Applying for a new job is like having a job in itself. It can feel overwhelming as you apply to anything and everything you might be interested in or qualified for. If you are applying randomly, missing deadlines, and struggling to keep track of applications, you are setting yourself up for frustration. But there is a better way. With a clear system in place, you can manage your job search efficiently, maximize your opportunities, and land the right role faster. This guide will show you how to stay on top of every detail and confidently navigate your career transition.
Set Clear Job Search Goals
Before you start searching for a new position, set clear goals for yourself. Decide the parameters you will look for when reading job openings. Having a clear set of standards ensures you do not waste time considering jobs that you won’t be happy with. Decide what industry, role, salary, benefits, and other qualities you want your future position to have. Decide if you want an in-office, hybrid, or remote position. If you are unsure of what you should look for, do some research about current industry standards and common practices. This will help you set realistic expectations. It will also help you later during the negotiation stage.
Think about a realistic timeline for finding your new position. If you currently have a job, this timeline could be longer. In contrast, you may need to find a position sooner if you are currently unemployed. When determining your timeline, look at how much you have in savings and your monthly bills.
Identify non-negotiables that you are unwilling to give up or compromise on. These are the qualities your future position must have, or you will not be happy. For some, it is a positive company culture. For others, it is a certain salary threshold or benefits. Then, for other professionals, it is a clear path for career growth. Some people find it helpful to write or type their goals out and hang them up where they are easily visible. This helps you stay focused during your search.
Set Up an Efficient Job Search System
Create a system for your job search. That way, you can follow a set process to keep yourself organized. Choose between a physical or digital organizational method. One is not better than the other. It depends entirely on your preferences. Create a dedicated space in your home that will serve as your job search headquarters. Plan to do nothing but job search activities in that area. Create a storage system for all of your resumes, cover letters, and applications. This could be a file cabinet for paper versions or a cloud drive with folders. If you do not already have one, create a professional-sounding email address for all of your applications. Your email matters when applying. Plus, having a separate email keeps your job search emails separate from your personal emails.
Using a Job Application Tracker
Once you start applying to positions, you may find that the number of applications you have adds up quickly. Having an application tracker can keep you organized, preventing applications from falling through the cracks or wasting time double applying to positions. There are an endless number of project management platforms available for free. The one you use will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Plan to keep all of this information for each of the positions you apply for:
- Job title, company name, location
- Application date, status, and deadlines
- Hiring manager or recruiter contact info
- Interview details (dates, interviewer names, notes)
- Follow-up actions and next steps
Managing Resumes and Cover Letters Efficiently
It is common knowledge that to stand out, you need to customize your resume and cover letter to each position you apply for. By doing this, you are better able to stand out and make it past any automated screening tools the company may use. However, the drawback is that you could end up with a different resume for every open position you apply for. Create folders where you keep each version of your resume. You could organize them by role or industry. It is also important to have ATS-friendly and human-friendly versions of your resume. The human version is the one that looks beautiful and draws the human reader in to read more. An ATS-friendly (applicant tracking system) resume is one that is easily scannable by a computer to pull keywords and relevant data. In addition to resumes, you should keep a database of your prepared cover letters. Multiple versions make it faster and easier to customize a cover letter for each new position. While using AI to prepare your resumes and cover letters can be tempting, be careful with this approach. Many companies use AI detectors and may screen out applicants who use them. AI is also not perfect, and you could end up with a resume and cover letter that have incorrect information.
Organizing Job Listings and Alerts
Manually searching multiple job boards and individual company websites will become time-consuming. Set up job alerts for new position postings for the job boards you plan to use. Common popular job boards include LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. You can also use industry-specific job boards. Set up alerts on these sites to alert you when a new listing that you might be interested in is posted. Consider setting up multiple alerts to account for different terminology that could be used for potential positions. As you find job postings, develop a system to prioritize them. Apply to the most desirable and in-demand positions first. That way, you are mentally fresh and sharp for the most important applications. In addition, you apply to the most important positions first so that you are one of the first applicants and more likely to be seen. The longer you wait, the more opportunity there is for other people to apply. The risk is higher for the hiring manager to find another qualified applicant and be less likely to continue reviewing incoming applications.
Managing Networking and Contacts
Networking is a key element to a successful job search. However, you must be purposeful in approaching your networking connections. The first step is to make a list of all of the professional connections that could be helpful. Include all of the relevant information, such as names, company they work for, contact information, and last interaction. It is also helpful to include any meaningful information about that person that can help you establish a meaningful connection. If your professional network is limited, take steps to expand it by joining job search support groups and networking groups. If someone in your network provides you with any kind of assistance, set reminders to follow up and send thank you messages.
Scheduling and Preparing for Interviews
Have a dedicated calendar where you schedule all of your interviews. For each scheduled interview, include the person you will be meeting with and the interview’s location. Add contact information in case you need to reach out for any reason. Take note of any deadlines that you may need to meet. Some positions require additional skills testing as part of the application process before you get to the interview stage. You need to keep track of these deadlines to ensure you do not miss them and miss out on an opportunity. Do not leave these screening tasks to the last minute. Depending on the position you are applying for, they can take one to several hours to complete. To prepare for your interviews, have a checklist that you follow. Your checklist should include researching the company, preparing answers to potential questions, and planning to commute to the interview. If you are applying to positions requiring a portfolio, review yours and make sure its organized with all necessary materials. Practice an elevator pitch about yourself in front of a camera or mirror. It should concisely introduce who you are and why you applied for the position. You should be able to confidently say it so that you can make a strong first impression during the interview.
Organizing Follow-Ups and Communication
Follow-up is a common pitfall for job applicants. After the interview, they sit back and wait to hear from the company or hiring manager. However, this can backfire, as many hiring managers are managing a high volume of applicants in addition to their regular job duties. You can simplify following up by creating templates. Send a follow-up email or thank-you note after the interview. Set calendar reminders for yourself to follow up after the interview. This time period could vary based on the information about the next steps shared with you during the interview. Track any updates or responses you receive so that you have an accurate record of all communications.
Managing Job Offers and Salary Negotiations
The final stage of your career search is the job offer and salary negotiation stage. Keep a spreadsheet of job offers and all of the details of each offer. Compare each offer to your non-negotiable list. You should also compare the offer to the industry standards that you compiled during your initial research. Negotiate any terms that may not meet your requirements to determine if the position could be a good fit. Track the acceptance and rejection deadlines with alerts to avoid missing them.
Staying Motivated and Avoiding Job Search Burnout
Applying to open positions for an extended time period can begin to feel tiring. To help combat the feelings of frustration or hopelessness, set realistic daily, weekly, or monthly goals. When you accomplish your goal, put your job search efforts away and do something else. Do not try to spend all of your time applying for jobs. During your job search efforts, use time management techniques. That way, you optimize your time and do not waste time being distracted or working on non-productive tasks. The Pomodoro method is a popular time management technique that breaks up work into 25-minute blocks with five-minute breaks. You repeat this cycle four times and then take a longer 15-30-minute break. Take time for self-care and mental health. Reach out to friends, family, mentors, and career coaches for support. Sharing your experience with these people can provide a much-needed outside perspective. They can also help you maintain a positive mindset and outlook.
Leveraging Technology to Stay Organized
Use technology to help yourself stay organized and optimize your job search efforts. Apps and online tools can eliminate many of the manual tasks required when applying for jobs. Some tools can help you optimize your resume for each position you apply for. Tools like Grammarly can help you proof your resume and cover letters to ensure they are error-free. Google Sheets or Airtable can help you manage your many applications and where you are in the application process for each company. Include a link to the original job listing, key contact information, and any other relevant information. Calendly or another scheduling app can help you stay organized when you have multiple interviews.
Stay Flexible and Adaptable in Your Job Search
Try to stay adaptable and flexible during your job search. You need to be open to possibilities that you never considered. Perhaps a contract, freelance, or temp-to-perm position would give you the opportunity you are seeking. These types of positions let you get experience and build connections that can open doors to future career opportunities. Be open to considering new industries where your skills transfer. As you get into your job search, evaluate your efforts and their results. If response rates are not what you want, be open to adjusting your strategy.
Start Your Career Search
Before you start your job search, create a plan for yourself. Use technology to stay organized as you apply to different positions. Track your submitted applications, interviews, and follow-up communications. Remember to take breaks and take care of yourself. You cannot apply to jobs 24/7, as this will lead to mental burnout. Working with a staffing agency like BOS Staffing can help you during your job search. Having professional recruiters work on your behalf can reduce your workload while giving you access to positions that are not publicly available.
Contact BOS Staffing to have the experts help you with your career change.
