Setting Precise, Attainable Job Search Goals

Setting Precise, Attainable Job Search Goals Setting Precise, Attainable Job Search Goals Looking for a job is much like making a New Year’s resolution. You know the desired outcome and have the greatest intentions, but the actual follow-through can be difficult and frustrating. For this reason, breaking things down into manageable parts is essential. Stay on track and keep from feeling overwhelmed by using these strategies to set precise, attainable job search goals. Here are four strategies for setting job search goals: 1. Develop measurable milestones. Productive goal-setting involves taking a general concept and narrowing it down into specific actions that will lead to results. For instance, suppose you’re interested in getting word out about your hunt- an admirable, but rather vague, idea. Executive Career Coach Duncan Mathison, co-author of Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times are Tough, tells his clients to make a list of 100 people they know (yes, this requires digging deeply). Creating this document is a solid way to start making tangible progress. But don’t stop there. You still need to gather email addresses and craft a message that clearly tells others what you’re looking for and how they might help. You also may want to prioritize the order in which you contact people. Slot space into your calendar to accomplish each of these things. This same approach can be applied to virtually all aspects of job searching. Consider developing concrete commitments on a daily or weekly basis for tasks such as: Sending out X number of resumes Researching X companies of interest Attending X networking events Reconnecting with X former colleagues Searching for X number of popular interview questions and developing answers for each The exact numbers and the time frame for completion of each will vary depending on your individual circumstances. Developing a schedule that is challenging yet doable may take some trial and error. 2. Think achievements, not hours. Avoid the pitfall of measuring effort by how long you work on job-related tasks. “Goals that only focus on how many hours you will dedicate will usually not translate to results,” Mathison says. “For most people, time-related goals will translate to time in front of the computer. It is so easy to get lost and distracted wandering around the Internet with little to show for it after hours of surfing. Set your goals BEFORE you open the Google or Bing search bar.” 3. Enlist support. Recruit a trusted friend to help with your efforts. He or she may be able to point out weaknesses in your goal-setting, such as putting the bar for applications completed per day way too high or failing to devote enough attention to networking. Accountability also helps keep you focused- nobody wants to look like a slacker in front of someone else. 4. Reward yourself. While landing a new position, of course, is the grand prize, celebrating progress along the way can provide motivation. The thought of relaxing with a favorite television show and a good cup of coffee after meeting the day’s objectives may be just the inspiration needed to get through your checklist! Start job hunting today! Browse jobs in more than 50 categories and begin  applying  to employers.   Readers, what are your job search goals? What steps do you take to reach those goals? Share with us below!