6 steps to tame the job search monster

Jobsearch, Jobseekers / 27 October 2022

The process of finding a new job, from filtering through job board listings, to polishing up your CV, to keeping track of applications, can seem overwhelming at times. There’s so much to remember, organise, and action that you may begin to feel like you’ve lost control. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to keep your job search at heel.

Work out what you want

Whether this is your first job, you’re returning to work, or you want to change jobs, your search can’t start until you decide what you want. Beyond the job title you’re interested in, you should also be clear about:

the salary package you want to achieve
the working pattern you need, for instance, full-time, part-time, or shift work
your weekly availability – just Monday to Friday 9-5 or can you work evenings and weekends?
type of employer, such as private or public sector, large, medium, or small business
flexible working – how important is it to you, both now and in the future?
what company culture would suit you best
where you want this job to take you, for instance, up the corporate ladder or into retirement
where you want to work – office based, remotely, or a mixture of the two
what area of the country you want to work in if remote working is out of the question

Which of the above are absolute musts that can’t be avoided, and which are preferred options that would make your life easier? What can and can’t be negotiated?

Set job search goals and make them SMART

Setting out on a relentless job search is fine at the start, but it can often lead to a loss of motivation and increasing levels of stress. Combat this by setting SMART job search goals from the beginning.
SMART stands for:

S = specific
M = measurable
A = attainable
R = relevant
T = time-bound

Make it clear what you are striving for (S). Make it easy to measure your success (M). Create goals that are realistic (A). Make sure the goal will help you land the job you’re interested in and progress you along your career path (R). Set a deadline to achieve each goal (T).

Prepare your CV

The next step is to prepare your CV. Check that it’s up to date, including your personal details, personal statement, skills section, qualifications, and your work experience.

With each job application, it’s a great idea to tailor your CV to fit. However, to do this effectively you need a basic CV that lists everything. Prepare that now and use it as the starting point for each new application.

Keep a job search record

You could rely on your memory to keep track of your job applications, but the best way to remove any chance of overwhelm is to keep a job search record. Create a spreadsheet or a Word document, keep a record in Google Drive, write it down in a notepad, or use a project management tool like Asana or Trello.

What should you record?

Job applications:
- date sent
- job title
- details of what you sent and how, for instance, emailed CV and letter or online application form
- company contact details
- whether you were called to interview and if so, outcome
Details of email, messaging, and phone communications
Job interview details
Contacts
Company research
Online networking that could lead to a job

Don’t forget to use the calendar on your phone to record important dates such as interviews and alerts for when to chase up an application.

File it all away

You may also accumulate emails that you’ve received in response to job applications, printed off letters and forms, and scanned images of completed paper application forms. Make it easy to put your hand on whatever piece of information you need by not only creating a job search record but also organising:

a folder in your inbox for job search emails
a computer folder for letters, scanned/photographed images, downloads, and altered versions of CVs
a ring binder, folder, or in-tray for physical documents

File each item away – online, in your email inbox, or physically – as soon it’s dealt with.

Re-assess your job search

You may land a new job almost immediately but if your job search takes longer, it’s well worth re-assessing your progress every three months. Here’s the kind of questions you could ask:

Do you still want a new job or are you now happy to stay where you are?
Are you looking for the same job as at the beginning of your search?
Have your salary package requirements changed?
How many of your goals have you achieved? Do you need new goals?
What have you learned from your job applications, whether successful or not?
What you have you learned from the interviews you’ve attended?
How has the overall world of work changed, for instance, developments in your industry or changes in available vacancies?
How has your status changed? Have you gained new qualifications or experience?