Create a job search plan

Find a Job: Create a job search plan

It's a good idea to have a plan before you start searching for specific jobs. A plan should be a flexible outline of what you want to do and how you expect to do it.

 

• Start with a job-related career goal that will be the focus of your job hunt.
• Think about the skills and experiences you have and the types of jobs that match. Use the Skills Profiler to identify your skills and the Occupation Profile to finding matching jobs. If needed, update your job goal(s) with what you learn about your skills and matching occupations.
• Think about what you will need when you find jobs you want to apply for. Will they ask you to fill out a job application? Have your job application information ready. Will they ask for a resume and cover letter? Create or update your resume and cover letters to highlight what that employer is looking for. Use the Resume Tutorial to find detailed information about resumes and cover letters.
• Learn about the employers you want to work for. Try networking with people in the field for information about employers. The Employer Locator is a good starting point to locate employers near you. You will need to contact each employer to see if they are hiring.
• Identify good places to look for jobs.
• Keep track of your money. Budgeting while job searching will help you to organize and prioritize your life while in transition.

 

Looking for work is a full-time job in itself. You may find it helpful to create a job search schedule as a part of your overall plan. An organized job seeker with a weekly action plan will feel more accomplished, more confident, and will likely get hired faster.

If you are currently employed, it might be more difficult to look for another job, but it is still possible. You will need to schedule time during business hours (like on your lunch break) to make phone calls and do the rest of your searching at night and on weekends.

Here is a sample schedule with time management tips for any job seeker: 

Day 1

• Review your resume and cover letter. Update both as necessary.
• For job openings, check the print and online versions of local and national publications job search Web sites. Apply via email and Web to as many jobs as possible to get yourself motivated. and

 

Day 2

• Set your alarm each morning. Don't make a habit of sleeping in or you will be groggy for job interviews and will have a difficult time adjusting to your new schedule when you do start a new job.
• Check your phone messages and email and respond to employers right away.
• Make a list of your networking contacts.
• Choose 5-7 people to use as references. Ask each person if they would mind being a professional reference for you and give them an updated copy of your resume.
• Create a job search worksheet to keep track of which jobs you apply for at which companies. Leave a space to make notes on your follow ups.
• Relax. You accomplished a lot today.

 

Day 3

• Follow up on the resumes sent on Day 1.
• Check newspapers and Web sites for new job openings. Apply to at least 5 jobs.
• Job searching can be lonely and depressing. Pick 5 people who are also job searching (even if not in your field) to create a "support group" or contact your nearest One-Stop Career Center and join their job club.
• Look up professional organizations and Web sites in your field. Sign up for free emails from the groups and get a list of their upcoming events.
• Stay organized. Create a space in your house for your job search that is near the computer and the phone.
• Check your phone messages and email. Immediately follow up with employers.
• Get some exercise. Take a break and clear your head. Stay active, stay alert.

 

Day 4

• Get local. Walk or drive around your neighborhood. Make note of every business that could have use for your skills. Be creative and think broadly of ways you could fit in with a company.
• If you only job search in your house you will go nuts. Pick a secondary place to job search like the library or a One-Stop Career Center.
• Stay informed. Watch the news, read the business section of the newspaper. Pay attention to local and world events.
• Follow up with the jobs you applied for on Day 2. Check to make sure they received your resume.
• Apply to at least 5 jobs.
• Spend time with people you enjoy. Take your mind off your job search and reconnect with other important things in your life.

 

Day 5

• Identify 5 people with whom you want to do informational interviews.
• Think long term. Expect to be job searching for 1-4 months, depending on the type of job you are looking for. Make a budget for the next few months.
• Use or increase your professional skills while job searching. Sign up with temp agencies for short-term jobs in your field. Volunteer for a nonprofit agency or school in a position that uses your professional and technical skills. Even if you don't get paid, it will look great on your resume and you can use these new clients as references.
• Make a plan of action for next week's job search.
• Take a few days off. The less stressed you are, the more positive you will be during job interviews.

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 Remember to ask for help. At any time during your job search, don't be embarrassed or afraid to ask the people around you or a career counselor for a new ideas on how to find work. Find resources and assistance for job search you're not in this alone.