If you’re in the job search, you are probably already painfully aware of how difficult it can be to find quality positions in today’s market. Finding time to hunt through listings and write effective cover letters is hard enough, especially when most jobseekers have to work full time. But, here are some simple things you can try to make the tedious process of job hunting a little more manageable.

Organize your job search.

You know the situation: You want to job search but you’re busy. You want to get hired, but you don’t have the time it takes to really job search.

So how do you job search when you don’t have time?

The answer is simple: You need a strategy that works around your schedule.

First off, make sure your resume is updated and professional looking at all times. Next, create an organized plan of action with each step laid out and accounted for. This will help keep you focused and on track with your goals.

Find new opportunities online: Use online resources like LinkedIn, Indeed or Glassdoor to find new opportunities in your field of choice or just start browsing postings that interest you. There are many tools available online that can help you find jobs fast and easy so take advantage of them!

Use online tools to streamline.

There are many websites that can help you manage your job search from start to finish. My favorite resource is LinkedIn Recruiter, which allows you to set up alerts for specific jobs so when they become available, you know about them immediately. You can also use Google Alerts for companies and positions that interest you so that when there are new postings, they show up in your inbox

There are also many online tools that can help you streamline your job search and not take up so much time in your day. For example, you can use an ATS (Application Tracking System) like Taleo or Greenhouse to manage applications — these systems allow you to log into one place to submit your resume, cover letter and any other attachments for all jobs that interest you. You can also use them to track which employers have viewed your profile and when they did so. These systems eliminate the need for paper copies of applications and ensure that everything gets submitted in one place so that hiring managers don’t miss anything important.

Automate emails and networking messages.

If you’re trying to balance your job search with other responsibilities, you may find yourself struggling to keep up with all of the emails and networking messages that come in from recruiters and hiring managers. The good news is that there are tools out there that can help make this process easier for you. For example, if you set up an automated email reply in Gmail, it will respond to emails for you so you don’t have to worry about missing out on opportunities because of your busy schedule.

Maximize your networking opportunities and social media.

If you don’t want to spend hours on end searching for jobs, it’s time to get creative. First, check out your local Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Development Center for resources that can help you find work. Then, use social media tools like LinkedIn and Twitter to reach out to employers in your industry and let them know what you’re looking for. Finally, it’s true. A large part of job hunting really is about who you know. So, if you have friends who work at companies in your industry, see if they could put in a good word for you with their bosses or colleagues.

Takeaway

Above all else, when trying to search for a job on a limited schedule, be realistic about your goals. Be flexible and accommodating, but also set achievable targets for yourself. Putting yourself under too much pressure and setting unrealistic expectations is the most likely way to sabotage your efforts from the get-go. Understanding that kind of approach will allow you to focus on the task at hand so you can work towards achieving your professional objectives and long-term career goals.

Is your resume and cover letter job-search ready?

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