When it comes to finding that new career opportunity, the job search process can sometimes feel much like riding a rollercoaster. There are times when it can feel exciting, scary, frustrating, gratifying, exhausting, and extremely adrenaline-charged.

But unlike a rollercoaster ride, the job search process does not move fast. In fact, to land the right position in today’s market could easily take anywhere from several weeks to several months. That’s why it’s important to maximize your time when you are searching for a job.

And the best way to do that is to eliminate time-wasters and add some time management structure to your job search. With the right attention, you can amp up your job search success at a much more accelerated rate.

One of the best ways to get started is to treat your job search as if it is a project you are responsible for managing. As with any project, it’s always helpful to apply good time management practices so that your job search is effective and productive.

Here are a few recommendations for how to create a structure so you can crush it in your job search.

MANAGEMENT TIP >>> Objectives Before Strategy

Set Specific Job Search Goals: When it comes to searching for a new job, there are so many variables and factors that are outside of your control. However, when you set a specific job search goals, it helps you to gain better control of what you can actually control. Set goals that are meaningful to your job search and that you can control. For example, you may not be able to control that you’ll land a new job by a specific date, but you can set a goal that you’ll apply to five jobs that you are qualified for each week.

Determine How Much Time You Can Devote to Your Job Search: You don’t have to burn yourself out when it comes to searching for a job. Figure out how much time each week you can devote to your job search and commit to it. Consider your timeframe for finding a job, your family and financial needs, and any other factors that impact your time. Whatever your situation, just make sure to set a workable schedule and keep to it.

MANAGEMENT TIP >>> Strategy Before Tactics 

Apply to Relevant Jobs Only: Applying for 100 job postings with no clarity or relevance is a big waste of time. An effective job seeker knows that quality over quantity wins out. When you apply for jobs that you are clearly not qualified for, or that you wouldn’t actually want even if you received an offer, you’ve just wasted your time that could have been invested elsewhere. Create a description of your ideal job and use it as your guide for finding relevant job opportunities before putting in an application. 

MANAGEMENT TIP >>> Time Management Tactics 

Set Up a Standard “Work” Schedule: Structure is important, and one of the best things you can do to create that structure is to set up a job search schedule that resembles a regular 9-5, Monday-Friday work routine. Even though you may have a lot of “free time,” try to stay on a regular schedule that represents an actual workweek. Perhaps Monday is the search for job opportunities; Tuesday is company research; Wednesday is dedicated to submitting applications to relevant job postings; Thursday is for networking and Friday for follow-up.

Prioritize Your Work: Put the important things first/ Make sure you put your essential tasks first on your to-do list. You can’t do everything in a day, so “plan your work and work your plan” by making sure your critical tasks are done first.

Focus. Focus. Focus: While working on multiple things at the same time sounds like the work of a champ, it isn’t. In fact, you will accomplish less rather than accomplishing more. Champions focus! So, stick to one task at a time and work on it until it is finished. Then move to the next.

Clear the Clutter From Your Workspace: Having a tidy environment to focus on your job search is a great way to keep your mind from wandering off task and helps you from becoming distracted by other items taking up space.

Stick to Your To-Do List: When it comes to searching for a job, there are so many moving parts and things to do throughout the process that you need a to-do list to keep track of your work. When you work from your to-do list, you have a better chance of staying on track and avoiding time-wasters and distractions.

Eliminate Distractions: To get work done during your job search means eliminating distractions. This can mean doing things like putting your phone on “do not disturb” for a period of time, closing your email app until you complete your tasks for the day, or maybe simply listening to music that helps you concentrate.

Developing a time management structure for your job search will take effort but the result will be well worth it as you crush it in your job search.