Looking for a job but not sure where to start? Itching to get that resume cleaned up?
Well, put that pen down. Do not touch your resume! So often when we’re ready to look for another job, the first thing we want to do is to “fix” the resume. We’re here to tell you — that’s the last thing you want to do.
It’s a good assumption that you’re looking for another job because you want to make more money, receive better benefits, and improve your lifestyle overall. (Despite how your last job ended or is currently going.) Who wants to go backward, right?
Well, if you don’t work on your resume first, what should you do instead? You should get organized first with these seven tips:
1. Know your why
Why? Because it’s going to get tough.
You think you know how hard the job search process is going to be, but in reality, it’ll be much harder than you can ever imagine. You must be mentally prepared.
Having a strong and clear WHY will help you through some tough bumps in the job search road ahead.
2. Know your what
Not just what kind of job do you want (that’s good to know, too), but exactly WHAT do you want this next job to do for you? Your lifestyle? Your future self?
Without a clear What, just like your Why, when things get tough, you might steer off course. You definitely don’t want to end up at the wrong job, back at a place you swore you’d never return to, or get hired for less than what you’re worth!
3. Block out time
And commit to it. The job search process will take consistent, dedicated focus and work, so you’ll need to budget your time and energy.
We recommend scheduling 20 minutes a day or blocking out two hours early in the week and then closing with another hour at the end of the week — it really depends on whether you do better work in short daily stints or in large chunks of time.
Either way, ideally you want to take the weekend off.
Speaking of time off …
4. Schedule “down time“
You’ll need it!
Without rest and breaks in between the search, you’ll start to make mistakes in correspondences (I’m guilty myself of calling someone by the wrong name!), or come off dull during interviews or networking calls.
Take breaks so you can show up your best every time.
Now that you have blocked off time for the job search and scheduled in breaks, it’s time to actually do the work!
5. List your skills
Which are transferable?
Which do you never want to do again?
What new skills would you like to attain?
It’s hard to pitch what you have and then negotiate a great salary if you don’t have a clear picture of what you have to offer.
6. Research
Narrow down a list of ideal companies or people you want to work for.
This doesn’t mean you’ll actually want to work there, but it’s a great way to start to think about the type of industry, company, and culture you want to be a part of.
7. Get support
Have an accountability partner. Find a mentor. Hire a coach or join a program like the Coaching Membership we have here at Greenhouse.
There are plenty of folks who have done this successfully and plenty more doing it right now. You don’t have to go at it alone!
Remember: getting organized on the front end of your job search process will help you so much in the long run. Take the time now to do this well! Good luck!
Check out Episode #153 of the Career Sweetspot Podcast for more thoughts on getting organized in your job search!
Want to learn more about our job search process? We’re experts in this area. Check out our Coaching Membership to learn more about our Land Your Ideal Job Course.
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