Running a focused job search

A job search goes better with a plan: a clear idea of what you're looking for, a routine you can keep up, and a simple way to track what you've done. None of it guarantees an offer, but it makes the search more focused and less draining.

Choose your targets

Write down what you're looking for before you start applying:

• Roles: two or three job titles you'd be a strong fit for, in the words employers use.
• Level and pay: the seniority you're aiming for and the lowest pay you'd accept. See Talking about pay and offers.
• Where: the cities, countries or remote arrangements that work for you, and whether you'd relocate.
• Must-haves and deal-breakers: such as hours, travel, team size or industry.
• Target companies: a list of 20 to 30 employers you'd like to work for, and where they post their jobs.

Clear targets make it easier to tailor your CV. They also help recruiters find you: recruiters search for the same things, such as title, location, experience and skills, so make sure your CV and online profile say them plainly. See Make your CV and profile easy to match.

Keep a weekly routine

Treat your search like a part-time project with set hours. There's no right number of applications, and a handful of tailored ones to roles that fit your targets is usually a better use of time than dozens of generic ones. A week might include:

• a few tailored applications, each with a CV adjusted to the job post,
• two or three conversations with people in your field,
• time to practice interview answers or work on a portfolio piece,
• a short review of what's working, such as which applications got replies.

Set a start and end time for each day, and take days off.

Track your applications

A spreadsheet or a notes app is enough. For each application, record:

• the company, the role and a copy of the job post, since posts get taken down,
• the date you applied and how, such as a careers page, a job board, a referral or a recruiter,
• the people you've spoken to,
• the current stage and the next step,
• the date to follow up.

Review it once a week and look for patterns. Many applications with no replies usually means your CV or your targets need work. Interviews without offers point to interview practice. See Following up after you apply or interview.

Use networking and referrals

Many roles are filled through people who know each other, and a referral from someone who knows your work gives a hiring team context that a CV can't.

• Tell former colleagues and friends exactly what you're looking for: "I'm looking for operations manager roles in logistics, in Rotterdam or remote."
• Ask for short conversations to learn about a company or field, rather than asking for a job outright.
• Before asking for a referral, check the person knows your work, and make it easy for them with a short summary and your CV.
• Reply to recruiters who contact you, even to say "not now". See Why a recruiter contacted me.
• Give back: pass on roles you hear about and introduce people to each other.

Look after yourself

Looking for work can be hard, especially when you hear nothing back. A few things help:

• Measure what you control, such as applications sent and conversations held, rather than offers.
• Keep up the routines that keep you well: sleep, exercise and time with people.
• Expect some rejections, and don't read too much into any single one.
• If you can, plan your finances so you're not forced to accept the first offer.
• Talk to someone you trust if it's getting you down. If it's affecting your health, speak to a doctor or a mental health professional.