Job searching can feel like a full-time job—without the structure. If you’re applying everywhere and hearing nothing back, the fix usually isn’t “apply more.” It’s apply smarter, with a repeatable system.

Below is a practical 2-week job search framework you can run on repeat (and tailor to your schedule).

Week 1: Target + Position (Clarity wins)

1) Pick a focused “target role”

Recruiters skim for fit fast. Help them help you by choosing one primary role (and optionally one adjacent).

• Target role: e.g., Data Analyst (Product)
• Adjacent role: e.g., Business Analyst
• Industry focus (optional): Fintech, Healthcare, B2B SaaS

2) Create a short target company list (15–25)

This keeps you from doom-scrolling job boards.

• 5 “reach” companies
• 10 “match” companies
• 5 “fast movers” (smaller firms that hire quickly)

3) Tune your resume for signal, not style

Aim for one strong base resume plus light tailoring per application.

• Use the job description to mirror keywords (tools, domain terms)
• Lead bullets with outcomes: “Improved X by Y% by doing Z”
• Add a “Skills” section only if it’s relevant and specific

Week 2: Apply + Network (Momentum wins)

4) Use the 3-2-1 daily rule (30–60 minutes)

A simple daily cadence keeps things moving:

• 3 targeted applications (only roles you’d actually take)
• 2 networking touches (alumni, former coworkers, hiring managers)
• 1 follow-up (on a prior application, message, or recruiter thread)

5) Write outreach messages that earn replies

A strong message is brief, specific, and low-friction.

Template (copy/paste):

• “Hi [Name]—I’m exploring [role] roles and saw your work on [team/project]. I’m especially interested in [specific detail]. Would you be open to a 10-minute chat this week? Happy to work around your schedule.”

6) Track your funnel like a project

Use a simple spreadsheet or Notion board with:

• Role + link + date applied
• Referral/contact name
• Follow-up date
• Status (Applied → Screen → Interview → Offer)

Quick self-audit (if you’re not getting interviews)

• Are you applying to roles that match your last 1–2 job titles?
• Do your first 3 bullets show measurable impact?
• Are you reaching out to humans before or within 24 hours of applying?

If you run this for 2 weeks, you’ll get clearer data: is the issue targeting, resume signal, or networking volume.

Which part of your job search feels hardest right now—targeting roles, resume tailoring, or getting responses from networking/outreach?