Job searching can quickly turn into hours of scrolling through listings with little to show for it. A plan does not need to be complicated. It simply gives each week a clear purpose, so your time goes into applications and conversations that are most likely to lead somewhere.
Define what you are looking for
Before you search, write down a short target profile. It keeps you from applying to everything and makes it easier to explain what you want when you talk to people.
- Two or three job titles you are qualified for and interested in.
- The sectors or types of organisation you would like to work in.
- Your location preferences, including remote or hybrid options.
- Your non-negotiables, such as contract type, working hours or salary range.
Choose where to look
Roles are advertised in many places, and some are filled through contacts before they are widely advertised. Spread your effort across a few channels rather than relying on one.
- Job boards and search tools that bring many listings together.
- Career pages of organisations you would especially like to work for.
- Recruitment agencies that specialise in your field.
- Your network — former colleagues, classmates, professional groups and events.
Set weekly goals you control
You cannot control when employers reply, but you can control your own activity. Set goals around actions, not outcomes. For example: a set number of tailored applications, a few networking messages, and one block of time to improve your CV or learn a skill.
Quality matters more than volume. A small number of well-matched, tailored applications is usually a better use of time than many generic ones.
Track every application
A simple spreadsheet or notes document is enough. For each application, record:
- The role, employer and where you found it.
- The date you applied and the version of your CV you sent.
- Any contact names and the next follow-up date.
- The outcome, and anything you learned from it.
Reviewing this every few weeks shows you which channels and types of role are producing interviews, so you can shift your effort towards what works.
Look after your energy
Rejections and silence are a normal part of any search. Schedule your job search into set blocks of time, take breaks, and keep something in your week that is not about applications. A steady pace you can sustain will take you further than an intense burst followed by burnout.