How many hours a day should you devote to job search?

27 Comments

1. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 3:57PM UTC

   I personally was spending about 6 hours a day. Some days more, some days less. If would be good to create a plan. For example, the first 2 hours - screening new jobs, then updating you resume for positions you like and then submitting. And also plan for dedicated time to reach to your network. If you have a goal for the day and/or the week you would not feel that exhausted.

2. Cindy GrossFebruary 14,2023 at 5:07PM UTC

   Get really clear on what you truly want. Hiring managers love "passion" and clarity of purpose + a willingness to walk out if they don't offer you what you want looks like passion. #BefriendingDragons

3. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 5:13PM UTC

   Okay, so I’m in the middle of a job search currently. One of the things I’m doing is:

   Monday: spend a couple to a few hours searching for new positions and save them on the job boards, as I’ve noticed that’s when most new jobs are posted. I also have a list of companies that I’d like to work for, so I’ll also use this time look at their career sites to see if something opened up. If I see something that I know will get a lot of applications, I’ll pause my search and apply right away. I’ll also do a search of job boards later in the week for anything new that pops up.

   Then, for the rest of the week, I’ll block a couple of hours per day and apply to a few at a time.

   In this age of customizing resumes and cover letters for every little thing, it’s exhausting, and this seems to keep things on an even keel for me. It also helps me to take my time and review the job description and company so that I’m not just applying to anything that looks good. I’ll even devote some time over the weekend to apply to any stragglers left on the list.

4. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 6:19PM UTC

   Fantastic advice and strategy!

5. AnonymousFebruary 22,2023 at 7:25AM UTC

   Thank you! It’s rough out there, so you have to pace yourself, ha.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistFebruary 15,2023 at 3:36AM UTC

   As I recruiter with over 20 years high level recruiting experience, please help me understand this customizing every resume.

   Are you applying for wildly different positions?

7. AnonymousFebruary 16,2023 at 4:35AM UTC

   Hi Joan,

   So, I have two wildly different careers, haha. I have a “job that pays my bills,” with a good amount of experience, and I also do contract work on the side, also with a good amount of experience.

   I have been searching in both areas with separate resumes, but sometimes those areas cross over and utilize the same skill sets, hence me tailoring my resume a bit when something crops up (which, has been happening a lot lately, for some reason).

8. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistFebruary 16,2023 at 7:26AM UTC

   Ok - that makes sense in your case. I read this all the time - that I personalize every single resume that I send out. Which I really don't understand - your experience is your experience. Like I mentioned, unless you have significantly different positions like you that you're applying to, I don't understand how different those resumes could be. In my own last job search, I'd personalize one every once in a while but not every resume.GOOD LUCK in your job search!!

9. AnonymousFebruary 22,2023 at 7:24AM UTC

   Thank you!

10. AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 7:11PM UTC

    check out jonathanwordsofwisdom on instagram. His advice landed me a gig.

11. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistFebruary 15,2023 at 3:59AM UTC

    The first thing you need to know is that these days a job search is a marathon, not a sprint - so learn to pace yourself.

    I would say you need to be flexible in your search. It doesn't have to be the same number of hours every day. If you're finding tons of interesting jobs that day and you want to spend more time on your job search than you planned - go for it. If you're not finding a ton of jobs to apply to that day and want to knock off early - do it. Don't worry - LinkedIN and Indeed will still be there tomorrow. Most important thing - DON'T FEEL GUILTY. If you feel you need a break and just step away for a break for a day or two - take it. Again - don't feel guilty. That kind of defeats the purpose of taking a break.

    What have you done so far in your job search? Where do you have your resume posted? How often are you updating those profiles?

    Is your LinkedIn profile filled out and up to snuff? Do you have the green “open to work” banner on your LI profile and the other “open to work” indicator that recruiters with a LinkedIn Recruiter license can see?

    Are there specialty job sites you could be using? Do you have a degree? If so, are you utilizing the University's job site or alumni network?

    I highly recommend that you not get too invested in any given job until you are fairly far into the process with them. I read posts on here from folks who apply to "the perfect job" and then are crushed when they don't hear anything. You can make yourself crazy if you approach your job search that way.

    Apply, follow up as best you can, keep applying to other jobs and let it go. When you get an interview, do your research, be enthusiastic but don't take your foot off the gas. Keep applying and interviewing until you have a written offer letter in your hand

    I think managing the crushing disappointment that can come with a job search is one of the biggest challenges.

    And since you won't have to give notice, if you can afford to, take a week (or two?) before you start your new job so you start re-charged.

    It's a numbers game - all you need is just that one right company to say yes.

    Please let me know if you have any questions. GOOD LUCK!

12. AnonymousFebruary 15,2023 at 1:16PM UTC

    Treat the job search as a full time job. 40 hours of your time should be devoted in a job search, this could include some training classes or exercises that will enhance you as an person and employee.

13. Elizabeth WrenFebruary 15,2023 at 1:54PM UTC

    Focus on outcomes.
    Job hunting is hard. It is mentally draining. I was recently searching myself. I would recommend don’t put a constraint on yourself that doesn’t serve you. It could do quite the opposite and end up being demoralizing.

    Rather be goal oriented. Consider breaking down the job hunt subtasks to create your plan. For example, apply to x new jobs today. (This includes customizing your resume to each.) Network with at least two people at each of those companies per day. Spend x hours learning either topics that are job related or interview/job search related. Also don’t just apply to active jobs. Seek out companies that align to your goals and the mission/purpose speak to you. Then start networking with those folks as well. The “reverse job search” can be more time consuming so maybe plan to identify a few companies per week.

    Most of all be flexible and kind with yourself. Some days might feel better than others. So adjust accordingly. I hope that helps! Good luck!

14. Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertFebruary 15,2023 at 2:22PM UTC

    I love this question, as your mental energy is a precious resource to be conserved.

    Some unemployed people say that job search is their full-time job and put 40 hours a week into it. But that's too much if you are mentally drained by it. The thing is, most people waste a lot of time and emotional energy on searching for a job using ineffective and discouraging strategies. The biggest one I see is "one-click" applying for a bazillion jobs and feeling worse and worse with each rejection.

    Another bad strategy is not knowing exactly what you want and creating a resume and cover letter that try to be all things to all people. The third mistake I see is using a resume that is not competitive. It doesn't make you look accomplished and is just a list of things you've done. And the fourth mistake is that most people are overconfident about their interviewing skills and interview for job after job, when they could have gotten the first or second one if they'd been properly prepared by an expert.

    So the easiest way to approach this is to get the help you need to make your job search as fast as possible with the minimum impact on your self-esteem. And spend some time enjoying your break between job! Sure, you have to pay for professional help, but our clients get three times the average salary increase, so the return swamps the investment. If getting professional help appeals or if you just want to learn more self-help strategies that work, my website YESwriting is there for you. Best wishes!

15. AnonymousFebruary 15,2023 at 3:58PM UTC

    I would recommend keeping your day structured which includes excercise, preparing healthy meals and devote 6 hours each day during the week to your job search. Don’t get caught up just sending in your resume to any job posting. Not an efficient use of your time and you will get burnt out. Wishing you the best.

16. AnonymousFebruary 15,2023 at 4:35PM UTC

    I'm currently dealing with the same situation. I conduct my primary search until mid day, take a lunch break, check my email and then do something physical like going for a walk or exercise. That clears my head and moves my body instead of sitting around all day.

    Returning home, I check for new positions and follow up on any correspondence. Since jobs open and then close after receiving a certain number of applicants, I've missed out on opportunities even when putting together my resume.

    What I've learned through this long and grueling process is that you need to take time for yourself. I find creative writing, language lessons and exercise helps put me in a better mind frame. Please remember that it's not just you and that's hard to realize while being ghosted or rejected. Keep putting yourself out there and making connections. Good luck and above all, take care of yourself!

17. AnonymousFebruary 15,2023 at 4:44PM UTC

    Treat it like a full time job with the advantage of flexibility. Don't spend hours randomly applying. Devote hours to ensuring your resume and linkedin profile are top notch. Then go through your connections and do some targeted applications. It's draining to sit all day just sending out resumes. Focus your search first. Take advantage of being able to get out during the day for a couple hours. You'll land. It's just a matter of time.

18. AnonymousFebruary 15,2023 at 7:52PM UTC

    You are so right to be concerned about burnout.

    I only spend 3 hours per day 4x per week. I spent a great deal of time to get super clear on the job details, salary, remote and hybrid requirements for my life. Any more time spent is diminishing returns and burnout territory.

    I have a good feel for my sweet spot of effort and interviews. I'm getting to the end of the process of interviewing with several companies and expect offers soon. I've been actively searching for 6 weeks.

19. AnonymousFebruary 15,2023 at 9:22PM UTC

    I was laid off a few months ago. I wanted to add that while this has been a tumultuous time--it was been the best forced break I needed (and would have never taken myself). That said, I made a commitment to myself to have three "meetings a week". A meeting in my world has included a networking phone call with a former boss/peer/or interview. As I'm sure you're finding yourself, as soon as you ask people for help they gladly jump right in. This includes friends and family in addition to your professional connections.

    Another learning from this period of time off is to give yourself some grace when you need it. If you sleep in some days--do it! If you want to not open your laptop somedays at all, then don't open it! Enjoy time to self reflect and really think about what you want in your next chapter!

20. AnonymousFebruary 15,2023 at 11:12PM UTC

    I, too, am without a job and in search mode. I do treat my search like a full time job. Part of my time is looking for a position I want but I also tailor my resume to every job so that takes some of my time as well. I am searching in four different areas of my experience so I have to customize.

    That being said, some days (typically Mondays), there are not as many new opportunities posted so I allow myself to run errands or meet friends for lunch or happy hour. It is important to stay connected to your support circle.

    I have had days where a rejection has hit me hard because I really wanted to explore that job. I had a really bad day when a resume writer reached stating the were with and executive search firm, which they weren't. I was thrown because I was very excited to have a recruiter reach out to me to find out they were trying to sell me something. You will not put your best foot forward if you are burnt out so try to balance what you can. I'm rooting for you.

21. AnonymousFebruary 16,2023 at 4:18PM UTC

    I'm in the same situation and searching different areas due to my background. It's takes longer and I treat it like a full-time job. That being said, I've started to carve out time for exercise and creative pursuits. Some days I'll even treat myself to sleep in or take the afternoon off to visit family.

    You're not alone with the fake recruiter or coach. There are a lot of good ones out there but I'm leery now that I've been burned. I'm not the original poster but I wanted to wish you the best and good luck!

22. AnonymousFebruary 16,2023 at 1:40AM UTC

    Its all about balance. Shower, make coffee apply - spend no more than 2-3 hours per day researching and applying and tracking places to consider. The other hours of what would be a typical work day should be spent doing you. A hobby, reading, taking a class online, taking a walk. Balance it out don't let it be a new full time job as it will burn you out.

23. Crystal HowellFebruary 16,2023 at 10:55AM UTC

    I would get with a temp agency, and recruiter. It's free and let them look. You need a break.

24. AnonymousFebruary 16,2023 at 1:44PM UTC

    I love that this conversation is happening. I was out of work for four months, and while that's not a long time, trying to spend 8-hours a day on the job hunt was absolutely draining. I worked with a Career Coach who, although helpful with some aspects, couldn't see that I needed to spend fewer hours trying to make a job happen.

25. AnonymousFebruary 16,2023 at 2:30PM UTC

    Agreed. I think that's the rub. You can't make a job "happen" and all that effort will just burn you out so when the right opportunity presents itself you are so not at your finest. People get so desperate abd it shows but they don't think it does and can't understand their lack of offers for jobs that are a great fit.

    You optimize your chances and mental health by being organized and extremely fugal with your energy. Working more hours and applying to everything isn't going to help you. You just burn yourself out.

26. Stephanie Malcom, MBAFebruary 16,2023 at 4:39PM UTC

    Looking and applying for jobs is really a full time job. Try to research for a period of time then applying for a period of time. Use time management just like you would at a normal job.

27. Kristin BurnsFebruary 16,2023 at 11:04PM UTC

    i think 2 solid hours (maybe 4 25 minute pomodoro sessions, with 5 minute breaks in-between) each workday to research, apply and improve your info - like LinkedIn/other networking. Then break it up with some exercise, nature, friend/family time, organizing other areas of your life. I also like to travel between gigs if feasible, especially if you can still do that 2 hour daily search but spend time in a new area or with people you can't often visit.