Journaling

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    Writing in a journal might not sound like much of a job search technique, but people who kept a log of their job search find it one of the best techniques they employed during their exploration. Many will think of journaling and images of “Dear Diary” may be conjured, and they will dismiss the concept as elementary. When done correctly, keeping a journal can help you avoid repeating mistakes, increase your efficiency, and keep you energized during your job search.

    The Job Search Journal:

    • Each day, or couple of days, make an entry into your journal. It is important not to let too much time go by between entries.
    • Write about what you have been doing in your job search since your last entry. It is important to be specific (# of contacts, names of companies and people, etc.).
    • Include your evaluation of your progress and outreach. What has been going well, what needs additional attention, and your goals for the upcoming days. Again, being specific and honest in your evaluation is essential to making this a useful job search tool.
    • Periodically review your entries to evaluate your progress toward goals and to verify you are completing tasks that you have set.

    Benefits:

    • The job search can be depressing; keeping a journal helps you see that you are making progress each day, week, etc. Instead of focusing on what you do not have (a job) – you will be able to reference what you have done.
    • Eliminate missed opportunities; by writing down your daily goals and “to-do” lists, you will eliminate the chance of forgetting to follow up with a contact or apply for a position.
    • Evaluation; journaling will allow you to review what has been working and what techniques are not worth your effort. If your job search techniques are producing zero results – you need to make a change.
    • Preparation for the future; journaling your job search will help you in the future as you will probably have another job search again before you retire. Use this as a reference guide, a home-made “Job Searching for Dummies” book if you will! Remember, those who do not learn for today’s mistakes are doomed to repeat them in the future.