To know something and to do something are not the same.
Too often, I see job seekers take shortcuts or avoid doing things they don’t want to do.
Job search is hard work.
You know what you need to do to find a new job. But sometimes you don’t do everything you need to do.
Job search requires doing things you don’t want to do or don’t know how to do. Sometimes, but not often, you get lazy or try to take shortcuts.
And when you don’t do the right things it hurts your job search in the long run.
I truly believe that 90% of job search is having the right mental outlook.
Sometimes you have to trick yourself into doing things. Sometimes you just need a reminder.
So I put together this list of things most job seekers know (or should know) but don’t put into action (unless really pushed).
Know and Do These Things
- Conduct a self-assessment of skills, talents, and abilities.
- Produce a resume that contains action/result statements.
- Customize every resume for every job you apply to.
- Write a well-researched cover letter.
- Find a job posting then network with company insiders before you apply.
- Develop a list of target companies.
- Create and USE a marketing plan.
- Network 60+% of the time.
- Build a meaningful LinkedIn profile.
- Learn how to use LinkedIn.
- Constantly maintain your network.
- Follow up on networking leads quickly.
- Don’t ask for a job while networking.
- Practice interviewing.
- Research the company and people you’ll be interviewing with.
- Develop a “Plan B”
- Cut and manage expenses.
- Learn about new occupations and industries.
- Be positive.
- Don’t appear desperate.
Sure, you know all this…but do you ALWAYS follow these guidelines?
Embrace them, master them. You will be more successful than most job seekers if you actually DO these things.
Does it seem overwhelming?
Prioritize the actions that will have the biggest bang for the buck. (Hint, anything to do with networking will reap the greatest rewards.)
Remember, your search for a new job will take longer than you want. Pace yourself, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
And please, find someone to hold you accountable to do the right things for your job search.

Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.