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Organizing Your Writing Job Search

Looking for a new job is hard. It is difficult when you already have a job and it is even more difficult when you are out of work. Using an organized and strategic approach can help make the task easier. Here are some ideas for keeping your writing job search on target.

Track your efforts

It is very important to keep track of such things as what businesses or recruiters you have sent resumes to, who you have spoken to at a company, what companies you are researching and what companies have expressed an interest in you or rejected you. Beyond being a good idea organizationally, this is information that many unemployment offices want you to track in order to prove you are looking for a job.

Set daily goals

Start your day by making a list of what you plan to do that day as part of your job search. Make a list of companies to research, people to talk to, and tasks such as polishing your resume and your portfolio. It can be difficult to stay motivated, so try to tackle these tasks immediately. Don’t let the day pass by you. Days turn into weeks and months.

Assemble an interview kit

An interview kit should have everything you need to bring on a job interview. This can include your resume, your portfolio, a list of questions you have, a professional looking notebook, business cards, and spot remover in case you stain your clothes. You might also want to invest in a dry snack such as an energy bar and a bottle of water. You never know when you are going to have to skip a meal in order to finish your interviews.

Find someone to keep you on target

When you are trying to accomplish an important goal such as landing a job, it is a good idea to have an ally that you can discuss your job search with. Find a person that you can check in with every day and report your progress to. Two of the key issues when you are unemployed are isolation and accountability. If you have a job search buddy, you can solve both of those problems.

To learn more

• What Color Is Your Parachute? 2010: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers
• Freelance Writing and Organization
• Six Tips for More Organized Freelancing