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You probably have a lot of different things on your mind about your job search. You are wondering what steps to take and how to improve your chances of getting hired. And when you are constantly bombarded with challenges, it can be tough to stay on top of everything. When you want your job search to be more productive, you should keep a list of important things on your “to-do list.”
There are plenty of technical ways to make your job search more productive. But our thoughts here aren’t technical, they’re human. In other words, they address the human side of your job search and life.
1. Create a job search control center
The first step to managing your job search is to create a central control center. It could be as simple as a notebook, or it could be online. The point is that you have one centralized place where you keep all of your job search information.
Here's what you need in your job search control center:
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Template emails and cover letters: Create email templates for the different types of jobs you are applying for. If you're interested in different jobs, create separate templates for each category. For example, if you're interested in both teaching and writing, create two sets of templates — one for each industry that has a slightly different focus.
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A list of target employers: Make notes on each employer you're interested in working for. Include things like what type of position you are applying for, when you applied, who the contact person was (if any), and any other important details about the application process.
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A list of keywords and phrases: Create a list of keywords and phrases that are important in your industry so that you can easily refer back to them when creating cover letters and resumes.
2. Have a social media presence that aligns with your brand
Start by identifying your traits and skills, including those that don’t relate directly to your career but can be valuable in the workplace. Once you understand your brand, market it everywhere so potential employers know exactly who you are, what you stand for, and how well-rounded you are. Be active on social media — not just on Facebook or Twitter — but also on LinkedIn. Join groups related to your industry and share articles of interest with your network. It’s also important to keep your profile updated so people can see what you are up about.
Read more here: Social media mistakes to avoid when job seeking
3. Make an A-list of past colleagues and others who can help
These people have the potential not only to hire you or refer you to someone they know but also to provide feedback and guidance on your resume and cover letters. They might also have important advice on how best to approach particular companies, or they might be able to provide an insider’s perspective on what it’s like to work there. And when you do approach new people, start with those who are already connected with someone in your network. And don't forget to ask them for referrals as well.
4. Set up a daily schedule for searching and applying to jobs
This is critical, especially if you're still working while looking for a new job. If you don't structure your time, it will slip away from you quickly — and before you know it, another week has gone by without any progress in your search.
Decide on the best time of day for yourself to do this work. Maybe it's right after breakfast; maybe it's during lunch; maybe it's after work when you're feeling fresh (or not so fresh — whatever gets the job done). Then block out that time every day and commit to using it productively.
The most important thing to remember is that searching for a job should be treated as a job in itself. If you’re unemployed, spend five or six hours each day looking for work online and networking with people who might be able to recommend you for a position. Your goal should be to spend at least 40 hours per week searching, applying, and interviewing. If you’re employed full-time, dedicate four to six hours each week outside of work to looking for work.
5. Keep a record of positions and companies to which you've applied
You’ll probably be applying to dozens, maybe even hundreds, of positions during your job search. There are many approaches to keeping track of the positions and companies you’ve applied to which you’ve applied, but whatever approach you take, needs to be clear and comprehensive. Create a spreadsheet that includes the following information: company name, job title, location (city, state), application date, contact person’s name, and contact information details about your application.
Save all the communications you have with each company in an appropriate file on your computer or paper. If you hear back from anyone at the company, make a note of it in your spreadsheet. It will keep you from making the embarrassing mistake of contacting a company about a position for which you've already applied, and it will remind you to follow up if you haven't heard back.
6. Find ways to stay motivated
Doing things like exercising, spending time outdoors, meditating, or even just taking a hot shower can help you relax and center yourself so you can deal with the stress of looking for work. If you're feeling especially down, connect with friends on social media or see if there are local networking events in your area where you can meet new people who are in similar situations. They may be able to offer practical tips for finding work or just be a good listener if you need someone to talk to.
If all that fails, consider taking a break from your search for a few days so you can recharge your batteries and come back refreshed.