Searching for a new job can be extremely overwhelming, especially when you aren’t properly organized. Some job seekers report spending as much as 40 hours a week dedicated to their job search alone. With millions of jobs opening each month, it’s important to approach the search with clarity and strategy.

Narrow your focus

If you’ve been approaching your search with the mindset “I’m just looking for anything,” I need you to back away from the computer. Although applying to any and every open posting may feel like the “easier” route, it’s an absolute waste of time. Instead, you must clearly define the types of opportunities you’re looking to pursue. Remember: When you know exactly what you’re looking for, it’s that much easier to find! 

Set actionable goals

While you can’t control how many interviews you secure, you can set goals around things like the number of people in your network you’ll connect with and the number of applications you will complete each week. Setting clear, actionable goals helps you hold yourself accountable for the things within your control. Bonus points for sharing the goals with someone else for an added layer of accountability!

Use a job application tracker

Create a single source of truth to house all information for roles that have caught your eye. At the very least, the tracker should include links to all the roles you have applied for (or plan to apply to) along with the current status. Because I’m a fan of efficiency, I also like to use the tracker to highlight important information such as key qualifications, expected salary range, and level of interest (because not all positions are created equal).

Schedule time for applying

Block off multiple times throughout the week for completing applications. Make this time non-negotiable and avoid multitasking. How much time you set aside is up to you, but if you’re serious about securing a new role, the more time you can spend early on - the better. Also, remember quality over quantity. It’s better to take your time with three aligned applications than to hit “Easy Apply” on 25 random applications.

Celebrate the mini-milestones to keep yourself motivated

Rather than waiting until you secure your new role to celebrate, identify a few mini-milestones. Some examples include completing a certain number of applications, securing your first interview, etc. The milestone and reward you choose are completely up to you - just make sure it’s enough to actually motivate you!

Next Steps

If landing a new job is on your 2022 agenda, check out The Professional Pivot Kit. Designed with DIY Job Seekers in mind, The Professional Pivot Kit includes everything you need to make your search a success, including a resume guide, interview guide, job search tracker, resume and cover letter template, and more.