Time Management is Key to an Effective Job Search

By Elyse Pipitone

Making time for your job search amid your personal responsibilities can be challenging, especially when you already have a job. But even if you’re not working, an effective search requires time management strategies that keep you on track and motivated. Once you gather momentum and start seeing some results, it becomes easier to get more done.

But how do you get to that point? Here are some suggestions.

CREATE A NOT-TO-DO LIST

Everyone has a to-do list, but how often do those items get shifted from one day to the next? Often, the activities on a to-do list aren’t things that a person must get done (updating their resume) – instead, they are actions they feel they should get done (organizing their junk drawer). Reviewing your unfinished “shoulds” can lead to guilt and overwhelm, and spending time on them can waste your valuable energy and resources.

To help identify the difference between your “musts” and “shoulds,” Inc. magazine suggests asking yourself these questions as you consider a task [1]:

? “Will this task help me accomplish my goal of finding a new (or better) job?”

? If no, then ask yourself: "Will there be negative consequences for myself or others if this task doesn't get done?" AND

? "Is this task either urgent or important?"

If the answer to the last two questions is also “no,” that task should go on your not-to-do list. Consider keeping this new list on your desk, taped to your mirror, or posted next to your coffee maker as a reminder. As your priorities and “must-do” tasks change, this list also will need updating. It might be helpful to schedule time once a month to review it.

REDUCE PROCRASTINATION

Everyone puts things off now and then. However, consistently delaying or ignoring taking action can have consequences on your employment prospects, income flow, and self-esteem. Sometimes the dread or anticipation around doing something can take more emotional energy than just doing it – which a friend of mine refers to as “ripping the Band-Aid off.” Consider reading The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins, which uses a technique of counting down from 5 to 1 (like a rocket) and then “launching” yourself to do the task. This enables you to act on something your brain identifies as important before you can talk yourself out of it.

Procrastination can be a common issue for job seekers with ADHD. Many struggle with managing distractions and staying organized [2]. Combined with a tendency toward perfectionism or a fear of failure, this can freeze a job seeker in place. An ADHD coach or a therapist may be helpful in providing structure and accountability while identifying helpful coping strategies.

PRIORITIZE TASKS

Prioritize the tasks that are most important to you at that particular time. Try asking yourself questions using the formula Keep, Start, Stop:

? Keep – What tasks give you energy? What do you enjoy doing and would like to keep doing? These activities can and should include things that aren’t job search-related and can serve as a reward for progress.

? Start – Begin additional tasks and/or add a new skill or activity (certification, professional development) to your list, to build momentum.

? Stop – What do you need to stop or postpone doing to make time for those new tasks? What can you take off your plate or delegate to others?

CREATE GOALS

For some job seekers, goal setting can be an effective way to stay accountable, especially when those goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When creating goals, it can be helpful to list the multiple steps that are necessary to meet the goal, which breaks it down into smaller, manageable pieces. Additionally, identifying why the goal is important for your career, how you will know when the goal is reached, and how you will celebrate your achievement can be motivating.

USE PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS

There are a seemingly limitless number of methods that can help people use their time wisely and stay on track. Here are just a few:

The Pomodoro Method: Identify a specific task. Set a timer for 25 minutes. When the timer runs out, stop the activity, take a 5-minute break, and decide if it’s time to stop or you’d like to keep going. For larger tasks, divide the work into 25-minute increments.

The 2-Minute Rule: If it takes 2 minutes or less, do it NOW. This can include one-off tasks like adding a recruiter’s phone number to your contacts, or downloading a helpful Career Experts Group resource guide for later review.

The 1-3-5 Rule: Choose one large or significant task, three medium-sized tasks, and five small ones to accomplish within a week. This provides a balance between tackling challenging projects and making progress on smaller, more manageable tasks. Time Blocking: Using a paper or online calendar, divide your day into small blocks of time. You can assign a specific task for each time block or group several similar tasks in the same block. This encourages you to view your to-do’s with the same priority as a scheduled meeting or medical appointment. Additionally, see the Resources section for a link to popular apps for productivity and accountability.

FOR EMPLOYED JOB SEEKERS

In addition to the productivity hacks mentioned above, here are some specific tips for those balancing their current work responsibilities with their job search.

Weeknight Activities - Assign specific job search activities to different nights of the week to prevent burnout. For example, Mondays can be virtual networking night, Tuesdays can be designated for job applications, Wednesdays for reviewing your LinkedIn feed for leads, etc.

Use Work Breaks and Commuting Times - Use your lunch breaks or commuting time to listen to career podcasts and audiobooks.

Designate a Block of Time on Weekends - No one wants to spend their entire weekend in a job search – but if you can reserve 1 or 2 focused and uninterrupted hours, you can get a lot done. Use this precious time to prepare for interviews, take online courses, or research prospective employers.

Job searching requires a commitment of time and energy, which can often be in short supply. By using some of these tips and tools, you can manage your time more efficiently and effectively, reduce procrastination, and improve your outlook. Remember, we all have the same number of hours in our day – it’s how we use them that counts!

REFERENCES

[1] Inc.com, Do You Have a Not-to-Do List? Here's Why You Should, March 30, 2018

[2] VeryWellMind.com, The Relationship Between ADHD and Procrastination, March 3, 2023

CAREER EXPERTS GROUP RESOURCES

February 2024 article: Embracing a Fresh Start: Positive Goal Setting

Resource Guide: Action Plan: Mastering Trend-Based Goals

September 2024 article: Take Time For Yourself in the Job Search

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

YouTube.com, The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins summary of the book

Lifehacker.com, Seven Ways ChatGPT Can Help You Manage Your ADHD, Oct. 28, 2024

TheMuse.com, 10 To-Do and Reminder Apps for 10 Kinds of People, June 19, 2020

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