5 Ways to Add Consistency to Your Job Search

Before I get to my five ways to add consistency to your job search, I have a story to share.

I have a small abdominal separation right above my navel. It's extremely frustrating because I have to be cognizant of pulling my abs together for most of my waking hours. This is the slow and arduous process of healing connective tissue.

Prior to discovering this separation, I was having pain start up to two days after a workout. I thought it was something more digestive-related, but when I started monitoring my habits, I noticed that it was tied to intense situps, Russian twists, and other ab movements.

I have a physical therapist friend who confirmed that it was indeed a deep separation of the diastasis recti, probably caused by pregnancy many years ago. She said I would have to practice consistent posture exercises and avoid some of the exercises I regularly did in my functional fitness classes. I was really good at it for about 6 weeks.

And then I got busy, forgetting to do the work that made me better. I started having pain again and started my healing routine over. I didn't want to do it, but I knew I needed it. It's been about 8 weeks since I got serious about it, and I'm noticing more tone and less discomfort.

I had my friend check it recently, and I've reduced the gap by more than half. I still have some work to do, but I'm on the other side of the worst of it as long as I stay consistent.

I'm telling my story about my abs because I want to remind those of you searching for a new role that consistency pays off. Those little efforts add up to big results.

Here are five ways you can add consistency to your job search:

  1. Evaluate job postings with the 70 - 80% lens. This means, don't apply for jobs where you don't meet at least 70% of the qualifications. I know that sounds a bit harsh, but it's a waste of your time if you don't meet the requirements. You'll get better at this as you start learning how to read the posts quickly.
  2. Make sure you spend 10 - 15 minutes tailoring your resume before you apply. This really does matter. If you take the list of requirements and make sure that language appears in your resume, you will get much better results.
  3. Spend time networking each day. I'm talking about 15 minutes. Send messages to people you know and people you want to know. I have some conversation starters listed at the bottom of this article.
  4. Make a company list and work it. I'm not kidding about this. If you want to break into a field, grow in a new type of role, or expand your job search reach, make a company list. You're looking for companies that excite you, have a culture you can relate to, and seeking connections inside those companies. You can't work somewhere until you know they exist. Now, let them know you exist.
  5. Do something that brings you joy when you burn out. Job searching is hard and you're on for most of the day when finding a job is your full-time job. Take a walk, color with your kids, or call a friend. When you're brain works hard, it needs play to process all that work. Don't take my word for it - read this.

Scripts for Connecting Without Looking Shady

Want more job search insights? Follow me at ProPolish and reach out if you need strategy session? I offer a free 30-minute resume review and clarity session at Calendly.com/propolish/free.