Getting Started: How to Organize Your Job Search

Whether you’re thrown into it because you’ve been laid off, quit your role, or feel like something better is out there, starting the job search is never an easy feat.?

Quite often, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by the whole process, feeling like you need to do everything at once. Or perhaps you’re wondering if there’s a right mix of how you should be spending your time when looking for a job. After all, spending countless hours each day applying to jobs can make you feel like you’re in a never-ending tunnel without a sign of progress.? And there’s just got to be a better way, right??

While there isn’t a single formula that serves as the best way to conduct your job search, consider a few things as you begin tackling your search:

• Recognize… It takes time.

There’s always that person you’ll hear about who landed a new role in a few days.? Truth is, that situation is more the exception than the rule. Finding a job can be a longer process than expected, especially in a competitive market. Don't give up hope - remain patient and optimistic throughout the search. With perseverance and consistency with your actions, you will eventually reach your goal.

• Take time to reflect.

You have this time on your hands.? Why not focus on you? Take a minute to think about what you really want to do, in earnest.? Have you been working in a role that you enjoy? Did you like working in your last company environment? Think about the next role and work environment you want to be in – keep those qualities in mind as you move forward. It’s easy to prioritize a single element in your search, for example, salary.? However, reflect on the other components that you value in your career, and actively keep them top mind when considering the roles you’ll pursue.

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• Get organized.

Doing your resume isn’t always the first thing you need to do.? Nor is applying to everything you see online.? Making the most of your time is essential for a successful job search.

Allocate your time each week like an investment and you'll reap great rewards.? Consider focusing your time on the search on “high value” activities each week.? For example, focusing 70% of your time on networking, 20% on researching and preparing, and 10% on reviewing postings. The job search is a serious commitment and requires dedicated time and energy. Strive to spend about 25-30 hours per week this way to maximize results in a competitive job market.

• Timeblock your approach.

Organize your activities by taking control of your job search with the "5x5x7" strategy. This strategy is something that I’ve learned about during my time as a Career Coach with Randstad RiseSmart .?

Keep the job search momentum going by dedicating five activities, five days a week, to seven targets. These activities should support the targets of your search – be it a company, a person, or a job.

Strive to identify a variety of targets to work on at the same time – don’t group them all on a single area of focus, like only finding jobs to apply to.? Your targets should align with the ultimate goal of landing your next opportunity, and the consistent activity will help generate enough action to keep up-to-date with the demands of today’s job market. 5x5x7 provides the structure to stay organized.

• Connect with others, not just those who cheer you on, but also with the experts who can help you get to the next level.

If it has been awhile since being in the job market, consider working with someone who specializes in the area of the job search that you anticipate needing the most help.?

Also, if you’re finding that your efforts haven’t gotten you the kind of results you’d hoped for, you’ll want to revisit who in your network can help support you with the expertise and track record to get you to that next level.? While there are plenty of free resources out there that provide direction, be open to committing the resources laser-focused on your success in your search.

What tips or strategies have worked for you when starting your job search? Share your comments below!

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