Are you ready to gain momentum in your job search? Eager to create job search goals that are both clear and actionable? If so, that’s a really smart way to move forward. Clearly defined goals create a strong foundation for your job search and highlight areas where you need to adjust to get better results.
Beyond progress though, you’ll likely find that a targeted strategy helps you avoid job search burnout. When you know what actions you need to take next, you can be intentional in where you spend your time and energy. Take a look at some ways you can create powerful job search goals.
10 Ways to Set Precise, Attainable Job Search Goals
Use these tips to ensure your goals are specific and personalized for the career and work-life balance you’re building.
1. Think Small
Your ultimate goal, of course, is to get a job. The problem with that goal, though, is that it’s very broad.
To achieve your ultimate goal, set smaller, more concrete goals that support your larger goal of finding a job. If you want to run a marathon, you create a plan and run little bits every day, rather than expect to wake up tomorrow and run the entire 26-mile course. Your job search is similar in a lot of ways. You’re not going to make it to the finish line gracefully without some smaller goals along the way.
Focus on small milestones that are in your control, such as revising your LinkedIn profile or attending a webinar in your field. These bite-sized tasks are attainable goals. Completing tasks like customizing a cover letter or following up on a recent interview can create a sense of accomplishment and sustain your momentum.
Instead of waiting to check off that giant box on your task list, set small manageable goals each day so you can see your progress.
2. Find Clarity
The clearer the goal, the more likely you are to achieve it, and that’s especially true when you set job search goals. To help you find clarity, figure out what you want to do and where you want to do it. It sounds so simple you might skip right over it, but if you haven’t detailed your development plan, it’s time to pause and flesh that out.
For example, are you trying to move up the career ladder, make a lateral move, or change careers? Do you want to stay in the same industry you’re in now, move into something similar, or try something entirely different? Knowing the answers to essential questions about your future will help you set clear goals for your daily job search tasks.
3. Get SMART
Building on that point, learn to dive a bit deeper when you’re creating your goals so you never start your day unsure about what you’re supposed to be doing. Instead, as you plan out your job search strategy, take the time to set SMART goals before you move forward. These goals are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Realistic
- Timely
Setting SMART goals will help you better define and understand exactly what you need to do, when you need to do it, and how you will accomplish it. With SMART goals, you transform the abstract idea of “I want a job” into actionable goals like, “I will apply to three online marketing jobs before noon.”
Let’s look at another one. Suppose you’ve set a goal to network more. What does that mean to you exactly? Will you interact with a few posts on LinkedIn, go to a Chamber of Commerce event, or email an old coworker?
Try something like this instead: “I will expand my professional network by adding a minimum of three new contacts per week. I’ll work toward my goal by sending LinkedIn DMs, attending two networking events, and asking five members of my LinkedIn group for leads.”
Those precise, clear goals include measurable actions and timelines that help keep you accountable and on target. It’s easy to see at a glance if you’re going to meet your goal or need to adjust your focus a bit.
4. Think Achievements, Not Hours
As you’re logging and tracking your job search activities, you may be tempted to measure your progress in terms of time. Spending a few hours every day scrolling through job boards and applying to jobs that you’re “kind of” interested in might make you feel productive at first. But over time, you’ll likely find that you aren’t making any real progress toward accomplishing your job search goals and are wasting your time and efforts.
Instead, learn how to set goals that maximize your efforts and measure your achievements. Job boards are a great resource, but ensure you’re only applying to openings that you’re a great fit for. Alternatively, research companies to create a list of organizations you’re targeting. Then, use your networking efforts to find hidden jobs at those companies.
These goals measure your achievements, not how much time you spend searching for a job. They’re far more likely to help you connect with a job that you’re satisfied with as efficiently as possible.
5. Enlist Support
Your job search is most successful when it’s not a solo mission. Lean on a reliable friend, career coach, or mentor. Their outside perspective can spot things like being overly ambitious in your daily and weekly targets or not focusing enough on crucial networking efforts.
Turn to other professionals who do more than simply critique. They should wrap their advice in moral support and accountability. Those who are genuinely interested in your success will help you fine-tune your approach. Together, you can ensure your job search goals are achievable and ambitious.
6. Keep Them Visible
In our busy modern lives, out of sight can mean out of mind. Ensure your employment goal is the first thing you see in your workspace, setting a focused intention for your day. This simple act can help keep your core objectives at the top of your daily to-do list. This is especially true if you’re still employed in a poor job fit. Without visible goals, you might find yourself going through the motions, rather than making strides for a better future.
For best results, display your job search goals where you’ll see them every day. A vision board, a sticky note on your monitor, or a digital reminder can hold you accountable. Visibility translates to regular, gentle nudging toward your career aspirations.
7. Identify Potential Obstacles
It’s a fact of life. Hurdles are going to happen. While you can’t foresee all of them, brainstorming and planning ahead for any obstacles you can anticipate will be incredibly valuable in staying on track. For example, what if you don’t land your dream job? It can be easy to lose motivation. Anticipate these feelings so you’re better prepared to persevere and continue applying with resilience.
For instance, how will you deal with an interview that doesn’t go your way? Maybe you stumbled over your words or couldn’t connect with the hiring manager. Instead of dwelling, use it as a learning tool. Plan ahead by giving yourself time to take notes and analyze your interviews while they’re still fresh in your mind. You can pinpoint where you stumbled and practice those areas.
8. Let Go
The reality is that, while there are aspects of your job search you can control, there’s also just as much that you can’t control. To help you maintain progress toward your job search goals—and keep your job search motivation up—let go of the things you can’t control.
For example, if your goal is to connect with certain people at a company you want to work for, you may not be able to for reasons outside your control. Remind yourself that it’s OK, then keep working on your other goals.
9. Reward Yourself
The longer your job search lasts, the easier it is to doubt yourself and your ability to get a new role. That’s when you need to be your own biggest fan so you can keep your spirits up and push through to another win. Treat yourself to a small reward after completing a task, like fine-tuning your LinkedIn profile or submitting a tailored job application.
You don’t need to sacrifice your budget or time in a massive way. Instead, pair small rewards with routine tasks so they don’t become a burden. Perhaps it’s a walk in the park or sitting on your back deck for 10 minutes. You’ll return to your job search rejuvenated.
10. Reflect and Adjust As Needed
Ensure that you’re giving yourself time to reflect on your progress and tweak any of your strategies. Set aside time weekly to review what’s working and what’s not. Self-auditing allows you to pivot strategies and refine your approach.
Adjust your methods based on your weekly success. Tailor your resume a bit more thoroughly, tweak your communication style in your outreach, or expand your networking efforts. Adapting is key to ensuring your methods are up to date and you’re inching closer to your ideal remote job.
What Are SMART Goals for Your Job Search?
We touched on SMART goals earlier, but understanding the nuances of SMART goals is so essential that we’re going to dive a bit deeper here.
Crafting goals that fit the SMART framework ensures you’re not chasing after just any opportunity that appears. You’ll tailor your efforts to positions that genuinely match your skills and aspirations, which means you’re applying to jobs that can truly kick-start your career progression.
Setting SMART goals for getting a job helps ensure you focus on quality over quantity. You’ll invest your energy wisely, leading to a job search that’s both efficient and effective.
Consider an example of a SMART goal:
By the end of each week, for the next two months, I will have researched and applied to two remote graphic design jobs, ensuring my portfolio and application are tailored to each position’s requirements.
This is a specific, trackable, focused, and time-bound goal that will help move the needle for the job seeker.
Here’s another example:
I will enhance my marketability set by completing an online course in data analysis within the next three months.
Again, this goal hits all the targets. It’s very specific, trackable, focused, and time-oriented to help support the ultimate goal of a career change or new job.
10 Job Search Goals for Job Seekers
Understanding what a strategic approach to setting goals looks like, it’s time to define what your targets are.
1. Prioritize Job Satisfaction
When setting job search objectives, aim for roles that promise fulfillment beyond the paycheck. Evaluate what job satisfaction means to you. That might be aspects like company culture, salary, career development, or work-life balance. Let those job search goals guide your search.
Target positions that align with your personal and professional values. For instance, if creativity fuels you, aim for companies that champion innovative thinking. Or, maybe look for companies known for employee development and flexible work policies.
2. Dedicate and Schedule Time for Your Growth
Set aside specific hours each week for skill enhancement and career development. Mark it in your calendar as nonnegotiable “growth time” to learn new tools, read industry articles, or take online courses.
Regularly investing in your professional growth ensures you stay competitive and confident in your job search. Schedule these sessions during your peak productivity times to maximize the benefits.
3. Update Your Resume
Craft several variations of your resume that you can use to target several different job titles. Then, adjust your resume to the remote roles you’re targeting, using keywords and measurable outcomes.
Revisit your resume regularly—every month or with each new skill or accomplishment—to ensure it’s fresh and competitive. This habit helps you document accomplishments while they’re fresh in your mind.
4. Audit Your Online Presence
Before you dive into job applications, make sure your digital footprint sparkles. Set a goal to review your social media profiles and personal websites. Align them with the professional brand you want potential employers to discover.
Scrub any unprofessional content and update your profiles to reflect your current skills and job aspirations. Update privacy settings to hide personal profiles that don’t enhance your job search to ensure a positive first impression.
5. Strengthen Your Skills
Set a goal to enhance a key skill relevant to your desired job each month. Start with free online tutorials, courses from higher education sites, or webinars that offer certifications upon completion to make your resume stand out.
As you sharpen your abilities, update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your growing expertise. This alerts your network to your ongoing professional development and can open doors to new job opportunities.
6. Fine-Tune Your Elevator Pitch
Craft an elevator pitch that details your professional background, key skills, and the specific value you offer to employers. Keep it concise; aim for a duration of under one minute. This pitch should reflect your strengths and be tailored to opportunities that align with your target role.
Consistently practice your elevator pitch to ensure delivery is smooth and confident. Integrate it into your networking strategy and job interviews to make a strong impression. Regular rehearsal will make it second nature, so you’ll be ready to articulate your professional value proposition clearly and effectively.
7. Grow Your Professional Network
Set a goal to expand your professional network by connecting with at least two industry professionals each week. Bonus points if they work for one of your dream companies. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, attend virtual networking events, and reconnect with your alumni association. At this point, your goal should be relationship-building.
Nurture these new connections with meaningful interactions. Share and comment on industry-related content, engage in discussions, and offer your expertise. Remember, effective networking is reciprocal; always look for ways to provide value to your connections, rather than only looking for how they can support you.
8. Practice Interviewing
Commit to improving your interview skills by including mock interviews in your job search plan. Utilize online resources or ask a career coach to role-play as an interviewer. Focus on questions common in remote job interviews, and record yourself to review your responses and body language.
After each practice session, analyze your performance critically. Note any recurring weaknesses or areas of discomfort and work on them before the next mock interview. Consider feedback from peers or mentors as an opportunity to refine and perfect your interviewing technique.
9. Check In With References
Don’t let your references be taken by surprise when a hiring manager reaches out to them. Before you’ve listed them, reach out and touch base. Not sure who to ask? Choose individuals familiar with your work ethic and recent projects.
Provide your references with a copy of your current resume and brief them on the roles you’re applying for. This ensures they can give relevant, up-to-date endorsements that align with your job search goals, especially for remote positions. Keep them informed about your job search status and any potential employers who may call.
10. Organize Your Search
Make it a goal to organize your job search from the beginning. Use a digital tool or spreadsheet to track positions you’ve applied for, upcoming deadlines, and follow-up dates. This log should include notes on interactions with potential employers and any pertinent thoughts from those engagements.
Additionally, set aside a dedicated workspace and time slots for job search activities to foster a disciplined approach. Keep your job-related documents—such as tailored resumes, cover letters, and reference lists—easily accessible to streamline the application process.
Reaching Your Goals With FlexJobs
Whether you’re in the planning stage of your job search or you’re considering ways to infuse new energy into your current job search, setting goals is a powerful method to gain momentum in your job search. But remember, the quality of the goal you set can directly influence how and if you reach your goal.
Take the time to set SMART, well-defined goals and utilize support to land a job faster. If one of your goals is to find a flexible or remote job, consider using FlexJobs to get there faster. With a curated database full of verified remote and flexible job listings in over 50 categories, FlexJobs has something for every job goal, no matter how big or small.
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