Are you finding it difficult to block out time to search for a new job?​ 

Today, I listened to a fabulous Clubhouse meeting with Marie Zimenoff, CEO of Career Thought Leaders, and Emily Allen, international bestselling author and productivity coach.
 
The takeaways from today’s session can easily apply to your job search.

• Prioritize tasks to align with your energy levels during the day.
  
  
• Block out time to achieve your goals. For me this translates into “Do the worst first.” If I tackle the tedious administrative tasks that I dislike in the morning, I get them done so that I can have more time for the creative aspects of my job that I love.
  
  If you are employed fulltime and conducting a confidential job search, that might translate into finding time on weeknights or weekends to research companies, network with people on LinkedIn, and customize your résumé for each job opportunity.
  
  
• Avoid procrastination. Personally, I’m easily distracted by the “but first” trap of convincing myself I’ll get around to it “but first I need to do this or that.” I’ll admit, I am an inventive procrastinator!
  
  
• Block out time for social media interaction. Your goal is to be the candidate who is referred into the organization where the competition is lower and access to the hiring manager is easier.

 

• Avoid the shiny object syndrome. I’m attracted to new technologies that I purchase and don’t get around to implementing, although I know the benefits of having systems and processes in place. The same is true for a job search. There are many tools that are available online, and a career coach can advise you which programs and resources are based on proven job search strategies that get results.

 
A career coach can help job seekers put systems and processes in place to help people focus their job search efforts on actions that will yield a higher ROI.
 
People who have some type of job search support, whether it is individual or group coaching sessions, land their next role up to 20% faster than people who try to go it alone. The investment you make in yourself could save you thousands of dollars by landing your next professional role faster.
 
Time management is crucial to your job search success. Make every minute count!