Secrets to a Winning
Job Search Strategy

A good job search strategy is key to getting the job you want. Looking for a new job is tough and can take up unsustainable amounts of time and energy if it is not properly managed and directed.

Lay out a workable strategy before you start your job hunt and stay focused and productive.

7 Steps to a Successful Job Search Strategy

1. Know your skills and strengths

Develop a good understanding of what you can do and what you want to do in your next job.

A detailed inventory of your work-related strengths and job skills will help you to target your job search efficiently and effectively by matching your abilities to relevant job opportunities.

Find out more about targeting your job search.

2. Be proactive and make it happen

Procrastination can sabotage your job search strategy. You can take these simple steps to overcome your procrastination and motivate yourself to get out there and make it happen.

  1. First you need to admit to the procrastination. If you are continually postponing your job search activities and looking for excuses, you need to recognize this as unproductive job search behavior.
  2. Take responsibility for the behavior - it is a result of your actions and cannot be blamed on external factors.
  3. The next step is to make a plan right now that you commit to following. Develop a structured plan with specific job search tasks and activities. Set realistic time frames for each activity and start immediately to avoid any further delays.
  4. One of the most effective ways to get going is to tackle the most difficult task first such as writing your resume. When you have completed a tough task you will feel revitalized and confident of taking the next step in your job search.

3. Use tools that make your job search easier

Finding and using the right resources is key to a successful job search strategy. 

Google Alerts will save you time and keep you up to date with relevant job opportunities. Set up an alert with your job-type, location and any other relevant keywords.

Most companies check a job candidate's social media as part of their recruitment policy. Google Alerts are also a quick way to find out where you need to clean up your social media before you begin your job search.

4. Timing is all important

Hiring managers receive so many job applications that it is important to maximize your chances of success by submitting your application at the optimal time. Research shows Monday is the best day of the week to submit job applications, but what about the time of day?

There are some definite benefits to sending your application early in the morning, say between 7am and 9am. You catch hiring managers at the start of the workday before they get swamped with other tasks and it gives the impression that you are an enthusiastic early-bird-type candidate.

5. Keep careful records of your job search activity

Maintain a detailed record of what you have done in your job search including applications made, resumes sent, interviews attended and any leads you have managed to pick up along the way.

This will help you stay on top of your job search strategy and to follow up when appropriate.

6. Dealing with job rejection

Job rejection happens to all job seekers. Deal with it as positively as possible.

Find out the top five tips for handling job rejection and moving forward with your job search.

7. Stay positive

Job searching can be challenging, frustrating and at times discouraging. Keep in mind everyone goes through this when looking for a job and try to maintain a positive and productive attitude with these job search tips.

How to follow up on your job application

It is advisable to follow up on your job application after a reasonable period of time has passed and you have not heard anything back from the employer. Follow up is an essential part of your job search.

Job Application Follow Up Email

How to accept an interview invitation

Your response to an interview invitation should be prompt, polite and gracious. Concrete examples of response to interview schedule email

Turning down a job interview

If you are sure that declining a job interview is the right decision you need to promptly and politely send an email to refuse the interview.  Good sample emails for turning down an interview.

Cancel an interview email

Reschedule an interview email

Entry level job search

What does entry level really mean for a job? How to find and apply for the right entry level jobs for you.

What does entry level mean?

Job Search Pages

Job Search Strategy part 2

Job Search Tips

Expert Job Search Hints

Job Networking Tips

Submit a winning job application

 RESUMES & COVER LETTERS

Over 50 Sample Resumes

 RESUMES & COVER LETTERS

Sample Resume Template

 RESUMES & COVER LETTERS

Over 50 Sample Cover Letters

Job Application Tips

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