No matter how long you’ve been trying to find a job, odds are that there’s pressure on you to apply nonstop. However, many experts believe if you truly put 40 hours a week into the search itself, you may not find more success than you would with a less time-consuming, more manageable workload. Hitting the sweet spot between free time and job hunting is likely one of the best ways for you to improve your chances.
Don’t sweat it all the time
US News and World Report found that the amount of time that should be spent in a job search differs from field to field. Millennials and those just starting out in a new industry will likely find that networking, resumes and online applications will take up a lot of their online search time. However, those searchers looking for specialized roles simply may not be able to find enough positions to apply to. While they’re better off working with staffing services companies, which will be able to find them specific avenues in their industries in which they can likely find better results, there’s no need for them to furiously search for ways to push their searches into a full 40 per week.
Even if you’re able to spend 40 hours on a job search, you should occasionally review how that search is going. If you’re getting through to interviews and even potential job offers, that’s fantastic. But if you’re not, the amount of time you’re searching might hurt you, not help you. If you’re applying to too many jobs in a scattershot approach, trying to land anything you might have a remote chance for; you might be extending yourself too much. Instead, you may want to take some time to focus on jobs that are more directly up your alley. If you’re applying for the sake of applying, you might not see the results you’re hoping for.
Use time management tools
If you’re struggling to make time work for you, it might be a good idea to break big concepts down into smaller chunks. If you’re concerned about time management but want to have clear records of the improvements you see every day, simply taking the time to organize your search in a new way can help you greatly.
Some time management tools recommended by the news source can be found both online and in real life. When it comes to keeping track of your networking appointments, interviews and application deadlines, using online calendars like those found in Outlook or Google Apps can be a major time saver. They can send automatic email reminders directly to your email address or mobile device.
These applications also both offer spreadsheet resources, which can be perfect when you need to keep track of the stages of different applications. A quick and easy spreadsheet can allow you to note where you’ve applied, who called back and how far into the hiring process you can climb. When it comes to real-world tools, you can often find books that work as combinations for networking and time-tracking. Combination notepads and phone books are a good way to keep all of your information in one place, especially useful if you’re often on the go without power or Wi-Fi.
No matter what, if you feel drained or that your efforts aren’t reaching their full potential, simply take a break. Going for a walk can jog your memory and a breath of fresh air may help relieve any stress you might feel. Visiting friends is another option, as they can help you rejuvenate your long-term hiring efforts greatly.