Why You Don’t Have Time To Find A Job

You’re busy. How can you possibly find a new job when you consistently have a million things to do?

Image by Elnur

The difficult thing about searching for a job is it’s not just a one-and-done endeavor. It’s a process that builds momentum over time that requires regular maintenance; another task to add to your overflowing list. No wonder you don’t have time to find a job.

However, there are a few ways you can integrate your job search into your life by using tools and discovering opportunities you may not have seen before. Here are some reasons you haven’t had the time to find a job, and how you can overcome them:

You believe online job search platforms are a waste of time

Many job seekers sign up for job search sites, but few invest regular time in them like they would a social media profile, for example.

Fill out your profile completely and take advantage of all of the features. If the platform allows, upload your resume, or create a personal marketing campaign you can print or email. Then, visit the site regularly to view new posts, apply for jobs, and communicate with employers.

You think social media is for your social life only

Social media has opened up our world in terms of connecting us with friends, family, and strangers on a global scale. Just think of what it could do in terms of your job search.

According to a Nielsen Social Media report, 22 percent of time online is spent social networking. So, we spend a lot of time looking at other people’s lives. If we can do that, why not take some of that time to look at available jobs and meet professionals?

I admit, it’s hard to look away from your news feed filled with pictures of baby animals and the latest articles morphing celebrity faces together. But, if this is where your time is solely spent, you won’t have time to find a job that could change your life for the better.

You didn’t realize your phone is your sidekick for your job search, too

If you’re part of the 79 percent of people who reach for their phone upon waking in the morning, you might consider it your life sidekick. What you might not have realized is it can be your sidekick specifically for your job search too. You can either use job search mobile apps, or your phone’s web browser for the job seeker platforms like ours.

Search for jobs on your phone while you are on your coffee break at work, standing in a long line, riding as a passenger to an event, or even first thing in the morning as part of your wake up routine. Use little moments of time you would normally use to scroll through Instagram or Pinterest throughout the day to look for jobs instead.

You don’t schedule job search time in your calendar

With everything moving so fast, it seems impossible to find downtime among the dozens of priorities in your calendar every day. Having the time to find a job requires making the time.

Schedule regular time once a day or once every few days to spend on your job search. Be specific to help keep you accountable. Outline the tasks you will accomplish, such as uploading your resume, editing your about me section, or messaging three hiring managers.

In many ways, the results of your job search depend on how much effort you put forth. Work through the roadblock of not having enough time by making your job search a priority and using tools to help you keep up with your search.

What are some other reasons you haven’t had time to find a job? What are some ways you can search for a job on a tight schedule? Share with us in the comments below!