This Is How Your Should Approach For A New Job
GIVE YOURSELF SPACE
Getting a new line of work is a task all by itself. You ought to be ready to dedicate 10 - 15 hours out of every week, if you’re currently employed and searching for other opportunities. Expect to spend 20-30 hours each week if you're unemployed.
That degree of responsibility is best served by having a reasonable work area from which to direct your inquiry. Do you have a work space? Maybe the dining room table offers the right blend of quiet inspiration? A private study room at your local library? The choice is yours, as long as the space limits outside distraction and allows you to get your work done.
GET AND STAY ORGANIZED
Get the most out of your job search by tracking your progress. What contacts have you made this week? Did you send resumes to specific employers? What target companies did you research? Where did you interview? What was the result?
Document this activity in a format you’re comfortable with. Many people use a simple spreadsheet to track this data. It will help you respond more effectively to interview requests or callbacks, and also see what you’ve accomplished so, at the end of the day, you can feel good about yourself and the progress you are making toward your goals.
I’ve recently come across the job search management system ‘Teal’, which helps you track things like this. You can organize your prospects in one integrated hub with tools and advice for improving your resume, Linkedin profile and more.
Personally, I still prefer the organizational system I’ve developed with simple integrations between my inbox, calendar and MS OneNote, because I like to use the same workflow for all my personal and professional plans. But everyone’s preferences will differ and I can see how a fresh interface especially designed for the job hunt could be just what someone needs to inject some energy and enthusiasm into what can feel like endless drudgery.
Time Management Strategies
Unfocused job searches never lead anywhere. A big part of staying focused is making sure you use your time effectively.
Develop An ‘Honest’ and Supportive Plan and Stick To It:
Establish a regular and realistic “job hunt” schedule and block out certain times each week to complete specific tasks – whether it’s sending out resumes, following up on leads, researching companies, or strengthening your LinkedIn profile. Start with small commitments and lengthen the time only when you realize consistent progress. Job searching is akin to working out. The person who goes hard on Day 1 and needs Days 2 and 3 for recovery will usually log less total workout time than the person who shows up every day and exercises moderation. Like, comment, subscribe.
Employ Some Playful Test and Learn To Get In The Zone.
Amending your setting can be an easy way to ‘trick’ yourself into productivity. I have an early morning routine that starts before the world gets loud where I sit down with iced lemon water, throw on an ambient music mix I’ve compiled over time on Spotify, sometimes I light a scented peppermint candle, I put my Hapbee device on the ‘Master Your Attention’ blend and get down to it. That routine signals to my brain what time it is and it’s powerful. I have a positive association with how that mode makes me feel and starting the day with laser focused productivity gives me energy, confidence and calm for the rest of my day. Challenge yourself to find the productivity routine that’s right for you, or work with a friend, family member, coach or mentor to sample ideas from their process that could work well for you.
You may also decide to adjust or rearrange your schedule to take advantage of specific times when you feel more energized and ready to tackle the day. It’s advisable to test and learn. The important thing is to find a comfort zone where you feel motivated, accomplished, and can move closer to your goal.
Good organization and productive effort will go a long way towards helping you feel accomplished at the end of each day. You will feel better about yourself and lighten your burden if you are achieving the smaller daily goals that are leading you to your top priority: finding yourself a new job.
KEEP CURRENT WITH TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
File Formats
File formats are important. Use (or convert your file to) Microsoft Word ‘docx’ format for resumes and cover letters that will likely be reviewed by applicant tracking systems in use by many employers.
Use a dedicated email address for your job search – one that includes some version of your first and last name. Aside from appearing more professional, it is also an opportunity for hiring managers to identify you among the messages they will receive from other candidates.
What email platform are you using? The gold standard in today’s job market is Gmail. If you don’t already have one, consider creating a free Gmail account for use in your search.
LinkedIn Profile Settings
Your LinkedIn profile works 24/7 to promote your professional talents and attributes. Customize your LinkedIn URL – simply click “Edit public profile & URL” next to the banner at the top of your profile – to demonstrate your grasp of digital technology and boost your credibility.
You may also want to adjust your LinkedIn privacy settings – especially if you’re currently employed and looking for greener pastures. Do you really want your supervisor to see updates that may give away your job search? Go to your account’s “Settings & Privacy” page, select “Visibility of your LinkedIn activity,” and choose NO under “Share profile updates with your network.”
Online Reputation Check
Do some research on the impression you would make to employers who search for you online. Google yourself and see what comes up. Employers are increasingly using online searches to conduct preliminary background checks on potential candidates. Make sure you take the steps necessary to protect your online reputation:
Google Yourself To Decide The Name To Go With:
Before Googling yourself, be sure to log out from the browser and clear your cache and search history. Now, enter your name and see what comes up. Try different variations of your name and notice how these differences change your search results. Once you’ve decided on your “professional name,” make sure to apply it consistently across the spectrum. This includes your resume, LinkedIn, and in other professional associations or online platforms you use in a professional capacity.
Buy Your Domain
Purchase your name as a domain. This will help you control what people (and recruiters) see when they Google your name. Don’t worry, there’s no need to build a functioning website, unless you want to. Instead, use it to guide visitors to your LinkedIn profile or some other platform that highlights your impressive background and accomplishments.
Maximize Social Media Privacy Settings
Keep your privacy settings locked down tightly on any social media platform that does not play a role in your professional branding. If there are digital skeletons you’re potentially concerned about, remove them if you are able, or ask friends on whose pages the undesired content is posted. Meanwhile, un-tag yourself from photos you prefer people not see and delete any comments that might not be understood without proper context.
Nobody aspires to be a job seeker.
I'm here to make the process more successful.
Learn more about my Career Coaching Practice.