Have you heard the saying that a job search is as time consuming as having an actual job?  It can be true, but it doesn’t have to be a frenzied experience – create a schedule and treat the search with the same care you would formal job responsibilities.

First – here are some tips to begin a successful search.

Every Day

Pick a time that works for you every day to apply for jobs.  Yes – every single day.  By checking for new openings every day, you can be one of the first applicants to apply, which shows you’re proactive and on the ball. It can be easy to procrastinate and try to apply for a bunch of positions all at once, which can result in application burnout.  Filling out a ton of applications can be a time consuming, repetitive process, and lead applicants to not put their best foot forward for each opportunity.

Every day find 2 -3 jobs to apply for and make sure your resume is tailored to that specific opening.  Oftentimes, recruiters have a good group of candidates to vet within the first week of posting a position, so it’s imperative not to wait to apply.

Every Week

As you start to apply for positions, begin tracking each position you apply for on an Excel spreadsheet or some other system.  This way, when you notify your Job Search Team each week, you’ll remember what you applied for, in order to help leverage any connections you might have to those organizations.

Each week, follow up about the positions you’re most interested in; try to find out who the recruiter or hiring manager is using some investigative skills using a company website or LinkedIn.  Your follow up message can be as simple as reiterating your interest in the role and asking if you’re being considered for the opportunity.

Every Month

If you’re not currently employed, a job search can feel like a lonely process.  Each month, make sure you have opportunities to get out of the house and meet new people.  Go to an industry educational event, attend a fitness class, ask your network to introduce you to new people, or start volunteering for a cause close to your heart.  It’s important to try to expand your network on a job search, because as we’ve all heard before, it’s about “who you know,” or who your network knows.

It can be hard to keep your spirits up when your job search takes several months, but it’s not unusual for a search to take that long.  Find time to do things for you and put yourself out there.

If you’re struggling on your job search, our career consulting services can help!