The 30-Day Job Search Plan: How to Land a New Job in 1 Month

Christian Eilers

Looking for a new job can seem like a daunting task, to say the very least.

On top of that, the coronavirus crisis has upended job markets all around the world. Unemployment numbers are higher than they’ve been for quite a while, and they’re likely not going to return to 2019 levels anytime soon. Because of this, job seekers today are going to face stiff competition from other candidates. 

To make sure you go about your job search in an effective manner and to give you the best chance at landing great interviews as soon as possible, follow our 30-day job search plan.

What is a 30-Day Job Plan?

Most of us don’t have the luxury of letting the job search drag on for 3–6 months as we find that one perfect fit. And, even if you have enough savings to last that long as you look for another job, the employment gap that’ll be seen on your resume will be a weak point when it comes to future career prospects. Not to mention the increasing cabin fever you’ll have to keep at bay the longer you take finding employment.
Our 30-day job plan aims to get you prepared for a new job in just a month, from start to interview. While ambitious, it’s also quite doable if you can stick with the plan with only minor deviations.

Things to Keep in Mind as You Search for Jobs

You can find yourself a job in as little as a day, sure, but it may also take months. In 2014, recruiting software company Jobvite conducted a survey in which they found that the average time it took for a person to get employed was 43 days (just over six weeks). 

However, there are also differences in each industry, as you might imagine. In the same survey, hospitality jobs took just 36 days to fill on average, an entire week less than average, while healthcare jobs needed 65 days, or three weeks more than the average. 

According to 2020 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 35% of people were able to find a job in five weeks or less, meaning a 30-day job search plan is quite feasible.

One of the most important things to do is to treat your job search as you would an actual job. Spend 30–40 hours on your job search each week and work at it each day without interruptions or side chores to give your hunt for employment the best possible chance to be successful.

Also, remember that everyone’s job search is different, so this plan (or any job plan, for that matter) can’t be a one-size-fits-all deal. Below, for example, you’ll find interview-related tasks in the later weeks, but they’re just as relevant in Week 1 if that’s when your interview is.

One final thing to keep in mind is that the job search can be quite similar to starting a new exercise regime. You’ll have to give it some time before you start seeing results, and it’ll be a lot of hard work at first. But, if you stick with it, you’re sure to have interview opportunities coming through in no time.

The 30-Day Job Search Action Plan, Week by Week

Week 1 (Days 1–7)

The first week of your 30-day job search plan will be a lot more difficult and packed with activities than the subsequent weeks. If I may put two idioms together, as you start pounding the pavement, you need to hit the ground running. However, once you get through the recommended job search tasks for this week, you’ll have an easier time in the weeks ahead as these actions begin to bear fruit.

Fix Up Your LinkedIn Profile — In the professional world, your LinkedIn profile is crucial to have. Be sure your LinkedIn profile is in good shape by updating your profile image, adding your latest work history, achievements, and skills, and redefining your summary statement.

Cleanse Your Online Presence — Most employers will do a quick (if not more thorough) check of each candidate on Google to see what comes up. As a candidate, ensure nothing offensive or controversial appears by searching your name on Google now. Also, clear up any material on your social media accounts which may cause a hiring manager to dismiss your application (e.g., political Twitter rants, photos of drunkenness on Facebook). 

Create a “Master” Resume — Update your resume to contain the most recent information. However, this master resume won’t be the one you send, as each resume should be tailored specifically for each and every job you apply for. Use the master resume you create now to make it simpler for you to create a customized resume in the coming days.

Create a “Master” Cover Letter — Similarly, a cover letter can’t be generic if it’s to wow the hiring manager. Create a master cover letter now, and later you’ll tweak it for each individual job you apply for.

Build an Online Portfolio — Resumes shouldn’t be more than one or two pages in length, but, sometimes, this may not be enough. If you have project-type work in your past, such as graphic design or marketing campaigns, consider creating a website to host an online portfolio of your past work. There, you can go in-depth on each project, and the only room it requires on your resume is a simple URL.

Decide on Job Titles — Before you actually begin to apply for various jobs, it’s important to know which you are willing to accept. In the modern age, job titles can vary quite differently and all mean similar things. For example, a customer service representative may be termed a “client happiness officer” at one company or a “support ninja” at another. Also, even without the fancy naming conventions, make sure you include every role you’d accept. For instance, you may be a technical writer or legal writer by trade, but a content marketing specialist position could match your interests, as well.

Set Up Job Notifications — Head to a few of your favorite job boards (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed), and do a preliminary search for your job titles. As you do so, you’ll have the opportunity to save the search to come back to it at a later date as well as the option to receive email alerts when new jobs appear which match your parameters. Doing this will make you very competitive as you’ll become one of the first candidates to apply.

Create a Spreadsheet — The job search can get messy, especially the longer it takes and with the more jobs you apply for. Create a simple spreadsheet for yourself to stay organized. Have columns with the job title, company name, application status, date, and any other fields you find helpful. A job search spreadsheet will make certain that you don’t forget an important opportunity, or that you don’t double-apply to a particular job.

Take a Weekend Off — As essayist Tim Kreider opined in The New York Times, “The space and quiet that idleness provides is a necessary condition for standing back from life and seeing it whole, for making unexpected connections and waiting for the wild summer lightning strikes of inspiration—it is, paradoxically, necessary to getting any work done.” Since you’re treating your job hunt as full-time employment, it’s important to also have a work-life balance as you pound the pavement. Take a weekend off each week during your job hunt just as you would once you begin working again.

See weeks 2-4 and the complete 30 plan

 

Top 20 Websites for Finding Remote Jobs

Let’s face it—not everyone is cut out for a rigid, 9-5 work schedule. And you know what? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

But how do you find paid work that’s flexible enough to fit with all your other very real-life demands?

The answer is pretty simple: remote work.
Due to an increasingly digital workplace, the importance of being in the same physical office as your coworkers are becoming less critical by the year.

Things get a bit murkier though when it comes to asking how to find remote jobs online and how to start remote careers. While remote work IS the future, but not all employers are there yet.

According to Forbes, 68% of U.S. workers say that they expect to work remotely in the future. It’s rare to find a company that wouldn’t allow you to work from bed when you come down with the flu, but it can be trickier to find a spot that would want you to work remotely 100% of the time.

Still, even though (for now) it’s easier to get a job sitting behind a desk in someone else’s office, that doesn’t mean getting paid to do work from your own living room is impossible.

Remote job websites are platforms, where both people looking for work and employers post their offers.

Needless to say, using these websites will help you set a solid start for your remote career. They’ll assist you in finding first clients easily and earning employers’ trust along the way.
Also, you constantly sharpen your skills by taking different projects from various employers. In the end, your portfolio shall grow and there will be many more job offers.

We’ve handpicked the best websites available, for you. Bookmark this page and come back as often as you need to while you find your way into the remote workforce.
In this article, we will list the best remote job websites on the internet.

Upwork

Upwork offers tools to kickstart your remote journey – collaborative space, built-in invoice maker, and transparent recruitment process. You might also be able to work for many famous clients such as Microsoft, Airbnb, Dropbox, etc.

Toptal

Toptal is a global network of the top talent in business, design, and technology that enables companies to scale their teams, on-demand. With $200+ million in annual revenue and over 40% year-over-year growth, Toptal is the largest fully distributed workforce in the world.

Surely, you can be one of them if you work hard enough in building your skills.

 

Simply Hired

One of the best things about Simply Hired is that you can browse freelance jobs in your nearby location. Additionally, there is a list of top salaries and a tool to estimate your fee. This is helpful to benchmark for a specific work you want to do.
You’ll also be able to create a resume from the website and learn many things from their blog.

FlexJobs

FlexJobs doesn’t only provide a platform for remote work, but it also encourages everyone to try this career path. Furthermore, the website handpicks jobs from around the world.

At $14.95 a month, you get full access to its wide network of employers, various skill tests, and a detailed description of every company.

See all 20 websites and the complete article.

8 Questions You Should Absolutely Ask An Interviewer

Posted by Glassdoor Team

While some interviews may feel more like interrogations, they shouldn’t. 

 

Close your eyes and think of a tennis match: The ball is hit back and forth, rather effortlessly (well, unless you’re opposite Serena Williams). An interview should be like a casual game of tennis, where questions are lobbed back and forth. They ask a question, you respond. Then you ask a question, and they respond. Back and forth.

 

The key is to ask the right kind of questions. The type of questions you chose to ask your interviewer should stem from what you need to know in order to fully evaluate the position. This means the questions you chose to prioritize should be well thought out.

 

Here are 8 prompts to get you in the right frame of mind:

QUESTION #1: What do the day-to-day responsibilities of the role look like?

Writer Annie Dillard said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Success and happiness in a job boils down to contentment with the nitty-gritty of the everyday.

QUESTION #3: What’s your favorite part about working at the company?

It’s important to get a sense of your interviewer’s opinions about working there. If enthusiasm flows easily, that’s a great sign. If it doesn’t, that is worth noting too. 

QUESTION #5: Are there opportunities for professional development?  If so, what do those look like?

When asking this question, you’re looking to key into whether there are opportunities for growth and whether the company has a Learning & Development program. Stagnation is a big red flag, so be alert! 

Read all 8 questions and the complete glassdoor article

 

The 4 Best Ways To Land A Good Job

Naomi Cahn

I recently interviewed an applicant for a job. Her cover letter showed that she had spent time thinking about what the position would require, that she had relevant experience, and that she was excited about the work. When I asked about her work habits, she explained that she was an organizer, who asked lots of questions about the work. After we spoke, she wrote me a follow-up thank you email that arrived in my inbox less than an hour after the interview ended. 

I hired her.

With 21 million people unemployed, finding a new job has become a job. People looking for work receive conflicting advice: use LinkedIn, don’t post updates on LinkedIn, be yourself, or cater to what you think the employer wants.

Here’s what some of the latest research tells us about the best ways to find a new job. 

1. Authenticity. It turns out that being honest and true to yourself is a better strategy than turning yourself inside out to cater to what you think an employer wants. In a new study — To be or not to be your authentic self? Catering to others’ preferences hinders performance — researchers from Harvard Business School and UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School asked participants to imagine that they were applying for a job and needed to prepare a two- to three-minute video about themselves and the job. Some participants were told to cater the videos to what they thought would meet the expectations of the interviewers, some were told to just be themselves, while a third group was not given specific instructions. 

The “caterers” not only experienced greater anxiety, but they were less likely to be hired than those who were told be authentic.  As Francesco Gino, one of the study authors explained recently,  the desire to present ourselves accurately leads us to communicate in a more fluid way about who we are – and so that means that others see us as more genuine.  Think about how much easier it is to be yourself than the person you think the interviewer wants to meet. And then be authentic: that will make you feel and do better. 

The “caterers” not only experienced greater anxiety, but they were less likely to be hired than those who were told be authentic.  As Francesco Gino, one of the study authors explained recently,  the desire to present ourselves accurately leads us to communicate in a more fluid way about who we are – and so that means that others see us as more genuine.  Think about how much easier it is to be yourself than the person you think the interviewer wants to meet. And then be authentic: that will make you feel and do better. 

4.      Making a decision.  Remember that not only is the interviewer examining you, but you are interviewing the position to see if it is the right one for you. Ask questions as they come up during the interview if you have them. Scary as they may be, interviewers are people too. Trust yourself, and, as organizational psychologist Adam Grant notes in Tim Herrera’s Smarter Living New York Times column: “Listen to the advice you give to others. It’s usually the advice you need to take yourself.”

Finding a new job at any point can be daunting, and trying to do so during a pandemic can be even more difficult. But there are jobs out there, and there are strategies to help you get one.

See all 4 ways and the complete Forbes article

12 Surprising Job Interview Tips

Jon Youshaei

You’re almost there. Your resume landed you an interview and now it’s time to seal the deal. So what’s the best way to prepare?

To find the answer, I looked back on my interviews, sifted through research, and most importantly, asked employees from today’s most coveted companies. I tried to find deep insights beyond the typical “sit up straight!” and “dress to impress!” tips we hear too much.

Below you’ll find the 12 best tips to help before, during and after your interview.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

 1.    Research Earnings Calls, Quarterly Reports & Blog Posts

In today’s world, content is king. Goldman Sachs publishes quarterly reports, Microsoft records its earning calls, and every startup has a blog.

With so much out there, I’m baffled that few of us look past the company’s homepage. It’s like we’re writing an essay on The Odyssey without quoting a single passage from the book.

Example: If you’re interviewing with Google, here’s two ways to answer: “What’s Google’s biggest opportunity in the next 5 years?”

• Weak: “I think wearable technology will be big because Google Glass and Apple Watch represent a new trend that shows...”
• Strong: “Call me geeky, but I was listening to Google’s quarterly earnings call and was blown away by the fact that display advertising hit over $5 billion in the past few years. Therefore, I think that…”

Neither answer is wrong, but the latter says much more. It shows you’ve done your homework and give answers rooted in data.

2.   Use Google Alerts

Keeping up with company news is hard, especially if you’re interviewing with multiple places at once. That’s why Google Alerts is a savior; it’s a tool that emails you anytime a new story appears for a specific term. That way, you learn about current events without searching for them.

 Example: If you’re applying to Creative Artists Agency, follow these steps:

1. Go to www.google.com/alerts
2. Type in “Creative Artists Agency”
3. Put in your email address if you’re not already logged in to Gmail

Soon enough, you’ll get updates on CAA and have more ammo for your interview.

*** #3 brings up a security issue on multiple browsers so skip it.

5. Craft Your “Story Statement”

 Though most interviews start with the same prompt (“tell me about yourself” or “walk me through your resume”), we blow it off with boring answers like:

I studied [major X] because I really care about making a difference in [industry Y] as you can see through my last job at [company Z]…

This answer is like tearing out the first 200 pages of your autobiography. You leave out everything that gives meaning to why you want this job in the first place. What was your moment of epiphany? How did your childhood influence you? Why does this job move you? Most people don’t answer these questions. They start and end with their professional experience, leaving little to inspire the interviewer.

Next time, use what I call a “Story Statement,” which is a Cliff Notes of your autobiography.

Example: Here’s an amazing Story Statement that Teach For America fellow Kareli Lizarraga used for her interviews.

I grew up in California and Arizona after immigrating to the United States when I was four years old. Since neither of my parents went to college, I relied on my high school teachers to help me apply to top universities. With their support, I was able to attend the University of Pennsylvania. Then I spent a summer at a Washington DC law firm, which represented low-income students and helped me realize that my passion lay within creating educational opportunities for all.

I decided to become a teacher because I see myself so deeply reflected in the stories of so many students in your schools – and that’s why I’m so excited about the opportunity to interview with you today. Like my teachers did for me, I want to impact the next generation of students by supporting them and understanding the experiences they’re facing.

A Story Statement shows that you’re a person, not just a professional.  It also makes it easy for your interviewer to predict the next chapter of your story. For Kareli, Teach For America is a logical next step. Of course, if she interviewed for Apple, she may change her Story Statement to include an early experience with her first computer and talk about how her passion for tech grew from there. For a Bain interview, she could mention how she started problem solving at a young age and now wants to do it on a big scale.

Chances are, we’ve all had experiences we can connect to where we’re trying to go. It’s just a matter of selecting the right ones to tell our story. That said, if you struggle to craft your Story Statement for a particular interview, you might be applying for the wrong job.

See all 12 tips and the complete Forbes article

3 Major Changes To Job Interviews You Need To Prepare For

Dawn Graham

If you’re in a job search or plan to be soon, you know that the stakes are high in this competitive market. A major part of the process where many job seekers routinely underprepare is the interview. In fact, I often see candidates spend more time planning their outfit than their content.

While what you wear certainly has an impact, what you share earns an offer. And just when you thought the interview couldn’t get any more stressful, the current pandemic has changed up the game in new ways, so there are a few additional things you need to be ready for if you want to stand out and secure a great next step in your career.

Although you’ll no longer need to worry about the grip of your handshake (perhaps ever again), here are three new aspects that will be important to focus on in your next job interview:

1) You’ll need to set up the environment. While video teleconferencing has become more popular over the last several years, use of this medium for job interviews has dominated in the past few months due to social distancing, which means expectations for a near flawless execution have also skyrocketed. Fumbling through the process while experiencing distractions and technical difficulties isn’t an option, so it’s up to you to master the platforms being used and practice beforehand so you appear confident in troubleshooting any unexpected challenges. 

And now, instead of showing up to a building where you meet in a conference room or office, you are required to set the stage for the interview environment, which takes some additional preparation and can have a major impact on the outcome. As the host of at least one side of the interview space, you’ll need to consider lighting, connectivity, audio quality, ambient noise, background visuals and video angles just to name a few. 

Everything counts and will be a part of the evaluation since it’s likely you’ll be using video technology regularly to communicate in the new role, perhaps with customers, so the interview has become an audition of sorts. 

Interviews are inherently anxiety-provoking and there’s a lot you won’t be able to control, so it’s in your best interest to control as much as you can regarding the environment. The ball for much of this is now in the job seeker’s court.

2) You’ll be asked how you’re handling the pandemic --  Read how to address this, #3 of the changes and more interview tips at the complete Forbes article

REVEALED: The simple keywords to use on your LinkedIn profile that will have employers coming to YOU with job offers

By CARINA STATHIS 

Whether you're looking for a new job or are open to new opportunities, an Australian careers expert has revealed how to attract employers by using 'primary and secondary keywords' on your LinkedIn profile.

LinkedIn specialist Sue Ellson said the 'most important thing' to do is find and use the right keywords to ensure your profile is seen when an employer or recruiter is searching for potential employees.

Speaking to FEMAIL, Sue said it's vital to remember that LinkedIn is a major search engine database, and so it relies on words and connections to monitor your online activity and give you priority.

Further to using keywords, Sue said it's also important to network, use the specific words to outline current or previous occupations and qualifications to make your profile stand out. 

HOW TO USE KEYWORDS ON LINKEDIN AND WHERE TO PUT THEM ON YOUR PROFILE 

Primary keywords (job titles) to insert at the header of your profile 

A primary keyword is usually the occupation title you are seeking or the previous job you had, such as 'Career Counsellor', 'Supermarket Stock Filler', 'Vet Nurse' or 'Retail Assistant'

Find and choose a primary keyword to use in the header of your profile

For example: a Senior Human Resources Generalist (primary keywords) with a range of specialties (secondary keywords) 

Secondary keywords (job descriptions) to insert in the description and body of your profile 

Secondary keywords relate to primary keywords and describe the occupation, experience or qualification 

These keywords in your profile will give you the best chance for coming up in search results that are aligned with your primary keywords

Describe the range of specialties and duties relating to the job - such as Organisational Development or Event Management

Examples:

'Supermarket Stock Filler (primary keyword) at Coles with a range of duties involving managing supplies, ordering stock and assisting customers (secondary keywords)' 

'Vet Nurse (primary keyword) with experience in nursing horses, cows, dogs, birds, cats and rabbits (secondary keywords)' 

'Secondary School Teacher (primary keyword) with experience in event management (secondary keywords)' 

Choose secondary keywords to use throughout your profile - Read more on secondary keywords, more profile tips and the complete article