Job searching can feel like a full-time job—yet many candidates spend that time on low-impact tasks (endless scrolling, random applications, vague networking). Here’s a simple 7-day system you can repeat weekly to stay focused, build momentum, and get more interviews without burning out.
The Core Idea: High-Intent > High-Volume
Instead of applying to 50 roles you might fit, focus on 10–15 roles you’re a strong match for—and support each with targeted outreach and smart follow-up.
Your 7-Day Job Search Sprint (Repeat Weekly)
Day 1: Target List + Job Alerts (60–90 min)
- Pick 10–20 target companies (not just titles).
- Set up job alerts for: your title, adjacent titles, and key skills.
- Create a simple tracker: role link, date applied, recruiter/hiring manager, follow-up date.
Day 2: Company Research That Actually Helps (45–60 min)
Before applying, learn just enough to tailor your angle:
- What does the company sell/build?
- What are their priorities this quarter? (press releases, product updates, earnings notes)
- What patterns show up in job posts? (tools, metrics, collaboration style)
Day 3: Tailor Your Resume (30 min per role)
Aim for tight alignment, not a full rewrite:
- Mirror keywords from the job description (truthfully).
- Move the most relevant bullets to the top.
- Add proof: metrics, outcomes, scope.
Quick check: Can a recruiter see your fit in 10 seconds?
Day 4: LinkedIn Positioning + Visibility (30 min)
- Update your headline to your target: “Role | Specialty | Outcome”
- Add a 2–3 line About focused on the problems you solve.
- Turn experience bullets into impact statements (problem → action → result).
Day 5: Outreach That Gets Replies (45 min)
Send 5–8 messages to humans connected to each role:
- Recruiter (if listed)
- Hiring manager
- Team members in the function
Message template (short + specific):
- 1 line: why you’re reaching out
- 1 line: relevant proof
- 1 question: a clear, easy-to-answer ask
Example:
- “Hi Maya—noticed you’re hiring a Data Analyst for the Growth team. I’ve supported lifecycle experiments that improved activation by 12%. Would you be open to a quick pointer on what success looks like in the first 90 days?”
Day 6: Apply + Follow-Up Plan (60 min)
- Apply to 3–5 roles max—but do them well.
- Schedule follow-ups:
- 48 hours after applying: note to recruiter/hiring manager
- 7 days: second follow-up or new contact
Day 7: Review + Adjust (20 min)
Look at your week like a funnel:
- Applications → responses
- Outreach → replies
- Interviews → next steps
If replies are low, improve your targeting and message specificity before sending more.
Small Shifts That Make a Big Difference
- Quality networking beats “coffee chats”: ask about role success criteria, team pain points, or priorities.
- Track everything: your future self will thank you.
- Use repetition: a repeatable system reduces decision fatigue.
What part of your job search feels most stuck right now—finding roles, getting responses, or converting interviews—and what have you tried so far?