Learn HOW TO WRITE A RESUME : HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER : HOW TO LAND A JOB
How many hours a day to spend on Job Search for the unemployed?

What are some good guidelines and what to do with that time (networking v. cold call v. internet search, etc.)?

Image taken on 2009-09-30 00:00:43. Image Source. (Used with permission)


Related posts:

  1. How many hours of the week during a job search do you spend waiting for return calls?
  2. Which IRS Schedule to use for deducting airfare and hotel expenses for job search if you’re unemployed?

3 Responses to “How many hours a day to spend on Job Search for the unemployed?”

  1. tryingtohelp says:

    It of course depends if you have kids or not. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to spend 4 or more hours a day. The best thing you can do is make sure your resume and cover letter match with the job that you’re applying for. Don’t give up!

  2. ckgillis_99 says:

    If you are out of work your new full time job is looking for a job. That means 40 hours a week. If you want a job don’t rest until you have one.
    First thing to realize: most jobs are found through personal reference – not want ads, the internet, corporate jobs, etc. That means you have to network. Get your resume together and have the smartest person you know review it. Then give a copy to everyone you know and ask them to help you in your career search. You will be amazed at how many people are just a degree or two away from you. Join a networking group, either online or in your community. Attend job fairs. Continue to do the traditional things – post your resume on all the jobs sites online, search the want ads, and cold call places – jsut don’t get discouraged. Make a notebook of your progress, document everything.
    Spend your entire day looking for a new job. Why? Because everyone else who is looking for a job is doing the same thing you are. The workplace is very competitive. I had 500 applicants for a receptionist position. 500! When it comes down to brass tacks it is very hard to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Spend some money and buy a nice interview outfit. Think about it – you are looking for a job that will be your sole source of income – your home, your health, your family, your future – everything depends on your ability to make a living. Knowing that, take the search seriously and take a long term view. Ask yourself this: where will I be in one year, in five years, and in ten years.
    Hang in there and good luck.

  3. joan_mershon says:

    The rule of thumb is to spend as much time looking for work as you woudl spend working – if you are looking for a 40 hour/week job, you should spend 40 hours a week in “job search” activities.

    Only some of that will be in actually filling out applications. Target your efforts to the activities that are most effective:
    Ads – 5% (2hr/wk)
    Agencies – 5% (2hr/wk)
    Online – 4% (2hr/wk)
    Targeted Mailing – 8% (3hr/wk)
    Networking – 31% (12hr/wk)
    Cold Calling – 47% (19hr/wk)