What's the best way to research and compare job opportunities without losing focus on your work?

Before establishing your criteria for what you want in a new job, ensure that you genuinely need a career shift. Among my clients in North America, 10% begin job searching simply because their peers are making job changes.

The best way to research about job opportunities and compare them too is what is your passion like and what do you want from the work

For starters, one should start evaluating what is it that they can do to improve their stay in the current organisation. If you find yourself answering with solutions, you don’t need to find a new job because you haven’t given your all here. In case you think, no man! that’s unfixable, then go ahead and list down why do you want to leave? Once you have the areas of concerns, their opposite are your requirements of a new employer. Then target organisations where you think they can be achieved. Research, target, network and build yourself accordingly. Invest 1 hour of your time at work for it. Start doing this atleast 2 months prior to you planning on making a move, that buys you time and keeps you motivated and sane!

Job search criteria can be anything that is convenient to your work schedule however it is always significant to ask your self some questions, like Why are searching for new opportunity? Do you really need a job/company change? What and how is the current job market to avoid any unnecessary stress? Have you developed your skills to get you better opportunity?

I recommend to my clients in North America that when searching for jobs, they should follow an 80/20 approach. Dedicate at least 80% of their effort to the LinkedIn Jobs section and use the remaining 20% on other platforms. Focusing on job searching using company websites can be limiting: many positions aren't listed directly, updating frequencies vary, navigation can be cumbersome, and applications often involve repetitive data entry. This method may overlook smaller companies or newer opportunities, demanding extra time and effort from job seekers.

It is true to not rely on one source while searching for job opportunity but here I would add my experience that in most cases job search boards, companies career sites, recruitment agencies don't really get you job opportunity. To me if you use your social contacts of your same industry, that help you fast than any other job search platform.

Track connections! Track conversations! Track your online presence! Make small conversations with the people to help them remember you. Follow up has a whole new definition now. People who wouldn’t respond out of process, would respond out of courtesy. You’ll be on their mind!

While I was on the hunt for a job, I initially utilized an online tool to monitor my job applications, responses, initial and follow-up interview calls, and response rates. However, I soon recognized that I was dedicating an excessive amount of time just managing these trackers. Consequently, I shifted to a straightforward Excel spreadsheet; it wasn't elaborate but served its purpose effectively.

Nothing is more crucial than time management when you're actively seeking a job. Approach job hunting as if it's a job in itself. Utilize a basic calendar from Microsoft Word or any other tool to plan out your daily job search tasks.

Don't go it alone. Having a confidant during your job search is invaluable. They don’t necessarily have to be searching for a job themselves, but having someone to discuss your journey with is crucial. Not receiving responses isn't a sign of failure, but having someone to share with ensures accountability, as they can check in on your progress.