Week 1: Laying the Foundation
Day 1: Prepare/Relax
- Task: Reflect on your skills, strengths, weaknesses, and career goals. Write them down. Take this day to relax.
- Goal: Mentally prepare for the upcoming search.
Day 2: Self‑Assessment
- Task: Start adding notes to your resume. Research salary, benefits, and preferences for your next role.
- Goal: Clarify what roles you’re targeting and why. Consider a couple of career/personality tests and review Glassdoor for salary/benefits.
Day 3–4: Start Updates, Begin Networking
- Task: Reach out to people in your industry/target companies. Send personalized LinkedIn requests, engage with posts, and share relevant content.
- Goal: Build relationships early; many opportunities aren’t posted.
- Task 2: Update your resume to highlight recent accomplishments; optimize LinkedIn for consistency and add a professional photo.
- Goal: Ensure resume and LinkedIn are ATS‑friendly and compelling.
Day 5–6: Build Momentum
- Task: Finalize your resume and post to relevant job boards. Check visibility settings. Contact a few staffing agencies for feedback and open roles.
- Goal: Increase visibility and validate expectations with local recruiters.
Day 7: Alerts & Target Companies
- Task: Set alerts on LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor. Research 5–10 dream companies (openings, culture, news).
- Goal: Build a target list and organized alerts.
- Task 2: Use a tracker (sheet/app) for roles, dates, and follow‑ups. Alternatively, use an email folder system.
- Goal: Stay organized and spot trends.
Week 2: Networking & Applications
Day 8–9: Expand Networking
- Task: Apply broadly to interesting roles. You can customize later this week; focus on visibility now.
- Goal: Quantity for reach, prioritizing relevant roles.
- Task 2: Continue outreach and request informational interviews.
- Goal: Grow insights into cultures and roles before applying.
Day 10–12: Tailored Applications
- Task: Apply to 3–5 highly targeted roles per day. Customize resume & cover letter to the JD.
- Goal: Quality over quantity — perfect‑fit roles.
Day 13–14: Personal Branding
- Task: Share industry posts/insights on LinkedIn; show your POV.
- Goal: Boost visibility and credibility.
- Task 2: Keep applying to 3–5 targeted roles daily with tailored materials.
- Goal: Maintain quality applications.
Week 3: Interview Prep & Follow‑Up
Day 15–16: Question Prep
- Task: Prepare answers to common questions; use STAR for behavioral. Research company‑specific trends/questions.
- Goal: Confident, relevant answers.
- Task 2: Apply to 5 targeted roles per day with tailored materials.
- Goal: Keep quality high while prepping.
Day 17–18: Mock Interviews & Company Research
- Task: Do mock interviews with friends/mentors. Research each company (values, news, challenges) and tailor your responses.
- Goal: Sharpen delivery and show company‑specific insight.
- Task 2: Apply to 5 targeted roles per day with tailored materials.
- Goal: Maintain momentum.
Day 19–20: More Apps & Networking
- Task: Apply to another 3–5 targeted roles. Expand networking, especially with employees at companies you’re applying to.
- Goal: Sustain applications and relationships.
- Task 2: Explore events via Meetup, etc. (Use precautions.) Join groups and discussions to surface roles.
- Goal: Build longer‑term pipelines.
Day 21: Follow‑Up
- Task: Send polite follow‑ups to recruiters/hiring managers showing enthusiasm.
- Goal: Stand out with proactive communication.
- Task 2: Apply broadly to interesting roles to keep reach high.
- Goal: Maintain visibility while waiting.
Week 4: Review, Refine, & Persistence
Day 22–23: Review & Adjust
- Task: Review outcomes, feedback, and metrics. Adjust resume, messaging, or outreach based on what’s working.
- Goal: Iterate your strategy with data.
- Task 2: Continue broader applications where relevant.
- Goal: Keep reach up while iterating.
Day 24–26: Events
- Task: Attend at least one virtual or in‑person networking event; engage and connect.
- Goal: Expand network and uncover non‑posted roles.
- Task 2: Apply to 5 targeted roles per day with tailored materials.
- Goal: Stay focused on fit.
Day 27–28: More Targeted Roles
- Task: Apply to 5 roles that closely align with your goals and growth path.
- Goal: Aim efforts at best‑fit opportunities.
Day 29–30: Follow‑Up & Persistence
- Task: Follow up on all applications. After interviews, send thank‑you emails and reiterate interest. Ping your network with a brief update.
- Goal: Proactive persistence that differentiates you.
Ongoing: Additional Tips
- Keep Applying: Apply to specific roles regularly. It’s okay to occasionally favor quantity — just not always.
- Improve Soft Skills: Keep sharpening communication, problem‑solving, and leadership.
- Consider Remote: Expanding to remote roles can increase opportunities.