When you are about to start the job search, what is the first thing you start with? Do you identify jobs? Do you send out your CVs? The answer is simply you get yourself ready. To have an efficient & productive job search, you need to get your work area and plans in place first. To help with this, below are a few helpful pointers to help you get started for an efficient & productive job search.
• Separate Work Area Space – When you about to start a job search, it is important you find an area that’s separated from the hustle & bustle of your home. Use a spare room if you have one or create a space from where you conduct your job search from in peace.
• Establish Boundaries – In your home, make sure that everyone understands when you’re busy so you will not be disturbed unless it an emergency. Keep the door shut in the room you’re working in, put up a sign for others to see or let everyone know the times you will busy so you won’t be disturbed by distractions.
• Getting Dressed – Doing any of your job search in your pyjamas may sound great but many who do this tend not to get much done. It is proven that if you get yourself dressed it can help with your efforts & productivity as your mood/attitude is more focused!
• Maintained Work Area - Keep your work area clean & in a well-lit area. Working in dark, messy areas can create psychological barriers to your mind set stopping you from being focused, creative & of course productive. Create yourself a positive, organised & bright area to help you do well.
• Store Paper Work – Following on from the last point, it is important to have on your desk the only the paper work you need at that time. While doing a job search, you will end up with a lot of paperwork from notes, applications, CVs, contact details etc. File all your paperwork away so you only have the paperwork you need in front of you to help with your efficient efforts.
• Set Up Times – Whether unemployed or employed, it is important that you let your family & friends know the times you have set yourself to conduct your job search. Setting times help you dedicate your time & efforts to help you be focused and achieve your goals. Letting other know will also help you not to be interrupted.
Important Note – It is important that you don’t use your whole day. You still need to spend time with your family, friends, love ones and get out for hobbies, exercise and socialising!
• Email Checks – It natural to start your day off by checking your emails. When it comes to your job search, it’s better to avoid checking your emails first thing. You’ll probably see things that will side track your plans. Set times (at least 2-3 times a day) to check your emails & plan any follow on actions accordingly.
• Planning Out Your Activities – To be more efficient in your job search, it helps to plan out your day’s goals and set time restrictions on each activity. This helps you not only stay focused & be efficient but also to achieve your daily/weekly goals. Having a timetable is a useful tool for planning out your activities.
• Flexibility – When planning out your job search out, make sure you leave some flexibility in it. This means set times to deal with any new issues that arise that need urgent attention/responses e.g. emails etc. In case there is no issues to deal with, have a plan B for that time so you using the time efficiently.
• Rest – To be productive in your job search, set yourself times to have a break. It is important to have times to get away from your activities to help you refocus and not get frustrated.
• Separate Work Area Space – When you about to start a job search, it is important you find an area that’s separated from the hustle & bustle of your home. Use a spare room if you have one or create a space from where you conduct your job search from in peace.
• Establish Boundaries – In your home, make sure that everyone understands when you’re busy so you will not be disturbed unless it an emergency. Keep the door shut in the room you’re working in, put up a sign for others to see or let everyone know the times you will busy so you won’t be disturbed by distractions.
• Getting Dressed – Doing any of your job search in your pyjamas may sound great but many who do this tend not to get much done. It is proven that if you get yourself dressed it can help with your efforts & productivity as your mood/attitude is more focused!
• Maintained Work Area - Keep your work area clean & in a well-lit area. Working in dark, messy areas can create psychological barriers to your mind set stopping you from being focused, creative & of course productive. Create yourself a positive, organised & bright area to help you do well.
• Store Paper Work – Following on from the last point, it is important to have on your desk the only the paper work you need at that time. While doing a job search, you will end up with a lot of paperwork from notes, applications, CVs, contact details etc. File all your paperwork away so you only have the paperwork you need in front of you to help with your efficient efforts.
• Set Up Times – Whether unemployed or employed, it is important that you let your family & friends know the times you have set yourself to conduct your job search. Setting times help you dedicate your time & efforts to help you be focused and achieve your goals. Letting other know will also help you not to be interrupted.
Important Note – It is important that you don’t use your whole day. You still need to spend time with your family, friends, love ones and get out for hobbies, exercise and socialising!
• Email Checks – It natural to start your day off by checking your emails. When it comes to your job search, it’s better to avoid checking your emails first thing. You’ll probably see things that will side track your plans. Set times (at least 2-3 times a day) to check your emails & plan any follow on actions accordingly.
• Planning Out Your Activities – To be more efficient in your job search, it helps to plan out your day’s goals and set time restrictions on each activity. This helps you not only stay focused & be efficient but also to achieve your daily/weekly goals. Having a timetable is a useful tool for planning out your activities.
• Flexibility – When planning out your job search out, make sure you leave some flexibility in it. This means set times to deal with any new issues that arise that need urgent attention/responses e.g. emails etc. In case there is no issues to deal with, have a plan B for that time so you using the time efficiently.
• Rest – To be productive in your job search, set yourself times to have a break. It is important to have times to get away from your activities to help you refocus and not get frustrated.