Hey There,

From the moment we login to our systems at work, we spend the next 30 minutes to one hour searching for job postings and fantasizing about that dream job that we yearn so desperately for. Sadly, most of us have felt this way before. Nothing has changed and the routine has become part and parcel of our daily lifestyles. This has become the imaginary task on our daily to do list that we effortlessly carry out. Rather than star gazing all year round and complaining about your current position, you could actually do something about it. Take a day off and do something to help you land your dream job. We have a game plan.

• Prepare Ahead of The Day

Make sure you clear your schedule for the day you have chosen. Do not respond to any work related activities or reply emails. You could change your email settings to auto-responder and you should also make sure you do not make personal side plans for this day. Dedicate this day to your job search. This is the beginning of a new beginning. You should also schedule a networking lunch, and attend an informal interview. Be prepared, and factor these two happenings in your schedule for the day.

09:00 AM: What Are Your Goals

This does not involve you ‘Thinking in your sleep’. You need to be wide-awake in a serene environment and think out your goals and aspirations. Most times, we do not have the time during our normal schedule to think clearly. This day is dedicated to that. The night before, make sure you get adequate sleep so when you wake up, you would be energized. If you already know the type of Job you want, review the reasons behind each of your goals and make sure they are cogent.

10:00 AM: Go Through Your CV

Admit it. Since you got your current job, you haven’t taken time out to review your CV. You need to get this done in an hour. Update the information provided, remove the information that you do not consider so relevant anymore, and ensure that your CV is up to current day standard. Always remember that your CV is the document that could get you shortlisted by the Hiring Manger. See it as your first impression. You should focus on updating your resume format, and also quantifying your impact with your current organization.

11:00AM: Prepare Yourself For Your Networking Lunch

This is the time to activate your network. Activating your network is one of the most important steps to take in your job search. You need to constantly remind yourself that people cannot help you unless they are aware you are looking for a job. Do not go straight for the knife and ask for the job (or take it by force). You could start on a lighter note by asking for advice. You could schedule a catch-up session with a sponsor or a mentor. Most importantly, be ready to answer the question “What Is Your Next Career Move?” in about ten seconds because they are definitely going to ask!

12:00AM: Relax. It’s Lunch Time

You have thought this through all morning. So relax. The best part about this is that you are with someone familiar that already knows you to an extent and believes in you. Be the best version of you that you can be, and remind the person effortlessly why they fell in love with your ambitious persona in the first place. The major aim is to update each other on what you have been up to career wise, and make sure you have someone searching for you on a more professional platform with a larger network. 

1:00PM: Clean Up The Dirt – Social Media

Do not get tired, you are almost there! Take the next hour to clean up your social media profiles. Take out the undergrad fraternity night pictures where you were drunk and out of control. Also, take out tweets that seem chauvinistic, racist or of questionable social acceptance. Your aim is to make your social media platforms job search ready. Keep your eyes on the clock, though, because you can’t be late for your next appointment.

2:00PM: Conduct An Information Interview

Take time out to conduct an informational interview. You could choose to spend all day connecting and reaching out to people, but this might not be a realistic goal. As this often ends up in a directionless spiral. Instead, schedule an informational interview, either in person or over the phone. This interview presents an opportunity for you to discover companies that you might be interested in and also connecting with them. Follow this three-step process for conducting a perfect informational interview from Muse that will both get you the information you need and leave a good impression.

3:00PM: Write Down A List Of Target Organizations

In order to avoid getting overwhelmed by your numerous choices (or the lack thereof), you need to write down the companies that you are interested in. These are the companies you would later do further research on and apply to while searching for strategic connections. Keep the number of target companies under 10, so that following up with the companies doesn’t go out of hand.

4:00PM: Do Your Research

It’s time for you tot find out about each and every company that has made your list. When you know the company to a certain extent, the hiring manager finds it impressionable to say the least. You could subconsciously show off your knowledge about the company while networking with a connection at the company. This makes them see you as one of them.

6:00PM: Call It A Day

You are off to amazing start to your job search that would definitely yield great results. Just ensure you follow up from time to time to track your progree. Now you can get back to being functional at your current job pending the time you make the big move.

You are on your way to getting your dream job.

Regards,

PushCV Content Team.