You've read all the books, and you know you're supposed to commit several hours a day to your job search. But what if several hours a week is a stretch?
If you are working now or are caring for others, it can be especially difficult to set aside large blocks of time to look for a new position. That doesn't mean you have to stay trapped in a job you don't like. But it does mean that you'll need to strategize to use your time well and make progress.
The following are some steps that you can take in small increments. Some are done only once in a job search, while others are steps that you repeat frequently until hired.
Five minutes
* Set aside a box or file folder to hold newspaper clippings or notes to yourself on career ideas, networking contacts, Web sites to explore, etc. Drop ideas into the box or file as they occur to you; plan to analyze them later when you have more time.
* Reprogram your outgoing voice-mail message to sound professional.
* At a store you're already visiting, buy some basic office supplies -- such as file folders, legal pads, sticky notes and pens -- if you don't have them. Sure, you could get them a little cheaper elsewhere, but it's not worth a special trip.
* Begin a master list of companies you'd like to work for; keep it handy to add information on each one as you have time.
15 minutes
* Call one or two companies from your master list to learn the name of the manager in the department you'd like to work for. Record this information for later use.
* Create a simple letterhead for your job-search correspondence; include your name and all contact information. Store it in the computer for later use.
* Clean up a pair of shoes to be worn to interviews; set aside for that purpose.
* Call one or two contacts to schedule a networking meeting.
* Bookmark three or four key Web sites.
* Check e-mail and voice-mail messages.
* Read and make notes on one article or idea from your idea box. Set aside for later action.
30 minutes
* Look over your interview clothes; set aside your favorite one or two outfits.
* Review your resume and decide whether to revise it yourself or have a service work on it for you. Set aside for later action.
* Customize and send one cover letter and resume, using a template form created earlier.
* Call one department manager from your master list and explain that you are interested in working for the company and would like to schedule a meeting.
* Review one or two job boards for appropriate openings; set aside postings for later response.
* Scan the newspaper ads for appropriate openings; set aside for later response.
One hour
* Look through your box of career ideas; sort and prioritize to decide which items are worth pursuing. Set aside for later action.
* Review difficult interview questions and practice your answers.
* Prepare one online profile for a company or job board that automatically forwards appropriate leads.
* Conduct initial Internet research on one company from your master list.
Two hours
* Meet with a networking contact.
* Meet with a career counselor.
* Draft out your resume or meet with a service to have it done.
* Create a template cover letter that can be customized for most circumstances. Set aside for later use.
* Bundle together errands: Take interview outfit to the dry cleaner, pick up stationery for your resume and cover letters, purchase a portfolio or briefcase to take to interviews, etc.
Three hours or more
* Attend a job-search, career-planning or skill-building workshop.
* Attend a support group meeting for job-seekers.
* Attend a professional association meeting.
* Participate in interviews.
You've already noticed that the items listed aren't in order of importance or logistics. When you create your own list, put stars next to the things that need to be done in the first week or two of your job search, regardless of the time they will take. Give these tasks priority so that you can get a good start.
To make the best use of this strategy, you'll have to be organized. Carry with you materials for the tasks that you can complete in the fragments of time that open up during your day. You'll be amazed at how much you can get done this way.
- Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com or at 1071 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, MN 55102.