7 job search productivity hacks

Greg Garrod

Now that the Night King is dead and the Long Night is over, your job search is the only battle left that you need to prepare for.

We’re not all from high-born families with gold that’ll last a lifetime or employed due to nepotism, so making the most out of your search is crucial. But, there are ways to make the job search not feel like the Great War and help you be more productive throughout the entire process.

Try the following productivity hacks:

1. Make a plan – Time and time again you hear, “make a plan and stick to it.” It’s not just something motivational speakers and political candidates say, it’s actually really helpful in your job search process too. By setting aside time each day and having deadlines for yourself, you create accountability to find that job.

2. #Goals – Each day have a goal. You already blocked out the time to be productive, but how do you know you’re making progress? With actionable goals like updating your work history on your resume or finding and applying to 5 new job opportunities, it’s easier to stay focused on the task at hand. Because without clear and workable goals geared toward your search, being productive can quickly turn into a “Netflix binge session” or “updating your middle school poetry collection.”

3. Organize it – Keep those receipts! You’ve been grinding day in and day out - sending emails and resumes, filling out applications and setting up interviews left and right. So, it’s important to keep track of where you’ve applied, when you applied, and who the points of contact are. By making a habit of keeping this information organized, you’ll be less likely to mix up one job or interviewer for another. You can use an excel file like my accountant uncle, a chisel and stone like a prehistoric poet, or you can be a hip millennial and use one of these organization apps to stay organized.

4. Alert! Alert! – You are alerted for everything – a text from mom, someone tagged you on Instagram, and obviously the latest Real Housewives gossip. And when you’re searching for a job, new relevant job postings or updates about your recent application can be just as important as hearing about the latest Game of Thrones fan theories (well, almost as important). So, set up those alerts for your job search. Most job search websites offer customized notifications, catered to your preferred job field, expertise, or saved searches. Take advantage of tools that automate the actual searching part of your job search, so you can focus on crafting the perfect cover letter or pre-interview research.

5. Network your talent – Nearly every company has a talent network as a way to keep job seekers on their radar and on file. If you’ve ever thought you’d like to work for a specific, find out how to join their network. Even if they’re not hiring, you’ll be the first to hear about open positions from the companies that you’re interested in.

6. Partner up – Everyone needs a helping hand. You had study partners your whole life and research has shown that exercise partners stick to their plan longer. So, don’t go at the daunting task of a job search alone. Partner up with a fellow job seeker to keep you upbeat and motivated. It also doesn’t hurt to have someone go to networking events with, prep for interviews, or even going over cover letters.

7. Block out distractions – As helpful and useful your computer is, it’s an easy gateway into the world of Reddit rabbit holes and Kayne West memes. We get it, memes are great, but they won’t get you the job you want. So, it could be helpful to set up a distraction-blocking app like freedom, or cold turkey. You can tailor these apps to block certain sites and social media, helping you stick to your plan and inevitably get that job.

Staying productive can be tough, but by sticking to these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your time and land a great new job in no time.

Have your own productivity tips not mentioned here? Tweet us at @CareerBuilder!