How to Create a Job Search Plan That Works

Finding a job takes tenacity, persistence, a positive attitude, and strategic thinking. To get the best results, treat your job search like a job itself. The more time and effort you put in, the better your results will be. Here are strategies to sharpen your job search approach and boost your chances of success.

What is a Job Search Plan?

A job search plan is your roadmap to landing that next role. This strategy includes steps to:

1. Identify opportunities that fit your expertise.
2. Track your progress and build references for future applications.
3. Streamline and boost your job search efficiency.

Your job search plan should include:

• Career Goals: What do you want to achieve in your next role?
• Job Boards: Which job boards will you use?
• Company Research: Which companies are you targeting?
• Tailored Applications: Customize your resume and cover letter for each job.
• Networking Strategy: Leverage social media to expand your network.
• Follow-Up Schedule: Keep track of your follow-up communications.

Document your job search plan to stay accountable and motivated. Set specific timelines and SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals to guide your strategy.

Job Search Plan Stages

1. Work on Your Attitude

Your job search strategy starts with the right mindset. The most crucial first step in developing your job search strategy is to get into the right mindset. Many coaches agree with this, including Jack Kelly, CEO, founder, and executive recruiter at a top global search firm. If it’s been a while since you last searched for a job, or if this is new to you, here are harsh truths to help you mentally prepare:

• Human resources and recruiters work for the company and the hiring manager, not you. This means you might not receive the customer service and respect you expect.
• Just because a position is posted doesn’t mean the company intends to hire someone or hire from outside. Sometimes, positions are posted just to gauge external interest. If you don’t receive responses or receive responses too late, don’t worry, that’s normal.
• Relying solely on job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn will make you miss out on many opportunities. Many great jobs are filled without ever being posted on job boards.

2. Eliminate Distractions

Anything that distracts you from your job search is a potential enemy.. A good example is advertising. You see it all the time,  companies promising huge salaries and unrealistic conditions or trying to get you involved in gambling, etc. You can use a virtual private network, or VPN, with adblock options Safari to get rid of scams and fake job opportunities.  Using the best adblocks for Safari will allow you to focus on the most important factor – your job search.

3. Prepare Application Materials

Submitting the same generic resume and cover letter to every job opening is unlikely to catch a hiring manager’s eye. Instead, tailor your application materials to fit each specific role. This customization significantly boosts your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

Tailoring your resume:

• Review the Job Description: Identify both required and preferred skills mentioned in the job posting.
• Highlight Relevant Experience: Match your work history to the skills listed, showing you have what it takes.
• Use Keywords: Sprinkle in keywords from the job posting throughout your resume and cover letter to pass through automated screenings and grab a recruiter’s attention.
• Quantify Achievements: Share specific accomplishments, using facts and data to demonstrate the value you bring. For example, “Spearheaded implementation of Agile methodologies across multiple departments, improving project delivery times by 30% and increasing team productivity by 25%.

Crafting your cover letter:

• Personalize Each Letter: A unique cover letter is essential for every application. Avoid using a generic letter with minor tweaks.
• Address the Hiring Manager: Directly address the hiring manager if possible, and align your experiences and skills with the role.
• Be Concise and Specific: Keep your letter focused on how your strengths match the team’s needs and the company’s objectives. Show your enthusiasm for the role and what you can contribute.

4. Work on Your Online History

The hiring process is more digital than ever. Use available tools and resources to find more job opportunities.

Start with a professional LinkedIn profile that showcases your experience and skills—it’s your online CV. But don’t just create a profile and forget about it. Regularly update it since recruiters often check the profiles of potential candidates. Also, use LinkedIn’s ‘open to work’ feature to boost your chances of being contacted by recruiters.

5. Do Some Self-Analysis

Take a look at your academic history, interests, volunteer activities, talents, hobbies, values, lifestyle, and ambitions. Thinking about these factors will help you find roles that match your unique skills and goals. Having clear job goals and objectives will keep your search focused. Consider the skills and credentials needed for a job. Do you match up well?

6. Tailor Your Resume to a Specific Job

Every job typically has its own unique description and will include  specific soft skills, hard skills, and keywords. To stand out, your resume and cover letter should address these points.

For example, if a job listing mentions the need for someone who “is comfortable using VLOOKUP and creating pivot tables in Microsoft Excel,” make sure your resume mentions “VLOOKUP,” “pivot tables,” and “Microsoft Excel,” provided you have those skills.

Teal’s AI Resume Builder makes this process quick and easy. You can save and import any job listing you find online into your Teal account and check your resume against the job’s keywords to ensure you’re highlighting the right skills.

7. Use Organizational Tools

Use a spreadsheet (like Excel or Google Sheets) or a CRM tool (such as Trello or Asana) to stay on top of your applications. Here’s what to include:

Jobs You’re Interested In:

Include job descriptions, requirements, and key skills needed (both technical and soft skills).

Link back to the original job postings and note if the roles are remote, in-office, or hybrid.

Document any discussed salary ranges.

Companies You’re Interested In:

Research these organizations and jot down any info about the hiring managers.

Networking Contacts:

Prepare and save the email addresses and phone numbers of hiring managers and anyone you’ve networked with informally.

Your Professional Profile:

Note down your achievements and skills assessments.

Resume and Cover Letter Versions:

Keep track of the different versions tailored for each job application.

Application Status:

Track dates and set follow-up reminders.

Interview Notes:

Write down your answers to common interview questions, your impressions, and reflections after each interview.

Staying organized with a tracker not only helps you manage your job search efficiently but also gives you a clearer picture of your progress. Happy job hunting!

Effective Ways to Strategically Job Search

1. Use Networking Opportunities

Networking is a great way to get noticed by employers and share your career goals with others. You can start by attending career fairs or industry events. These events are perfect for introducing yourself and sharing your elevator pitch, which is a brief (30 seconds usually) introduction of your experience, credentials, and achievements as they relate to the job or company you are targeting.

Networking also helps you discover companies that are hiring and learn what they’re looking for in potential employees.

2. Diversify Your Search Channels

It’s true that job boards have a ton of openings, but some of the best opportunities are posted on other platforms. Don’t limit yourself to the major job boards—it’s time to broaden your search to find the perfect role.

Check out career pages on individual company websites, especially if there are specific employers you’re targeting. Following the social media channels of companies you’re interested in is another great way to hear about new openings as soon as they’re posted.

Certain industries have their own hiring platforms for specialized roles, and professional associations and trade publications often list job opportunities relevant to their members. By exploring a variety of channels, you can discover many more potential fits that aren’t posted on the big mainstream job boards.

3. Enlist Professional Services

Navigating the job market can feel like exploring uncharted territory. Fortunately, professional services are here to guide you. By leveraging these services, you can equip yourself with the tools to stand out from the competition.

• Meet with a career coach: Get personalized guidance tailored to your career goals and challenges. Some coaches can even help with job placement.
• Use professional resume services: Learn what recruiters are looking for and craft a resume that showcases your strengths and experience.
• Take advantage of job search platforms: Use sites like FlexJobs to streamline your job search with curated listings, saving you time and effort.

Final Thoughts

The hiring landscape is getting tougher every year, so sticking to traditional application methods won’t cut it if you want positive results. Using the latest job search best practices for 2024 can give you a better shot at success.

Starting a job search can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller tasks with deadlines makes it manageable. By following a balanced, strategic approach, you can overcome obstacles and find the perfect role!