Everything you do in life needs some level of organization – whether we realize it or not. For some reason, we often don’t think about that when we’re on the hunt for a new job.
As I started my transition out of the military, the job hunt was supposed to be another ‘easy’ task. “You’re a veteran, recruiters want you.” or I heard, “You have unique skills!” It was supposed to be easy (and quick). But it was and is neither of those.
What I have learned is that an organized job search makes you more effective in the application process. Plus, staying organized, will enhance your chances of success, keep you sane, and can land you your next job offer.
5 Essential Tips for an Organized Job Search
So that you don’t make the same mistakes that I made, I want to pass on five essential tips to help keep your job search organized.
Over a long job hunt process, you might notice that applications start to melt together, job postings look the same, and replies get lost in your inbox. This could potentially lead to missed interviews, lack of follow-up with an employer, or worse yet, missing an application deadline. Never miss an opportunity to get that job. Here are a few tips to stay organized.
1. Define your goals.
We have all heard of dream boards, vision boards, or something of the like. You may even have one hanging to your left or right, and somewhere on there is your dream job. Many people believe in them, so they can’t all be crazy… right? The answer is no, they are not crazy. They are determined and focused. Take a page out of their book and create something that defines your goal.
If you’re not into the dream board, use what you know. Create a spreadsheet, a slide, a graphic, or something that defines what you are trying to achieve. Add goals, short and long-term, in order for you to see how they connect to you getting that dream job.
Will that long-term goal require training? Add the training to your board. Will that goal require a recommendation letter? Reach out to that mentor early.
Setting goals can also narrow down your search, where you search, and what you spend your time on.
2. Create a spreadsheet.
Creating a spreadsheet can be one of your most effective tools. There are a few free ways out there to make a spreadsheet, but using that as an organization device will save you a lot of time and stress.
Use the software to keep track of information about your applications that are out in the world. It seems easy to remember all of them, but after a month or two, it won’t be easy anymore.
On your spreadsheet, make columns for the company names, pertinent information, the contact person, the date you applied, the date of your interview, when you sent a follow-up, current status, and more.
If you want to go more in-depth, take notes on the company’s mission, what you like about their models, community relations, etc.
3. Create a schedule.
Another great strategy to use for your own sanity is a schedule. Not only will a schedule help you organize your efforts, but it will set boundaries for your brain and your emotions. If you are just applying when you think that you have time, you are not putting in effort. And if those around you don’t respect when you need to spend time applying, then they are not respecting your boundaries.
Also, let’s be honest with ourselves and admit that applying for a job takes longer than we always anticipate. If you find yourself rushing through job applications, you may need to set aside more time for the application process. Things happen when you plan for them. Complete applications to a standard and not to a time, and you will feel better about the process overall.
4. Always review your resume.
Your resume is a living, breathing document. It is constantly changing, evolving, and improving itself. If you are sending out the same application to job after job after job, then you need to rethink why you might not be getting any leads.
Another reason your application should be changing and needing updating is because hopefully, you are taking any extra time that you have to improve yourself, improve your skills, learn new skills, and also just simply rewrite the wording to fit whatever job you are applying to.
Every job posting is different, even though they tend to look that way, so only some resumes should be the same.
5. Make a dream list of employers.
Remember that list that we read about earlier? Here is another way to improve that list; add companies to it that you want to work with.
Why not try your hand at companies that you believe in? Do you have a favorite brand, a favorite organization, or a branch of whatever company you love? If you can connect your passions with your job, you will enjoy doing that job so much more and that is a great place to find yourself.
But don’t limit yourself to only those companies. Add another box, line, color, or something that shows which companies on your list you are prioritizing to work for.
Use your tools
These are just a few of the tools that you have at your disposal. Finding a job will never be easy, especially with the sheer amount of people hunting for the same job that you are. The best thing that you can do is set yourself apart and keep yourself organized.
Set the time aside, keep it scheduled, and stay organized and you will not only see the difference, but you will feel it also.
