Job hunting will always be stressful, especially in times like these, but there are ways to reduce stress and shorten your search. Success is a matter of knowing what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. Here are three steps to supercharge your search for a new job.

STEP 1 ASSUMES THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

There are dozens of small steps in a successful job search campaign. Many of them will lead to nothing, but each will increase the momentum of your quest…and it is momentum that ultimately leads to success. Success is attracted to speed! Focus on the big picture and commit to acquiring the right tools, developing a plan, and executing the plan relentlessly until you’ve received an offer you like. Remember, even in a bad market, you can still find good job openings and get interviews, if you do it the right way.

STEP 2 GATHER THE RIGHT TOOLS

A paper resume, an electronic resume, good cover letters, resume cards, marketing lists, and a plan. These are the tools you will use.

A resume is probably your most important tool, so keep in mind that no resume is better than a bad one. If possible, have your resume, both paper and electronic, prepared by a professional resume writer (not a typist).

Resume cards are just as important, as they can go places where your resume alone never could. They can open new doors and pave the way for your résumé to be read…which must be done to land interviews and job offers. Professional resume cards are opportunity stalkers!

A targeted marketing list, mostly researched and developed online, is best described as a list of employers who aren’t necessarily advertising new positions, but are known to employ people with your experience and skills. This list is your path to the invisible (hidden) job market.

You should also compile a list of networks (previous supervisors, peers, clients, your banker, insurance agent…all the professionals in your field with whom you have good relationships). Next comes your list of personal references, the placement (employment) agencies you’ll contact, the websites you’ll use to post your resume and check for job openings, plus the newspapers you’ll follow for job ads and find out about the creation of new businesses or expansions

Lastly, we come to your self-marketing plan. Without a comprehensive, written job search plan that you commit to, you’ll do one thing today, another tomorrow, and maybe nothing the next. Consequently, you won’t build momentum, leading to a lot of frustration and a lengthy job search. The job search must be a full-time job if you are unemployed and a regular part-time job otherwise.

Develop a formal schedule for daily/weekly job search activities, giving highest priority to tasks, such as calling, that must be done during normal business hours. Computer and administrative work can be done at night or, as weather permits, during the day. Any job search needs to be flexible, as there will be job fairs, networking events, interviews with employers, and other important functions that require time away from your desk…however, it’s just as important to keep up with your search plan of employment.

STEP 3 EXECUTE YOUR PLAN

Start networking daily, applying online, posting your resume, handing out resume cards, answering ads, generally following your formal job search plan. There are two important rules when applying online or mailing your resume to a potential employer: First, visit and study their website so you’ll be equipped to write a compelling cover letter. Second, follow the employer’s posted application instructions exactly as directed. Keep meticulous notes on all contacts and follow up with each one with a phone call, note or email. Stay in control by working your various lists into sections.

The secret is to keep working the weekly schedule until you are hired in a new position. Never break your momentum waiting for news of a job interview. Send thank you notes to interviewers and get back to work.