Manage your time during your job search

We've all heard that "finding a job is a full-time job," but what is the most effective way to manage that time? For most job seekers, the goal is to find the best job as quickly as possible, but it can be difficult to implement this plan every day.

To make the most of valuable time, below are recommendations on expediting the process so job seekers can stop searching and start working.

n Make a plan. Take some time to think about all the ways that you could get hired, and brainstorm all the different avenues of finding a job. Include a list of potential target companies to research, social media sites to use, recruiters to contact, people who may know someone who is hiring, online job boards, job fairs and networking and industry events.

n Prioritize job search methods. Evaluate which job search methods are most important by thinking about what is more likely to lead you to the right job. For example, the greatest number of prospects who might actually be able to hire you will likely be at an industry event rather than at a job seekers' networking event.

n Apply to the right positions. Honestly assess your skills to determine the best job postings to apply to. Jeffrey Greenberg, director of career services at DeVry University in Philadelphia, recommends focusing on the job postings where you have the right skills.

"Fight the urge to apply to any and every job posting you find. Instead, target those that best align with your qualifications, and focus on creating a good balance of quantity and quality of your applications," Greenberg said.

n Focus on connecting with people. Network with people who are in your industry, and reach out to contacts at sensible times. Make calls first thing in the morning or right at the end of the day, and save online research for off hours. Don't waste business hours online when you could be reaching out to people.

n Focus your activities. Don't get lured into watching TV or surfing the net . Work with purpose and intention, and be conscious of your goal in every activity you do. Having clarity about what you need to accomplish will help you maintain your focus.

Having said all that, we recognize that a job search can be emotionally draining, so be sure to incorporate small things to lift your spirits. Take some time to volunteer or talk to a friend. .

For more insights and useful job-search tools , visit CareerIgniter at http://careerigniter.msn.com/.

Courtesy NewsUSA