Job Hunting? Get a plan in place!

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Wow! What a summer! I’ve loved the sun and everything that goes with it; however, trying to achieve anything when you’re out having fun all the time is near impossible! It’s reminded me just how important it is to have a strategy and weekly plans in place to ensure job hunters are able to keep focused and progress their job hunt, whilst keeping the plates spinning in other areas of their life.

For so many, job hunting is a sporadic event, spurred on by bad days at work. When nothing comes from a couple of hastily submitted applications they return to the day job with a growing belief that there is nothing else out there – plus a dented confidence. Job hunting is not a one off event; it takes time, planning, research and an awful lot of proactivity!

The next time you have a bad day at work, write up a plan instead of turning to the internet! Job hunting is a project and should be treated like any other project you undertake. Having an end goal in mind is your starting point. When do you realistically want to be handing in your notice? Write that down and start thinking of all the activities you need to undertake to get to that point:

  • Take stock of your skills, strengths and personal requirements. This will help narrow your job search to jobs that actually interest you and will help progress your career – random job hunting will get you nowhere!
  • Get your CV in order, ensuring your transferable skills are highlighted on the first page
  • Identify where you’re going to look for jobs. Pin point the recruitment agencies, the jobs boards and industry publications you’re going to follow
  • Get your online social media accounts up to date and think about how your network can help you.

Now put together a plan for your first month. If you’re unemployed spending up to 30 hours a week on job hunting is recommended. If you’re in employment then you need to think carefully about the time you have available. If it’s only a few hours a week then book those hours in and stick to them – but make sure your deadline reflects the time you are able to put in.

Nothing will happen without a plan and perseverance.   If you need any help with getting your plan in place, please get in touch penny@pennystrutton.co.uk