This is the third post of the “Starting the Job Search” three-part series. Part I can be found here. Part II can be found here.

It’s time to start looking for job opportunities! This is where it’s important that you stay organized and keep a positive outlook. If you don’t, this process will feel 100x worse (I don’t have data on this, so don’t bother asking. It’s just a feeling to which I know the majority of us can attest.

    1. Make the process fun! Work at home in your favorite outfit with some great music in the background. Work in the sunshine on a picnic blanket at the park. Work at a coffee shop and order your favorite drink. Take your notes in rainbow font. Do whatever puts a smile on your face. This is not a punishment — it’s a hobby for the short-term; why not find ways to enjoy it?
    2. Stay organized! Create a spreadsheet to track and store your information. Going down rabbit holes is actually one of the most helpful things to do when job searching because you end up finding more and more opportunities. However, there’s no use if you’re not keeping that information anywhere. You’ll have to reinvent the wheel each time. Using a spreadsheet, you’ll be able to keep information about job opportunities, employers, helpful contacts, and dates for follow-up.
    3. Manage your time wisely! Don’t fall in the (oh so easy) trap of saying that you’re going to spend the day job searching. You’ll end up tethered to your computer in a purgatory of distraction and procrastination and end the day feeling unaccomplished and disheartened. Make yourself set tangible goals. If you say you’re going to spend the afternoon job searching, have clear markers for your success. Perhaps, you decide to work for three hours; figure out how to determine whether or not you achieved what you wanted to get done. For example, tell yourself that you would like to have a draft of a cover letter and an updated resume. Or, decide that you want to add ten new employers to your job search spreadsheet. Set a timer, stay focused, and enjoy! When you’re done, you’re done. Get back to the rest of your day. This is a healthy way to compartmentalize and prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed easily. Feel proud of what you’ve accomplished and don’t dwell or overthink about the other things that you need to do. Just plan another block of time for the next day and let yourself focus on the other aspects of your life.