How to organize your job search efficiently

Looking for a new job can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. While there are quite a few steps involved—updating your resume, setting goals, activating your network—if you break it down into smaller, more manageable steps, it will be much easier. Learning how to organize your job search doesn't have to be a chore, and it can actually help determine what you want out of your next job, as well as your career. Set aside any trepidation, and “just do it.”

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• What are the five things you should do before the job search?

• What is a good way to organize your job search?

• What are the 7 steps in the job search process?

What are 5 things you should do before your job search?

While you could just jump into the job search process without preparation, you'd be "spinning your wheels" and wasting a lot of time that could be spent more productively. You might be anxious to start the process, but taking some time to prepare yourself and get organized will make looking for a job much easier.

1. Make sure your resume is updated

This is your top priority, especially if you’ve been employed for a while. Time to brush off that resume and fine-tune it! A professional, tailored resume is your best tool in catching the eye of a recruiter and getting your foot in the door. Take a good look at it, and make sure it’s updated with your work experience, education, certifications, and any new skills you’ve developed. Double-check your contact information. Do you have a new email or phone number? Don't forget to add your LinkedIn profile URL if you have one.

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Simply update with your new skills and experience, and eliminate older information. For example, maybe drop a job you held more than 15 years ago, or take the date of your graduation off if it's been more than 10 years. You might even want to change the format of your resume if you need a little more of an overhaul. If you've been using a reverse-chronological format (very common) and you’re changing careers, you might consider using a functional or hybrid resume format to highlight your transferable skills and education.

2. Network with your network

There's a reason you've probably spent years cultivating a strong professional network—because it's a great source of jobs! If it's been a while since you’ve reached out, start with some more familiar contacts and say hello. Also, let them know that you’re looking for a new position, and give them a few specifics. Ask them to let you know if they hear of anything you might be right for. You don’t have to go it alone, and your network is a great resource of information and support.

3. Define (and write down) your professional goals

You can’t reach your goals if you don’t know what they are. Part of organizing your job search is setting some short and long-term goals. This can include any skills you want to cultivate, and what type of work you enjoy and are interested in doing.

You’ll also want to set some more immediate and reachable goals, such as deciding on how many jobs you’ll apply for each week if you’ll take some relevant courses or earn a new certificate, or how many networking events you’ll attend each month. Consider using the SMART goal method for setting goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. As a fun treat, consider giving yourself small rewards for meeting your goals, such as a new planner or a fancy coffee at that new café in town.

4. Establish (or update) your online presence

If you don’t think a recruiter is going to look you up online, think again. A survey by The Harris Poll found that 71% of decision-makers concur that looking at a candidate’s social media presence is a good screening method when making hiring choices, and 55% say they’ve found content that left a negative impression and caused them not to hire that person. So having a professional, up-to-date online presence is critical to the job search process.

Start by doing a clean-up of your social media accounts. You don't have to eliminate all personal evidence, but make sure there's nothing suggestive or inappropriate there. Look at it from a hiring manager's perspective and delete anything that might scream, “Don’t hire this person!” Then, take a look at any professional accounts, such as LinkedIn. Does it need updating? Can you get some recommendations from your network? Or maybe you can set up a professional website or portfolio showcasing any projects you’ve worked on. The point is to have a recruiter think, “We want to hire him or her” when looking you up online. 

5. Get your references in order

Hopefully, you'll quickly reach a point where you're being considered for a position and they'll want to check your references. Make a list of former employers, co-workers, clients, or even professors (if you're a recent grad) who can attest to your work ethic, experience, and achievements. Make sure to reach out to them ahead of time so they’re not surprised by a phone call from a potential employer and can take the time to prepare what they want to say. Also, check what method of communication they'd prefer, such as phone or email, and indicate that on your list. Have this list set before you start applying for jobs so it's ready to go if an employer requests it.

What is a good way to organize your job search?

It’s important to stay organized during your job search to save time and be more efficient. The whole process is easier when you have everything you need at your fingertips and a set method of applying for jobs and tracking your progress. This way, you don’t miss out on any great opportunities that might come your way. There are a few things you can do to organize your job search process to maximize your efficiency.

Make a spreadsheet

Trust us, you won’t be able to keep all this information straight in your head. You need to write it down so it’s clear and easy to see what jobs you’ve applied for and their status. Create a spreadsheet with the name of the company you applied to, the contact person, the date you applied, the date of the interview (if you got one), and the date you followed up. You can also add a column for any pertinent notes about the application.

Set up a schedule

Searching for a job can be a full-time, well, job. And like most jobs, you don't just come and go as you please—you have a set schedule. Schedule time for your job search, and stick to it so that other things don’t get in the way. Even if it’s only 20 minutes a day, set time to attend to your job search and be consistent. 

Practice your interview skills

If you haven’t had to look for a job in a while, your interview skills might be a little rusty. The job search process is a great time to practice and get ready to ace an interview. Prepare answers to common interview questions, and ask a friend or family member to help you practice. You can even take advantage of Career.io’s Interview Prep service, with AI-generated feedback and suggestions for improvement. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel, and having confidence during an interview is half the battle.

What are the 7 steps in the job search process?

Finding a job takes organization, planning, perseverance, and patience. Once you’ve done your prep work, it’s time to actually start actively looking for a job. And, like everything else in your job search, it’s important to be organized. It may seem daunting sometimes, but if you take it one step at a time, you can get to your goals. 

1. Decide where you're going to look for jobs, such as LinkedIn, job boards, company websites, or through a recruiter.

2. Target your applications. Don’t just throw your resume against the wall (metaphorically speaking) to see what sticks. Only apply to jobs that interest you and that you’re qualified for.

3. Tailor each resume and cover letter for the job you’re applying for.

4. When you get an interview, make sure you’re prepared and dressed appropriately so that you ace it.

5. Send your thank you letter to your interviewer.

6. Be patient. It’s very rare to be offered a job right away.

7. Get a job offer and celebrate!

Need more help organizing your job search? Career.io has you covered with its Job Tracker tool, which allows you to research and apply for jobs, and track your progress all in one easy-to-use dashboard.

Key takeaways

1. Do some preparation before you start your job search, such as updating your resume and social media profiles and setting goals.

2. To stay organized, set up a schedule, create a spreadsheet, and practice your interview skills.

3. Steps in the job search process include deciding where to apply, tailoring your resume, and being patient.