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Career-center field guide · August 2026

The 10-minute career conversation

Move from curiosity to one real next step.

A five-move conversation flow, prompts that keep the user in control, and an Explore, Compare, Commit worksheet.

Open the Career Explorer

Facilitator playbook: five moves, one next step

Start with the person. Use the data as evidence. Finish with an action they chose.

  1. Name the direction

    0:00–1:30 minutes

    Search by job title, skill, or field. Broad interests are enough to begin.

    Ask: What kind of work feels worth exploring?

  2. Read the four signals

    1:30–3:00 minutes

    Read openings and wage. Check education and growth.

    Ask: Which fact matters most to you?

  3. Test the fit

    3:00–5:30 minutes

    Scan real tasks and work style. Review interests and requirements.

    Ask: What energizes you — and what gives you pause?

  4. Compare the path

    5:30–8:00 minutes

    Compare pay and regional demand. Find one nearby role or next level.

    Ask: Enter sooner, or train for the stronger fit?

  5. Make the move

    8:00–10:00 minutes

    Open training, apprenticeship, workforce, or support resources.

    Ask: What is one action you will take next?

The rule: Do not end with more information. End with a decision the person chose.

Take action: Explore. Compare. Commit.

Use this worksheet with a career seeker. Write on it, photograph it, or send them home with it.

Type your notes below, then use your browser’s Print command to print or save them. Your entries stay on this page until you leave or reload it.

1. Explore

Start with two real possibilities.

2. Compare

Choose the evidence that matters.

3. Commit

Leave with one next move.

Download the original three-page guide (PDF)

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