How To Get A Job - The Daily Secret To Success

So, you need to find a job. Hopefully one you enjoy, and one that pays you enough for all your needs. You're committed to your job search. Now it's time to proceed.

But wait. Answer this question: "what is the single most important thing you need to do to find success with your job search?"

It's called Planning and Prioritizing.

(Okay, that's two things ... but I'm lumping them together into the one most important thing you need to do. Obviously, while we're being so transparent here, you can plan and prioritize 'til you're blue in the face and it won't get you a new job ... there are other things you need to do. But without Planning and Prioritizing, everything else you do will be hit or miss. That's why I say this is the most important "secret" to finding the dream job you want.)

Weekly Planning and Prioritizing.

Commit to spending at least 30 minutes a week (I think Sunday is the best day for this), and another 10 minutes at the beginning of each day (or the night before) writing down a job search to-do list, and then prioritizing that list. Do this consistently until it's a habit, one you do without fail.

Why?

Because otherwise your efforts will be all over the place. You will constantly only deal with daily living issues that come up, you will be distracted by all the little things that always are trying to steal your time.

You need to be totally FOCUSED on your job search, at least during certain periods of time while you accomplish everything you have on your to-do list for the day.

To-Do List

For your to-do list, I prefer to make a "macro" list for the week on Sunday. I'm usually relaxed on Sunday, and can think about my list without being so rushed. I list everything I can think of. I use three columns:

1. Immediate Things-To-Do 2. Most Important Things-To-Do 3. Other Things-To-Do

Prioritize

This is where most people have issues. What is most important? Is it better to do a bunch of little, faster items or to work on one big thing to do? Should you dig up new leads? Expand your network? Cultivate the leads you already have?

The Answer Is "Balance"

Ideally, on a typical day, you should work on all components of your job search. This would include:

1. Generating New Leads 2. Following Up On Previous Leads 3. Arranging Interviews 4. Preparing For Interviews

If something important comes up, say an important interview, it's okay to temporarily set aside other things on your to-do list to focus on that opportunity. But, overall, try to spend time in each of the 4 areas mentioned above on a consistent basis.