When you first start looking for jobs, one of the most daunting things is just how time-consuming it actually is. As annoying as it may be, it makes sense. You spend more time working than just about anything else. It’s a really important process, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. So, what’s the right way to keep yourself from going crazy when you’re looking for a job?
1) Don’t Pay for Anything Other Than a Resume. When you first start looking, you will be tempted with a million things that sound like a good idea. Hold on to your wallet! You don’t need a resume distribution service. This is a scam that will spam your resume unsolicited all over the place. You also don’t need to pay for any job boards. As exclusive as they may sound, a smart employer wants exposure. They will pay for the listing – that’s always been the way the posting revenue is generated. I also don’t recommend paying for LinkedIn job seeker account. However, if you do, make sure to remove the jobseeker badge from your listing…especially if you are still employed. I advise my potential clients to start out with their own resume, and see if it works. If nothing happens in two weeks, reach out to a professional resume writer.
2) Keep Track of Your Activity. There’s a bunch of free services to help you do this, even general cloud-based productivity apps like Evernote. I like using a simple spreadsheet created in google docs. Tabs work well for keeping track of different weeks, and using apps in Google’s cloud ensures your content is accessible to you wherever you are.
3) Be Realistic. Like anything else that you want in life, it takes time to find a new job. Not only does your resume have to wind itself through the gatekeeper, ATS and the hiring manager’s assistant, you’re also dealing with real people who have lives just like you. Meetings, emergencies, business-critical issues, and even vacations or scheduled PTO can really do a number on your job search schedule. Be as patient and understanding as you would want someone to be for you. Don’t let your frustration show – it comes through smelling like desperation, and is the quickest way to scare off a potential opportunity.