THE ART OF JOB HUNTING: HOW TO MAKE TIME WHILE JUGGLING A FULL-TIME JOB

Summary.   

In this article, we explore some strategies for making time to job hunt while working full-time. It is important to assess your schedule and commit two to three hours per week to the job search process. Strategically plan and manage your time for the four key phases of the job search process: exploration, preparation, application, and interview. Tips for making time for each phase include attending networking events or informational interviews during lunch breaks or after-work hours, setting aside time each day to work on application materials, and scheduling interviews during flexible hours. By staying focused on your goals, staying positive, and being flexible, you can successfully navigate the job search process and find the right opportunity for you.

Looking for a new job while working full-time can be a daunting task. Between your current job responsibilities, managing household chores and errands, and taking care of yourself, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to devote to a job search. However, it's important to make the effort if you want to make a career move or find a better opportunity. In this article, we'll explore some strategies for making time to job hunt while working full-time.

 

First and foremost, it's important to take a step back and assess your current schedule. Look at your calendar and decide when you can commit yourself to the job search process. Ideally, you should set aside at least two to three hours per week to devote to looking for a new job. This can include researching potential employers, updating your resume and cover letter, networking, and applying for positions.

 

However, if you're in a particularly busy period at work or at home, it may be best to wait until things settle down a bit. It's important to be realistic about your time and energy levels, and to avoid taking on too much at once. Look for a time when your work is less hectic and your home life is relatively stable, so you can devote more time and energy to the job search.

 

Once you've identified a good time to start your job search, it's important to strategically plan and manage your time so that you can fit it into your schedule. There are four key phases of the job search process: exploration, preparation, application, and interview. Here are some tips for making time for each of these phases:

 

Exploration: This phase involves researching potential employers, identifying job openings, and networking. To make time for this phase, consider using your lunch breaks or after-work hours to attend networking events or informational interviews. You can also set aside some time on the weekends to research potential employers and job openings.

 

Preparation: This phase involves updating your resume and cover letter, practicing interview skills, and preparing for any pre-employment tests or assessments. To make time for this phase, consider setting aside some time each day to work on your application materials. This might mean waking up an hour earlier each morning or spending some time working on your materials after dinner.

 

Application: This phase involves submitting your application materials and following up with potential employers. To make time for this phase, consider using your lunch breaks or after-work hours to submit applications and follow up with employers. You can also set aside some time on the weekends to check in with potential employers and follow up on any applications you've submitted.

 

Interview: This phase involves preparing for and attending job interviews. To make time for this phase, consider scheduling interviews during your lunch breaks or after-work hours. You can also try to schedule interviews on days when you have some flexibility in your schedule, such as on a day when you don't have any meetings or deadlines.

 

In addition to these tips, it's important to be flexible and adaptable as you navigate the job search process. You may need to adjust your schedule or priorities as needed, and it's important to stay focused on your goals and keep a positive attitude throughout the process.

 

In conclusion, finding time to job hunt while working full-time can be challenging, but it's not impossible. By setting aside dedicated time for the job search process, strategically planning and managing your time, and staying flexible and adaptable, you can successfully navigate the job search process and find the right opportunity for you.