Be Efficient in Your Job Search

Today's job search is more than simply emailing your resume and mass applying for jobs. For many job seekers, the job search can be just as time-consuming and stressful as a full-time job. If it seems like you're not making much progress with landing interviews and offers, it may be time to evaluate your technique. Luckily, there are several ways you can make your job search more efficient and productive.

Plan Your Time

Each day on a job search is an opportunity to reach your goals. Don't go into it without a thorough plan of attack, or you'll end up wasting valuable time. Each morning, determine your strategy for the day, whether it is searching online job boards, connecting with recruiters and staffing agencies, or drafting custom cover letters. Try to adhere to a structured schedule that keeps you on track and not spending too much time on just one strategy.

Make Real-World Connections

Many aspects of today's job search are online, but it is still very important to make real, face-to-face connections with people to get ahead. Build relationships with key people in your industry through the use of headhunters, recruiters and networking events. Be careful not to rely on a wide network to magically open doors for you, however. Target your efforts by reaching out to specific people who work for the companies you want to work for, and ask them to provide personal references that can assist you in getting job interviews.

Target Your Efforts

When deep into a job search, it can be tempting to mass apply to every job listed in your industry. However, applying for jobs you are not specifically qualified for wastes valuable time and energy and can lead to discouragement when you receive rejection calls or emails. An effective job search emphasizes quality over quantity. Always take the time to read the job descriptions and requirements, and compare them to your own qualifications prior to applying.

Balance Your Time

If you're doing it right, your job search can feel like a full-time job in and of itself, and as with a full-time job, it's important to take regular breaks to stay refreshed and motivated. Forcing yourself to sit in front of the computer for hours on end only leads to increased stress, negativity and burnout. Make time for household chores, exercise, and connecting with friends and family. Balancing your time between the job search and your real life is important to keeping stress in check.

The job market is constantly evolving, so your job search should be highly dynamic and adaptable. Time is a precious commodity when you're seeking employment. Make your time work for you by eliminating unnecessary and ineffective steps that are no longer productive. Use these strategies to streamline your efforts and make your job search more efficient.

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