1. Consider small

Of course, getting a job is your ultimate objective. The issue with that purpose is that it is quite wide, which also makes it a little ambiguous. Set smaller, more specific goals that contribute to the larger one in order to help you reach your ultimate goal (landing a job). You could choose to establish objectives like "update my resume" or "reach out to my network," for instance.

2. Find Clarity

Whatever kind of goals you set, the more clarity there is, the more likely you are to succeed. The same holds true when you create goals for your job search. Determine what you want to do and where you want to do it before you can make clear decisions about your job search objectives.

Are you attempting to change careers, advance in your current position, or make a lateral move, for instance? Do you want to stay in your current industry, go to one that is somewhat similar but not the same, or try something completely new? You can set clear goals by being aware of the precise answers to these (and other) questions.

3. Get SMART

Make sure your smaller, more specific goals are SMART as you set them. Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Timely You may better define and comprehend what needs to be done when it needs to be done, and how you will go about doing it by setting SMART goals.

Think about the objective of growing your professional network. Examine the specifics involved to identify the elements that will enable you to succeed, such as: "I will grow my professional network by inviting at least three new connections every month through cold messaging on LinkedIn, going to two networking events, and soliciting leads from five people in my present network." This specific, unambiguous objective has timeframes and quantifiable steps that can help you stay accountable and on course.

4. Focus on Results, Not Hours

You might be tempted to gauge your progress in terms of time when you create your goals and log and track your job search efforts. You might initially feel busy if you spend a few hours each day browsing job boards and applying to positions in which you're "kind of sorta" interested. But after time, you'll probably realize that your time and efforts are being wasted and that you aren't really moving forward with your job hunt. Set objectives that will maximize your efforts and track your progress instead.

Even though you can browse employment boards, only apply to positions where you'd be a perfect fit. Alternately, you may investigate businesses to compile a list of the places you'd like to work, then use networking to discover unlisted positions at those businesses. These objectives are significantly more likely to help you find a job that you're satisfied with as quickly as possible because they measure your accomplishments rather than how much time you spend looking for a job.

5. Recruit Assistance

Invite a reliable friend to assist you in your endeavors. They might be able to identify areas where you could improve your goal-setting, such as raising the bar for how many applications you submit each day or not giving networking enough attention.

6. Let Go

The truth is that while you may control some areas of your job hunt, there are just as many other factors that are beyond your control. Let go of the things you can't control in order to continue making progress toward your job search objectives (and to keep your job search motivation high).

For instance, you might not be able to contact specific individuals at a company where you wish to work due to circumstances beyond your control. Remind yourself that it's okay, and then carry on with your other objectives.

7. Give to yourself

While getting a new job is the ultimate goal, acknowledging accomplishments along the path might spur you on. After accomplishing the day's goals, the notion of unwinding with a favorite television program and a hot cup of coffee can be all the motivation you need to finish your checklist! One by One You can achieve your job search objectives and land a position that fulfills every item on your must-have list by setting tiny, tangible, SMART goals.