your long-term ambitions.
Learning Accomplishments
Next, consider your learning accomplishments. Have you gained new skills, certifications, or experiences that increase your value and engagement? Reflect on what you've learned in the last 6–12 months and how it contributes to your growth.
Company Comparison
Lastly, compare this company with others you've worked for. Examine factors like leadership support, work-life balance, compensation, culture, and innovation. Where does your current employer stand out or fall short? This reflection can clarify whether your current position is helping or hindering your overall career satisfaction.
By grading yourself in these areas, you gain clarity about what’s working, what’s lacking, and whether a change is needed. A job report card can be an important tool for proactive career management and strategic decision-making, and as someone who has worked for many different companies, this is an exercise that helps me stay grounded!