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. 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.

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

Once you’ve made your list, think about any gaps in your knowledge. Are there new things that you want to learn? Are there new fields about which you would like to learn? When I did career advising, one of the most common questions I received was “What can I do?” It’s time to explore!

1. 1. Read, read, read. Scour the internet for articles and other resources about jobs or careers in the fields that interest you.
   2. Keep up to date with the news about the sector in which you’re interested. This will help you keep your finger on the pulse of everything that’s happening. Write down the names of organizations and companies that you read about. Create Google alerts for keywords and names so that you can stay up to date. Understanding trends and learning about the environment in your current or sought after field will make you even more aware of potential opportunities. Moreover, this knowledge will make you even more prepared for all of the exciting interviews that await you in the future!
   3. Network and meet others aka hang out, be normal, and make some awesome new friends. I could spend a day talking about this. Honestly. Networking is one of the most universally loathed words, but why? I get it — it sounds creepy, fake, and disingenuous. This does the notion a disservice though. Meeting others is one of the BEST ways to find a new job or opportunity. Especially as you progress in your career, the majority of jobs aren’t going to be posted (and when they are posted, it’s sometimes too late, but more on that at another time). Rather, someone is going to create something tailored to you OR you’re going to learn about the job through someone in your circle, often mutual friends. For more on networking, take a look at our Networking Tips blog post.