1. Apply early/first thing in the morning:
Plenty of people who start their job search have a particular number of job applications that they want to complete within a day. However, when it’s time to start applying it becomes the last thing that you want to do. Why? Because applying for jobs can be an extremely daunting task that seems unrewarding at first, so it’s very easy to get unmotivated to do it. Applying early or first thing in the morning allows you to start off your day productively and get closer to your goals. You will have more time and energy to apply to as many jobs as you want, then, when you reach your daily goal, you can choose to keep applying, or go on with your day as you see fit. No worries, no guilt, no procrastination! Try this out for a few days and see, you might like it!
2. Reach out to your network:
At this point, it’s really not what you know, it's who you know. There are candidates who completely bypass an entire application/interview process just off the strength of a connection. One email out to and from the right person can land you a role within a week. Do you see where I’m going with this? Exactly, REACH OUT! Whether it be a cold email or LinkedIn message to a recruiter, someone from your alma mater, a friend, mentor, or old coworker. Reaching out will always be an essential way to drive your search closer to the finish line. You can gain insight into the roles and companies that you're applying for, have your application and resume looked at, and even create networking opportunities. Don’t let that inhibition or pride stop you from getting the bag, reach out and make your own way/path into the next role!
3. Get Organized:
It’s very easy to lose track of applications, emails, people, even yourself sometimes! I don’t know about you, but my brain cannot remember every single detail, that’s why I recommend using a job application tracking system. There are tons of apps and systems that you can use to do this, but an old tried and true is an excel spreadsheet that lists the following:
- Companies you’ve applied to
- When you applied
- Who you reached out to or heard from
- The status of the application process
Doing this also helps you to hold yourself accountable, because it is easy to say that you are going to fill out 25 applications each week, but to actually do it is the real deal. Track your applications, remain resilient and be honest with yourself each step of the way.
4. Prioritize Yourself:
You have a life outside of applying for jobs. A job does not define you, nor does it determine your worth. Always remember to be kind to yourself, and tap into what your interests and self-care outside of work. The best way to go about this is to separate your job search process from your other daily activities; see the job search as work for a few hours, then go about your day as you see fit. Trying to overload 100 applications a day, spending every waking moment in front of your computer looking for a job is not sustainable or healthy in the long run. Unplug, unwind, and reset for the next day.
PS: Remember to take things one day at a time, every day is a new day for an opportunity, but don’t spend today worrying about tomorrow's problems.
Author:
Baldwin Lawson: Media & Communications Contributor,
Young Ambitious One, LLC
Career Advice, Business, & Entrepreneurship
I am a finance professional, specializing in consulting, marketing, and content creation. I write about career advice, business, & entrepreneurship. I’m here to learn, motivate, inspire others, and create!
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