A time management schedule is crucial when job searching as it helps us stay organized, focused, and productive throughout the process.

Over the years I have noticed when my life seems to be skewed toward the many tasks that I list for a day and completing few by the end of the day, it means there is no scheduling, nothing to guide me, like a blind man stepping through a well-lit alley.

For me, the toughest and only way that works is creating a schedule and remaining conscious of this schedule throughout the day. I am a very good list maker, but very weak at transforming those lists into productive schedules.

There are many times when I’ve found myself sitting alone trying to figure out why I don’t seem to be getting anywhere. I will get frustrated and ask myself, “Who do you think you’re fooling?”

Then it dons on me, I remember that I must go through my day in half-hour or hour increments that I planned the night before, or I will stumble in and out of tasks until the end of the day arrives and realize I’ve wasted so much time.

Here’s an example of a time management schedule for a day focused on job searching:

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Start your day by taking care of personal tasks and getting ready for the day ahead: showering, having breakfast, and any other rituals that help you feel refreshed and prepared.

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Take a few minutes to review your job search goals and prioritize your tasks for the day. Identify the most important actions you need to take to make progress in your job search.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Spend this time researching potential employers, job openings, and industry trends. Use online job boards, company websites, and professional networking platforms to gather information about companies and identify suitable positions.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Customize your resume and cover letter to align with the specific requirements and preferences of the job you're applying for. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate. Proofread your documents to ensure they are error-free.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Start submitting your applications for the selected positions. Pay attention to each application's requirements and follow the instructions carefully. Take time to complete any online assessments or additional application materials.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Take a break and have a healthy lunch. Use this time to relax, recharge, and step away from the job search for a little while.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Spend time networking on professional platforms like Jobcase. Connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups, and engage in conversations. Update your online profiles to reflect your job search status and any recent accomplishments.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Invest in your professional growth by acquiring new skills or enhancing existing ones. Take online courses, watch educational videos, or read industry-related articles. This continuous learning will not only make you more marketable but also boost your confidence during interviews.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Send follow-up emails or make phone calls to employers you have recently interviewed with or submitted applications to. Express your continued interest in the position and thank them for their time. Personalize each message to make a lasting impression.

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Spend the last few minutes of your day organizing your workspace, filing important documents, and reviewing your progress. Plan your tasks and priorities for the following day, ensuring you have a clear road map to guide your job search efforts.

Remember, this is just an example schedule, and we can adjust it according to our preferences and the specific requirements of our job search. Adapt it to fit our needs, but try to maintain a structured approach to maximize our productivity and stay focused on our goals. #Time #Schedule #Productive

Even though the stock market tanked, I met with two recruiters today and got my resume to them and their teams. I was also contacted by another one for a contract submission and got a reply back from an HR person on a position I applied for last week. However, I spent most of my evening totally re-working my resume. I had noticed last week that there were many formatting differences, different instances of "tenses." not enough action verbs and it was WAY too long. So I've got it cut way down and it's about as direct and "action-oriented" as I'm going to get it.