The process of looking for a new job can be stressful. It’s often time-consuming, confusing, and the amount of open positions can vary dramatically depending on what field you’re in.

According to the latest numbers from the  U.S. Bureau of Labor, there were roughly 10.8 million job openings at the beginning of 2023. That may sound like a lot, but when you consider that research shows at least 65% of American workers are currently searching for a new job, you start to see why this process can be so competitive.

A great way to ensure you’re applying to the right jobs and putting your best foot forward, is to create a detailed job search plan to help you stay organized throughout the process.

Creating A Plan

How long does it take to find a new job? The numbers vary, but the average is about 3-5 months. It’s also estimated that companies take an average of 42 days to complete their search and find a new hire.

But what can you do in those first three months to make sure your application ends up in as many ‘under consideration’ piles as possible?

Create and follow a job search plan like this one:

Steps for the First 30 Days:

1. Update your resume and contact your professional connections.

2. Establish the parameters of your job search. Ask yourself — what sort of job am I really looking for?

• Some parameters to consider: work-from-home options, preferred healthcare/vacation benefits, job location, commute, etc.

3. Determine your long-term career and personal goals, and incorporate those into your search.

4. Create a detailed schedule, outlining when you’ll spend time searching, applying, etc.

5. Do an initial search to see what’s out there.

• Consider creating a new email so your inbox is empty and organized immediately.

• Create a list of job postings you’re most excited about and highlight why they appeal to you. Update the list with any pertinent information once you start applying.

Steps for the First 60 Days:

1. Begin preparing for interviews, even if you haven’t been asked to do one yet. It’s always best to be prepared, so you can say yes to an interview request right away.

2. Keep track of who you’ve sent applications to, and who you’ve received responses from, and try to highlight why some of your applications are getting more attention than others.

3. Contact your network again.

• When contacting your network a second time, make sure to remind them that you’re looking for a job, and tell them where you’ve been applying. You never know who might have a friend of a friend who can pull some strings.

Organization Tips For Month two:

• Continue updating your list of all the positions you’ve applied to, and note if/when you received any responses.

• If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with the search, try limiting the amount of time you allow yourself to scroll through job boards each day.

Steps for the First 90 Days:

1. Try not to get frustrated. These things take time.

2. Follow up with anyone you haven’t heard from in 5 to ten 10 days.

• Make contact after 5 business days if you’ve already had an interview.

• Wait at least 10 business days if you haven’t received an interview and are still waiting to hear back after initially sending in your application.

3. If you’re not receiving as many responses as you’d hoped, re-evaluate your parameters and see if there are ways you can broaden your search.

4. Consider reaching out to the experts, and using a recruitment firm to help you land your dream job!

• Clean up your desk, because a messy workspace has been proven to negatively affect productivity.

• Take regular screen breaks and check in with your mental health. If the stress is getting to you, consider taking a break from applying for a while.

Things to Remember Before Applying

• Update your social media accounts, and make sure that they are an accurate representation of who you are and what you bring to the workplace.

• Consider making an online portfolio, they are great ways to show off your skills and expertise, plus it’s easy to tack the link onto almost any existing resume or application.