Our Top Ten Job Search Tips To Help You Find Your Perfect Job
Like it or not, job hunting is very much a full-time job. And like any job, it involves proper planning and organisation of time and resources.
You need to make sure your efforts are being mirrored in the results you see, which means having a system in place to allow you to understand what’s working and what isn’t. Here are the top 10 tips from The CV Specialists for a systematic, successful search:
Our Top Ten Tips for organising your job search
1. Take some time out
Start by giving yourself 24 hours off from your search to create some space in your head to start organising yourself. A small-time investment now could save you hours in the long run.
2. Create a work space
Having cleared some space in the temporal sense, set aside a room or desk that’s clear and clutter-free. Doing this will automatically make you feel more focused. A clutter free workspace will help you to maintain focus and concentrate on the task at hand – your job search
3. Clarify your goals
Draw up a list of your main goals: what kind of position do you want, when do you want it by and what salary are you willing to accept? Then have an alternative plan in place for each of the above. It is a good idea to prioritise your list. Put your most important goal at the top of your list
4. Have a set schedule
It’s been said that the difference between a dream and a goal is a deadline. Commit a certain period of each day to your job search, working on your applications and stick rigidly to this. Time blocking is a great method to help structure your day and divide it into blocks of time
5. Sharpen your search materials
You need to be ready to roll with your application at short notice. This means maintaining an up-to-date CV and cover letter template as well as keeping your professional profile ticking over on sites such as LinkedIn.
6. Organise your inbox
The email account is the jobseeker’s command HQ. Sorting your emails into different categories — jobs applied to; open positions etc. — will help you stay on top of things.
7. Create a system
Alongside this, you’ll need a tracking system that lets you know where you are with each application at quick glance. It needn’t be an elaborate spreadsheet but should have all the information you need clearly laid-out.
8. Then use it
The best data management system in the world is no use to you unless you keep it regularly updated. Make sure your version includes a ‘next step’ section to encourage you to follow up on any developments.
9. Map your networking
Monitoring your informal job enquiries is no less important. Stop trails from going cold by keeping a note of any meetings or encounters you have while setting reminders for when to follow up.
10. Review your progress
Taking stock of your job search is more important now than ever. Review what’s been working well and what hasn’t. Then decide how you’re going to improve things.
Job hunting can be a relatively painless business, or it can be a long, hard slog. While there are usually a number of factors involved, often some simple organisation and forward planning can prove the difference.
Take a look at our article on How To Network Effectively for more advice on how to help you get the most out of your professional networks:
The CV Specialists are a team of professional CV Writers. We provide a tailor-made CV writing service for people at all levels. Our CV writers create professionally written CV’s, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.
We write all CV’s from scratch and tailor them towards a role and industry of your choice. Check out our CV writing service for more information
