A Typical Job Search Daily Routine

Losing a job is stressful. Searching for a job is stressful. Life is stressful. Your job search involves investing a lot of energy in your future. Often the energy you've spent on a specific opportunity won't be repaid back to you. Instead, you'll wait for responses that will not come.

A job search isn't just waiting, however, as it is a practice that opens doors to new opportunities that are a step forward for you and your career. But how can you make that step forward? It all starts with a daily job search routine.

Why You Should Establish a Daily Routine in Your Job Search

Let's be honest, with all the forms of entertainment that exist nowadays, it's easier than ever to procrastinate. Establish a daily routine and don't get distracted in your job search. The day of an unemployed person can sometimes be busier than the day of someone who is employed. There are always tasks to be completed, whether that's employer research or resume improvement, so don't put them off.

To stay busy is to stay sane during your job search.

Create a routine that is practical and works for you. Doing the same tasks, at the same time of day, every day is tedious and repetitive. Make sure to stay flexible with your routine and mix it up. It's okay to spend some days focusing more time on a specific area. Plan out your days in advance so that you know what to expect each day.

Allocate Your Hours for Your Job Search Plan

Break down the day and allocate hours into various components in your job search plan. Here is what a typical daily routine could look like:

7:00 a.m. - Structure your week by waking up at the same time each day.

Start the day with some light exercise to get your juices flowing. Go to the gym or do some yoga, it's up to you!

8:00 a.m. - Take a shower and reward yourself with some breakfast.

Boost your energy levels and prepare for the day ahead. You've earned it with the workout.

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - Search and apply to jobs.

Start your workday by engaging with the most time-consuming and challenging task, applying for jobs. Scour job boards and find listings that catch your eye. Tailor resumes and cover letters that are specific to different employers once you find a job of interest. Show them what you have to offer, keep the information relevant, and don't be shy! Cater for this in your job search plan early on in your job hunt.

12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. - Enjoy lunchtime

Take an hour to have a break. Eat lunch, watch TV or play video games. Do whatever it is you want to do to relax for this time.

1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. - Time to network.

Check your LinkedIn, emails, and WhatsApp. Review any leads and reach out to contacts, both old and new. Follow up and set up interviews and meetings that will be beneficial to you and your job search.

2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. - Work on new skills.

Outline in your job search plan some skills to learn or improve. Online resources for learning and brushing up on skills are abundant. Use websites such as HubSpot Academy or Coursera to find some free courses in areas that both interest you and take your career further. Complete modules and write coursework during this time of your day.

4:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. - Review and follow up.

Check your emails and networks. Respond to anything that needs responding to and make sure you haven't missed any opportunities by having someone wait too long for you.

4:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. - Plan your next day/week.

Keep a journal to track what you have achieved each day. Use what you have achieved as inspiration to plan for your next day or week. If you have set goals in your job search plan, make sure you are on course to achieve them.

5:00 p.m. - And breathe…

Your day is over! Unwind and socialize in the evening or alternatively, do whatever you want! This is your time to put your job search at the back of your mind for the rest of the day.

Have a Job Search Daily Routine that Works for You

Now you have an idea of what a typical day of a job search might look like. Don't feel that you must follow your schedule to the minute, but make sure that you have a clear skeleton of what your day will look like. Allocate your hours effectively and make the most of your job search today.