4 Steps to Building a Job Search Plan

Hitting the pavement for a job hunt without proper planning can leave you weary at the end of each day without anything to show for your troubles. A job search plan brings organization to your actions, keeping you on the right track and increasing the chance you land a job. From resumes to follow-up, these four components should be part of any plan.

Career coach and resume writer Don Goodman at Careerealism recommends getting the right tools together before beginning any job search. Any applicant needs as powerful a resume as possible, but introducing yourself to a potential employer nowadays also requires profiles on LinkedIn and industry-related sites. With so many people vying for open job positions, you need tools that make you stand out. Take some time to craft your resume, create online profiles that capitalize on the strengths of that resume and consider what you might say to a potential employer. Be ready with a 30-second elevator pitch that sells your abilities — you never know when you might run into a hiring manager.

Once you gather job search tools, take time to set some boundaries. You don't walk into a car dealership without knowing how much you're willing to pay for a vehicle; you shouldn't walk into an interview without knowing what your minimum salary requirements are. Start with a wish list that includes your desired salary, benefits, hours and work location. From that list, decide upon a worst-case scenario you are willing to accept — how much you may need to compromise is determined by the competitive nature of the job market in your area.

With tools and goals, you're equipped to begin your job hunt. While online job boards, recruitment sites and your local classifieds all offer job listings, those jobs are also seen by every other applicant in the area. Apply to listed jobs that match your skills and goals, but go beyond public sites by exploiting your list of contacts. Create a list in a spreadsheet or notebook of everyone you know who may be hiring or know about jobs. Past and present coworkers, family members and individuals in your social circles may not be hiring managers, but chances are they know someone who is. If appropriate, make your job search status known on social networks such as Facebook or Twitter.

After reaching out, sending resumes and completing applications, any job search often becomes a waiting game. While waiting, start the follow-up portion of your plan. Touch base with all those you contacted who said they might have a lead. If you have a previous mentor, boss or coworker who was always especially helpful, invite that person to coffee and steer the conversation to your job needs. The same is true if you were the helpful one; be tactful, but don't be afraid to call in professional favors. Finally, always follow up interviews with a thank-you card and a phone call if you were provided a decision date and haven't heard anything.

A shotgun approach to your job search may prevail if you are lucky, but taking a few hours to create an organized plan and get your resources together can increase success. At the very least, a plan keeps you from spinning your wheels and applying to the same gigs repeatedly.

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