The Power of Job Search Prioritization

The Power of Job Search PrioritizationThe Power of Job Search Prioritization1Finding a new job can take a lot of time and effort. How can you maximize whatever time you have available to get everything done? The truth is, you cant. Thats why its so important to be clear about your dream job- so you can maximize on your job search prioritization that will help you leapfrog your competition.Keep reading for five job search prioritization tips to boost productivity and get ahead in your job search1. Focus your search.Dont waste your time applying for jobs that arent likely to provide the salary, benefits, or growth opportunity you want- or that youre leid qualified for. Instead, spend that time on activities that are more likely to pay off, such as reaching out to colleagues in your field or applying for freelance, temporary, or contract positions at companies that can use your skills and expertise.2. Set daily goals.Set three goals every day and prioritize them A, B, and C. Make your g oals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely). For exampleA) Identify five potential employers by 500 p.m.B) Ask two people I know for connections in my desired field or company.C) Read three chapters of a self-help or job search-related book.3. Block out your time.Instead of making a to-do list, group job search activities into categories. Block out time in your schedule to work on one category at a time instead of flitting between tasks. Keep in mind that some activities need to be done during work hours, while others can be done after hours. Categories might includeSearching- Looking for whos hiring by using job seeker websites, classified ads, company websites (for job postings and application procedures), or job placement centers.Writing- Updating your resume, writing a 60-second elevator pitch, emailing friends and colleagues (especially those employed by companies where youd like to work), or sending private messages on facebook inc to ask for help, be it a dvice or connections.Networking- Making connections at live events and on LinkedIn and other social media sites.Following up and following through- Calling or emailing networking contacts or interviewers you havent yet heard back from, as well as following through on your promises to send resumes or other information.Researching- Researching trends in your industry and doing your homework on companies prior to interviews.Honing skills- Perform job search prioritization by attending a local gathering of Toastmasters to improve your public speaking skills or working on a certification.Meetings/Interviews- Got an interview? Schedule another meeting or two while youre out This may also be a good time to run any needed errands.4. Give yourself a break.Work at your job search prioritization with the same energy as you would work at your desired job, but also give yourself regular booster breaks. Plan to work without distraction for 60 to 90 minutes and then take a break. Choose to do some thing less mentally taxing like tidying your office area, checking your social media feeds, or playing your favorite game app. Go for a run. Meet a friend for lunch. Then get back to work. Taking a break will refresh your mind, body, and spirit and youll be more productive as a result.5. Be mindful of your happiness. Arecent groundbreaking study found a strong relationship between well-being and productivity. Participants asked to watch a 10-minute video clip of a stand-up comedian were 10-12 percent more productive than the control group. So go ahead and watch that funny video clip your friend posted on Facebook. Or start a gratitude journal and add one thing for which youre thankful every day. Hopefully, one day soon, youll be able to add, Landed my dream job.Findmore job search tips hereReaders, how have you accomplished job search prioritization? Tell us in the comment section belowDonna Smallin Kuper is a cleaning and productivity expert who writes for Quill.com. She is also th e author of a dozen best-selling books on simplifying life as The One Minute Organizer.