Should you commit to a job-seeking routine?

Finding a new job can take time, and there’s nothing like a few knock backs to cause motivation to wane.

That’s why experts suggest embracing a weekly routine. It’s a framework to make sure job finders are doing all they can to search listings, connect with their network and look after themselves along the way.

As leadership influencer expert Toni Courtney says, “It takes resilience to keep on going, effort to plan, and commitment to keep putting yourself forward enthusiastically, especially when you've been knocked back.”

“Ultimately, like with anything, it's the things you're prepared to do consistently, especially the things that take you outside your comfort zone, like calling up someone in your network that you haven't been in touch with for ages that might be able to help, that will create possibility and opportunity.”

So, where do you start? We asked career coaches to share their best tips.

Start in the morning

Samia Pego Keating says: "Focus first on well being and mental health, doing something right in the morning to increase your energy and mood, for example, exercise, meditation, dancing, something that you like that will put you in a better state."

Don’t spend too long staring at a computer

Fiona Maybery says: "I recommend job seekers to only commit two to three hours a day at a regular time each day to complete your job search. Anything more than this is unproductive."

Think broadly before you narrow down

Helen Froling says: "Have a good understanding of your strengths, skill set and adaptability. Remembering you don't need to fit 100% of the selection criteria. Then list the types of companies and industries you wish to work in.

"Research these companies to develop a good understanding of how they operate and the clients they serve."

I’ve got a job, and it’s hard to find the time out of hours

Kate Richardson says: "I'm a big fan of a 'one thing a day' rule. Whether it's an email to set up a coffee, or researching a new career possibility, one thing a day equals 30 actions per month. After a few months, that's 90 small steps you've taken towards your next role. And there's no excuse as you can always find time to do #onethingaday."

Iain Calvert says: "When I was looking to move from an office-based role to remote in 2017 there were very few job options (hard to believe in these COVID times).

"Every Tuesday night after work I'd go to the library for a change of scene, and spend three hours looking for remote roles. It took three months, but I found one. It made a significant difference in my life and was well worth it."

Make yourself accountable

Katherine Miller says: "20% of your job search time needs to be spent on follow up and tracking your efforts. Only 3% of job seekers follow up on their efforts. Be in the top 3% and watch doors open."

Gavin Lister says: "Set a time every Friday morning to review progress and refresh your goals and action plan for the week ahead. That saves wasting half of Monday 'planning' and gives you Friday afternoon to make a few more calls to set up networking meetings for the coming week or two."

Choose when you apply for jobs

Joanne Esposito says: "Understand how your body clock works so that you feel energised when you’re applying, and do a confidence booster exercise (such as the wonder woman pose) before interviewing so that you know your worth."

Stay connected

Catherine Middleton says: "Time spent on research is an investment in their future, so keeping abreast of local issues, who is hiring, what roles are in demand will form the basis of any job applications."

Make networking a goal

Eric Googe says: "I really recommend networking with every person and business in the areas that you wish to be employed. Get your name out there and make an impression with all who you meet."

Understand what you want

Rex Alexander says: "Actively looking for work doesn't just mean applying for every opportunity by sending out 100 copies of your resume."

"The most important part of your job search is discovering who you are. What skills, abilities and talents do you have, and what problems do you solve? This way you will know what value you have to offer."

Look after yourself

Doug McKay says: "They say looking for a job is a full time job but I completely disagree! When looking for work, if you try to control every element, you’ll be frustrated and disappointed. Proactively managing your physical and mental health by managing a physical or virtual calendar and then reflecting on your progress is the key for job search planning."

Carmel Catanuto says: "Three hours a day is a good balance for job search and if you go over that time it’s a bonus, the time can be constructive and include volunteer research in the field that you’d like to be in and interview preparation."

But it’s coming up to Christmas

Renata Bernarde says: "There is no reason to stop job hunting during the festive season. You can if you want or need to, but others either don't celebrate the holidays or can't afford to stop the search. I've been in that situation myself a couple of times.

"I believe that if you have time on your hands, or if you are in a hurry to find your next job, then this is, in fact, a great opportunity to step ahead of the game and get an advantage."

Bernarde is offering free weekly job search schedules here.

LinkedIn has launched free access to learning paths for in-demand jobs. Here’s the learning path to master in-demand professional soft skills, including this course on persuading others with Dorie Clark.

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Next week brings us to Christmas, and we'll be recapping the career advice that struck a cord with Australians in 2020.

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