How to find a job: a plan for the next 30 days
By Justin KullaLast updated
Week 1: decide what you are going for
- Pick one to three target roles and the kind of employer you want. A search for “anything” is hard to explain and hard to help.
- Read ten postings for those roles and list the skills and results they repeat.
- Write your one-paragraph pitch: who you are, what you do best and the kind of role you want.
- Set your weekly schedule and a simple way to track it.
Week 2: get ready to be found
- Update your résumé for the target roles, with results in numbers.
- Rewrite your LinkedIn headline and summary to name the role you want, and turn on the setting that tells recruiters you are open to work.
- Make a list of 30 to 50 people who could help: former colleagues, bosses, clients and peers.
Weeks 3 and 4: apply and talk to people, both
- Apply to a handful of well-matched roles each week, on the employer’s own site, with your résumé adjusted to the posting.
- Reach out to several people on your list each week: ask for a short conversation, not a job.
- Tell recruiters in your field what you want and send each a short note.
- Follow up on every application and every conversation. Most searches stall at the follow-up.
How long it takes
A job search for a professional role usually takes months, not weeks, and longer at senior levels. A plan that keeps you moving every week matters more than any one application. If it has stalled, our guide on why a search stalls shows what to check.
If you were just laid off
Do the paperwork first (benefits, unemployment, severance), then start this plan. The first 72 hours checklist covers it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a job fast?
Narrow to one to three target roles, get your résumé and profile ready for them, and apply and network at the same time every week. Speed comes from a clear target and steady follow-up.
Where do I start when looking for a job?
Decide which roles you are going for, then update your résumé and LinkedIn for them. Start conversations with people you know before you start applying widely.
How many jobs should I apply to a week?
A handful of well-matched ones, tailored to each posting, plus several conversations. Quality and follow-up matter more than volume.
How long does it take to find a job?
For professional roles, usually a few months. It tends to take longer at senior levels, so plan your money for the length.
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