Job hunting is hard work and should be treated as such. It can also be discouraging. To be successful, you should plan your day and put together an action plan to follow. Make sure to take care of yourself. Make time in your day to get out of the house.
Find a routine that works for you and stick with it
First, ask yourself what will get you up in the morning to start the day: If it is hard for you to get going in the morning, schedule a call or a meeting with someone for coffee to start the day. Having a meeting on your schedule will get you out of bed. If exercising first thing in the morning will give you a boost for the rest of the day, start with that.
If the middle of the day is tough for you, think of exercising then, or meeting people for lunch.
Get out of your PJs and get dressed. Looking professional will help you feel and behave professionally.
Read our blog What Morning Routine Works for You
Make networking a priority
More than 80% of jobs are found through networking. Spend time making new connections on LinkedIn, and social media, talking with people on the phone/video calls and meeting people face to face. Take advantage of any social event to talk with people and tell them about what you are looking for. Search Meet-up and Evite to discover new events happening in your area and meet new people. Don’t be shy to ask people you meet with: ”Who else should I be talking to?” Networking will help you get exposure to the hidden job market, those jobs that are not even advertised. Remember though that networking is about building a relationship. Always try to offer something before asking for something. Build your reputation and relationships to be top of your network’s mind when a suitable position opens up.
Learn how to introduce yourself in an interesting way: Join our upcoming webinar, September 12, 12:00PM EST: Tell me about yourself: Using your story to benefit your career
Read our blogs:
9 Networking Errors to Avoid
Expanding your LinkedIn Network: Tips for Success
Watch our webinar:
Network your Way to a New Job
Identify companies to target
Search for companies that you are interested in. Apply for open positions that meet your experience and skill set, and track the companies to have visibility to future openings. Follow the companies on LinkedIn and social media. Use every opportunity to interact and build relationships with people within those companies. Comment on posts and articles they publish, expand your network within them.
Search the job boards
As this can be time consuming and tiring, spread these searches throughout the week. Decide on which days to search for jobs on different platforms. For example, Mondays and Wednesdays can be LinkedIn and Glassdoor, Tuesdays are Indeed etc. Do not forget to search niche boards as well, like Idealist.org for non-profit jobs, or Coolworks.com for outdoor enthusiasts.
Watch our webinar:
Experts’ Tips for Success in the Job Search
Make time to customize your resume
Your resume is not a one size fits all. Customize your resume for every position you apply for. Make sure to use the keywords in the job description so that your resume will pass the Automatic Tracking Systems (ATS), and highlight your skills that match the job requirements.
Watch our webinar:
Resume Tips from the Experts
Read our blogs:
Does your Resume Stand Out?
The 6 Details you Must Include at the Top of Your Resume
Automatic Tracking Systems – Is your Resume Up to the Challenge?
Follow up on jobs you have previously applied to
Send a follow up email to the recruiter/hiring manager a week after applying for a position. Show them your interest in the position. Make your application stand out.
Always follow up after an interview. Send each interviewer a personalized thank you note to continue building the relationship with them. Provide any requested information and address any open questions.
Read our blog:
You Submitted your Resume, Now What? Follow Up!
Set yourself daily/weekly goals
Set SMART goals and take time to reflect at the end of the week and assess what you have achieved. Tweak your goals to accomplish more the following week.
Read our blogs:
Reaching for the Sky – Setting yourself High Goals
Why you Should be Setting yourself Goals
Watch the webinar:
How to Set and Achieve Any Goal
Go ahead, you’ve got this!