Are you graduating from college and ready to look for your first “real” job? 

graduation caps flying up into the air

Or just ready for a change and want to look for a new position?

Make your job hunt less stressful and more productive!

Do Some Research

Before you begin applying for jobs, set yourself up for success by asking yourself:

  • What type of job are you looking for? 

  • Do you want to go to the office?  Work remotely?  Or both?  

  • What characteristics are you looking for in a company’s culture? 

  • What values will you not compromise on in a working environment?  

Do not compromise!

Find companies that align with your values and working conditions. 

man with an appalled look on his face

Quiz

You prefer working from home and only want to work day shifts on week days. Which would be a good job to apply for?

Set Goals

To make sure you stay on track with your job search:

  • Write your goals down and review them frequently.

  • Use the acronym SMART to help you write your goals.

Smart goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely

Get started:

  1. Pick a date that you'll have a job.  Post that date everywhere to remind yourself to not give up, even when the job search gets challenging. 

    • For Example, "I'll have a job as a teacher by the start of the upcoming school year."

  2. Make mini goals each week that help you accomplish your large goal of getting a job. 

    • For Example, "I'll apply for 5 jobs each week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings."

Quiz

Which goal is unrealistic to set for yourself at the beginning of your job search?

Make A Schedule

Job searching doesn't need to turn into a full-time job. There's no need to spend hours every day on your job search. 

Set a schedule that works for you.  

Decide when you'll commit to searching. Will you block off a few hours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings?  

Write these commitments on your calendar to ensure you follow your schedule.

Girl sitting at her desk doing a little dance, saying,

Make It A Priority

If you're serious about finding a job, make your job hunting session an appointment on your calendar and stick to it! 

If you had a doctor’s appointment, would you skip it?  Or let a friend or family member influence you to reschedule to make other plans?  

Promise you won’t cancel or postpone that commitment you made to yourself. 

Remember, you have goals to reach!

Guy pumping fist up, saying

Stay Organized

People stay organized in their own way, so find what works best for you. 

To stay organized in your job search:  

  • Keep a list of each job you apply for and the date you submitted your application.

  • Mark on your list if you were contacted for an interview, who you spoke to, and when the interview will be.  

  • Did you receive a rejection email?  Mark that on your list and when you received it.

  • Did you receive feedback on why you didn’t move forward in the hiring process?  Keep those notes to help you improve moving forward.

    A person filling out a checklist

Network

You may feel alone in the job search process, but let me tell you that you're not alone

So many people are going through the same thing and can offer you support along the way.  

Join groups on social media sites such as LinkedIn or Facebook with other professionals looking for jobs in the same field as you.  

Guy holding a fun and looking towards someone else as he says

Not only will you find people to connect with, but also job postings or hiring managers looking for people to fill positions at their company.

Reach out to recruiters for positions that interest you, even if it feels intimidating.  You never know who you may meet or what opportunities may open up by being bold and assertive in your job search!

Take Action

Women using sign langue to say

I know you're excited to start your job search and want to ensure it's as productive and as unstressful as possible.

Use this list to help you on your journey to finding the new job that's just right for you!

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