If you're unprepared, getting stuck into a job hunt is unwise. You'll find that things take a lot longer than you want, they'll be more frustrating than you expect, and ultimately, you'll come back and do these things anyway, so spend a day or two on them now.
Time
You need time. We all have the same 24 hours per day, but it's unlikely that you'll be sitting in a corner bored for most of it. You'll need to carve out regular time for Project Job and treat that time respectfully. Block it out in your calendar, and if necessary, work on this project away from distractions.
Your CV/Resume
This is your most important tool. It needs to be right, and it needs to be flexible. Good CVs follow a standard format and are no more than two pages long. They are a test in themselves. If you can't tell your story in two pages, how good will you be in your job?
A Note-taking System
To run Project Job, you will need to organize your admin. Apple Notes is now my go-to tool, but any tool is OK if you can separate your notes effectively. I link my notes using Notes' add link functionality, so it's a wiki on my iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Whatever tool you choose, you'll need to make notes, track applications, keep stories, keep CV fragments, organize the notes and most importantly, easily erase your work and start again when needed.
Many of my thoughts came while waiting for meetings, travelling, or even between different stages of an interview (like jotting down three questions for my interviewer between receiving a case study and delivering my response). Notes are critical—ensure you have a good system, keep your system with you at all times, and make sure you can add actions as they arise.
Your Stories
Your stories are the examples you can use in interviews that prove you have the skills the hiring manager needs. They need to follow the 3Rs — be Relevant, Recent and Real.
LinkedIn Profile
Like it or not, LinkedIn has become one of the most popular tools for recruiters to find and review people. For your professional life, it's your go-to place. It won't always be, but for now, it's where you'll find your professional networks. Try not to mix business with pleasure on social networks. Drunken nights and business meetings don't belong in the same place. Read more here.
Email address
Set up an email address separate from your home or work:
It allows you to switch off from the job hunt, which can get intense and frustrating.
When you do have a new job, you can let the email address die down without getting lots of contact that you can't avoid.
You won't want to rely on your employer's email address in the long term.
Mobile phone
Set up a pay-as-you-go or mobile phone contract to separate the job search from your normal life. You will probably be in contact with many agencies and recruitment teams. Once you have your new job, you need to cut yourself free from the constant calls.
Headset
A must-have accessory is a headset. Don't be tempted to look cool and get AirPods or a headset with an in-line microphone. Instead, spend a little extra money and get a good-quality headset with a boom microphone that will eliminate background noise. It helps greatly in interview situations where you don't want your interviewer to be straining to hear you or talk too loudly around others who don't want to know your life story. It also allows you to write and speak professionally.
Correct Clothing
When did you last wear a smart suit? Does it still fit? If not, now is the time to do something about it, not 30 minutes before you leave for an interview. Of course, you may not apply for a role where a suit is needed, but it's good to be prepared and slightly smarter than your competition. Failing that, just having clean clothes that fit is good.
Summary
Irrespective of where you are in your job search, ensure that you focus on the important things. Being prepared with the things below allows you to do that and helps your chances of success.
Time
Your CV/Resume
A note-taking system
Stories
Your LinkedIn profile
An email address separate from work and life
A mobile phone number separate from work and life
A good headset
Correct clothing
What did I forget? Please get in touch with me and let me know.
Navigation
Here are all the Project Job posts in order:
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