How to Develop a Successful Job Search Routine

Creating and following a simple job search routine is an easy way to ensure you stay persistent and active during your job search journey.

It really is the ultimate secret to landing a job quickly!

So, if you’re ready to kick your job-seeking efforts up a notch, pull out a fresh sheet of paper (or new document), read this post, and begin creating your new job search routine right now.

This post may contain affiliate links where, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission if you use them. I only recommend products I use, trust, and adore. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

Why is a job search routine so important?

Following a curated and efficient job search routine is arguably the number one secret to landing a job. In fact, there are a ton of amazing benefits you will quickly see when you create and follow your own routine, including the ability to:

• Maintain consistency during the job search process
• Avoid job search overwhelm and burnout
• Decrease anxiety by having a well-thought-out plan to follow
• Easily stay organized and focused
• Increase your chances of landing interviews and job offers

Create Your Own Job Search Routine: A Step by Step Guide

Time to get to work! Let’s take a look at each of the steps required to create the perfect job search routine.

Step 1: Snag Your Free Job Search Spreadsheet

Creating and executing your own, personalized job search routine is easy when you have a fillable template to work with. That is where the Ultimate Career Development Spreadsheet Freebie comes in. This spreadsheet is absolutely jam-packed with a TON of useful worksheets such as a job search routine outline, job application database, career goal roadmap, interview preparation checklist, and so much more.

Seriously, it’s a game-changer. Plus, it’s free. Win, win, win.

Step 2: Identify Your Job Search Goals

Next, take some time to brainstorm your job search goals. Really think about what you want to get out of this process and what your long-term career goals might be. This will help point you in the right direction during your job search.

Here are a few questions you might want to consider asking yourself:

• When do you want to land this new job?
• What don’t you like about your current job?
• What do you like about your current job?
• Do you want a change in salary? If so, what?
• Where do you want this new job to be located?
• What tasks do you want to complete every day on the job?
• What values do you want your new company to have?

Using these answers, really brainstorm your dream job description.

Tip: You can easily do this step by turning to the tab titled “Career Roadmap & Goals” in your free spreadsheet!

Step 3: Create Your Own Job Search Routine

Now that you know your goals, it’s time to begin creating your own job search routine.

In order to do this, take a look at the tasks listed below. Determine which tasks are relevant to your own job search situation and jot them down. If you’re unsure, just jot down your favorites and schedule a time to re-evaluate your job search routine in the future.

Oh, and don’t worry about the specifics, we will get to that later.

Tip: Using the free job search spreadsheet? Use the “Career Routines” tab to take notes!

Job Application Preparation Tasks

• Update resume
• Update cover letter
• Practice and update elevator pitch
• Update LinkedIn profile
• Outline an answer to one interview question (here is a list of the most common interview questions)
• Practice 3 interview answers
• For each upcoming interview, complete the interview preparation checklist

Job Search Tasks

• Check and respond to all emails
• Look through all new job postings
• Sign up for a new job email notification
• Apply to one new job
• Complete a job application
• Complete your interview follow-up routine (send a thank you after 1 day, follow up one week later, etc.)
• Research tips for a successful job search and application process

Career Exploration Tasks

• Set up and attend an informational interview
• Read a journal article
• Read a chapter in a book about your chosen career field
• Listen to a career-related podcast
• Research one new company (Tip: use the “Company Research” tab in the free career search spreadsheet)

Networking Related Tasks

• Email one new contact
• Email one old contact
• Set up a coffee meeting with someone new in the industry
• Attend a professional society meeting
• Attend a networking event
• Connect and reach out to one new person on LinkedIn
• Complete your follow up routine with any new contacts (Tip: use the “Networking Database” tab in the free career search spreadsheet)

Self Care Tasks

• Journal
• Meditate
• Excercise
• Eat nutritious meals
• Complete any of your favorite self-care techniques (here are my 27 favorites)

Related: 27 Rejuvenating Self Care Ideas that Actually Work

Step 4: Add Details and Frequency to Each Task

Now, take a look at your completed list and begin going through each task, one by one.

Next to each task, add details and instructions you may need when completing the tasks.

Once you’re done with that, go through the list one more time and add the frequency each task needs to be completed, based on your specific needs.

Again, if you’re unsure, just schedule a time to re-evaluate your routine to make the necessary changes.

Here is an example:

Task: Look through all new job postings

Details: My preferred job search websites are *website name* and *website name*, do this for at least 20 minutes

Frequency: Daily

Once you’re done with that…

Create a fresh, new, and clean routine list organized by frequency. I’ve put together an example below to help you out.

Example Daily and Weekly Job Search Routine

Important: This is just a quick example! For your routine to be successful, you need to determine what will work best for your career journey. This will be different for each industry, where you are in your career, and what your goals are.

Related: Morning Habits to Transform Your Day

Step 5: Create an Additional Job Search Task List

In addition, you might want to consider creating a list of tasks that just need to be completed once.

Here are a few example tasks you might want to consider adding to your task list:

• Clean up each social media account
• Research and brainstorm your ideal career title and job description (learn how here)
• Set up a LinkedIn profile
• Create a career vision board (this is perfect for when you need an inspiration boost!)
• Purchase a new professional wardrobe
• Create and order business cards
• Write up a cover letter draft for quick use

Step 6: Set Up Milestones and Rewards

To keep track of your progress, create milestones and rewards for the goal you set up in step 1.

What do I mean by this? Let’s take a look at an example.

Goal: Land a new job with a salary of $$$ located in *city name* with a job description of *list of favorite daily tasks* by *December 1*.

• Milestone 1: Apply to 3 new jobs and complete 90% of my job search routine for 2 straight weeks by *October 15*. (Reward = Favorite Chocolate Bar)
• Milestone 2: Apply to an additional 3 new jobs and complete 90% of my job search routine for another 2 straight weeks by *October 31*. (Reward = New Career Development Book)
• Milestone 3: Apply to an additional 3 new jobs and complete 90% of my job search routine for another 2 straight weeks by *November 15*. (Reward = New Journal)
• Milestone 4: Apply to an additional 3 new jobs and complete 90% of my job search routine for another 2 straight weeks by *November 30*. (Reward = Go to the Movies)

Other milestone and goal tracking ideas might include tracking hours you work on your job search or how many interviews or offers you land.

You could also have additional rewards set aside for when you complete tasks that are particularly difficult for you, such as attending a networking event (ugh, just thinking about networking makes me sweat).

Step 7: Begin Your Job Search Routine

Now that you’re all set up, it’s time to begin your new job search routine!

Don’t forget to actually carve out some time into your schedule to easily stay on top of your routine and modify it whenever you feel it’s necessary.

Oh, and don’t forget to reward yourself after you’ve reached a milestone because… treat yo’ self!

Related: How to Prepare for Your First Day at a New Job

Top Career Development Books

One of my favorite ways to work on career development is to read. I actually carve out time in my career routine to do this every week and, to be honest, it really has changed my work-life (for the better, of course). Here are some of my favorites:

• What Now? The Young Person’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Career by Nicholas Lore: I can genuinely say that this book drastically changed my life. I read this book from cover to cover and took the career journey Nicholas Lore outlines. It landed me where I am at today. Without this book, I probably would still be wandering around trying to figure out my life’s purpose. If you’re in that same boat, this book is 110% for you.
• David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell: This fabulous career book changes the way we think about overcoming obstacles and advancing in our careers, even as an underdog. Gladwell also has another bestseller called The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference.
• Secrets of Six-Figure Women: Surprising Strategies to Up Your Earnings and Change Your Life by Barbara Stanny: This book is more than just about the wage gap and career struggles women have been facing for years. It is an inspirational and motivational book that discusses the commonalities between the millions of women currently in the workforce that make six-figures, and how you can too.
• Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office: Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers by Lois P. Frankel, PhD: This book outlines common mistakes the average woman makes in the workplace, and how to become more successful.
• The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins: You will learn how to create an absolute game-changing plan for your first 90 days in your new job (no matter what level you work at). It is seriously a must-read for anyone moving into a new position!

Further Reading

One last thing, here are some related blog posts you might find helpful on your career journey:

• How to Prepare for an Interview: A Complete Checklist
• How to Answer the Most Common Interview Questions
• 10 Foolproof Steps to Finding Your Dream Career
• How to Prepare for Your First Day at a New Job
• The Ultimate Goal Planner to Help You Chase Your Dreams
• Discover How to Create an Effective Personal Mission Statement

And… that’s it! My complete step-by-step guide to creating the perfect job search plan. I hope you found it helpful and I wish you the best of luck in your job search. Go get ’em, tiger!

Don’t forget to snag your free career search spreadsheet!