10 Tips to Win The Procrastination Game During Your Job Search

I think getting involved in community events, whether you're volunteering or joining a business organization like your local Chamber of Commerce, can definitely increase networking opportunities. In addition, you may discover new career options or fields of interest. You may discover that you want/need to go back to school or you may want to embark on different career path after listening to a talk by a local business person or after participating in a volunteer or community event. Learning more about what you want in a new job can help you focus more on finding that job rather than procrastinating.

Thanks for the comments. @Erin it could be that being more active will lead to less procrastination. However, in my experience, one who procrastinates has done it all of their lives and will probably not stop. Volunteering opportunities seem to get a person to think outside of themselves and sometimes this helps to lessen the trait.

I have to agree with Kellen about procrastination and volunteering. How does that help with procrastination? I agree with the author that it could lead to the development of other skills and the socialization part is great, too. Do you think that the author was trying to make the point that being more active or involved could help to end procrastination?

Thank you for the comments. I like the idea of engaging in volunteer work to help others with your skills as you await to clinch that coveted job. I believe prospective employers would be so impressed if voluntary activities feature prominently in an employee's profile. This could actually give you a head start in the interview.

I love the tip about refining your brand. Many people think that branding is strictly reserved for businesses, when in fact it's a great way to define yourself as well. Once you've figured out who you are from a job-search perspective, the next step is self promotion. Don't be afraid to market your best characteristics to prospective employers: those are the traits that'll get you hired.

Unless you want to work in a related industry, I really don't think volunteering will help you land a job. If I am trying to find a job as a mechanic, volunteering at the local homeless shelter is not going to help me with that goal. I suppose it's better than sitting at home and procrastinating, but I wouldn't include this on a list about "winning the procrastination game."

Thanks for the comments. @Jacob in years past that might have been true but today, it's expected. Never to late to start networking whether you do so through Beyond or another site or you do it in person. @Stephani there are many places that can help you with your resume including the Resume Writing Service that is offered at Beyond. Check around your local area for resume writing services - maybe even through your local library or through your alma mater if you attended college. If both of these are not a viable option for you, take the time to review some of the samples on the Internet for your desired position and use them as GUIDE - not as your own. Once you start writing, you will see that there is nothing to fear. Best of luck.

If you don't have a well-developed professional network, either online or in the local area, is it too late to build and lean on that when you are already unemployed? It kind of seems like if the first time you show you up is to hint that you could use work, potential mentors and employers might find that bit callow.

I appreciate the advise. My concern id the content of my resume is great its just not written well. The same for my cover letter. Any input would be great. Stephani

The best thing I did during an extended job search was to stay busy. On a day or two when I didn't feel like looking for a job, I did some temp work where I received pay for the day I worked. I didn't earn much at the temp jobs, but I did something that paid for my labor. Even though it was just $50 to $60 bucks a day, the temp job helped clear my mind. That time at ordinary jobs gave me ideas about my own job search and career as my mind drifted to other things during mundane tasks.

Thanks for the comments. @Abbey the motivation to stick to a plan is as individual as we are. It depends upon what you want, where you are in the process and what your end goals may be. Do you really want to find that next great position? There's a great motivator. Do you have bills piling up but no income to pay them? Another great motivator to keep you on track. Scheduling your time truly is a great way to manage and keep you from procrastinating. Keeping a to-do list is another great way. It's so satisfying to cross things off on the list knowing that you have accomplished your goals for the day. However, if you are the type who procrastinates and then tries to blame everyone else of everything else for not accomplishing those goals, maybe you need an accountability partner. Your partner or a friend would work. Send them your to-do list or your schedule and ask them to keep you accountable. And let them know that you are happy to repay the favor. Some of us just need a push from an outside source to keep us motivated and moving.

These are all really great tips. I especially like the idea of scheduling your time, and I understand the need to create and keep a schedule to stay on track. What are some good tips to keep you motivated to stick with the schedule you plan out? What things can you do to ensure you don't deviate from the schedule and get off track?

@Catherine, I agree. We tend to avoid things we don't enjoy doing. For me that's customizing my resume. I am learning not to worry as much about a perfect resume, focus more on pitching employers on why you're the perfect fit instead. I also agree with breaking up activities into smaller tasks. As the article shows, job hunting involves various activities. So it's not just about writing resumes. You could be out and about enjoying yourself in real time while also doing activities that can lead to a job offer.

In my experience, planning a schedule is one of the most helpful strategies to combat procrastination, especially when fear or hesitance is what is stopping you from completing tasks. I usually create an hourly schedule to keep me on track. It also helps to incorporate 10 minute breaks within the schedule to refresh.

Thanks for the comments. @Katharine I am the same way - schedules and to-do lists are my way of life. Should you do a 9-5 search? That is an individual judgment call. You know your own circumstances. It does help to keep you disciplined but you sure will get burnt out quickly. I recommend breaking the day up into manageable segments. Such as so many hours for searching new jobs; so many for responding to the postings including modifying my resume and cover letter for each position; so many for doing follow ups from my job spreadsheet and so on. Or you could decide, upfront, that you will apply for so many jobs per day. If that takes from 9-5 then that's what is needed for you. But if that only takes a few hours then maybe you get to play hooky for the rest of that day. Discipline is good but it's not worth it if it backfires and you dread sitting down to do your job search because you are burnt out! Happy balance will make life so much easier!

Procrastination is the worst! When I was looking for a job in the past year it took me weeks to finish perfecting my resume because I dreaded doing it. One suggestion that really helps me when I'm procrastinating is too break up daunting tasks into smaller components and commit to doing one or a few each day. This makes the task less overwhelming and gives you a sense of accomplishment when you meet your goals and start making progress in looking for a job.

Love this article! I need a schedule for everything or else I'm miserable. Do you recommend a 9-5 workday of job searching? It can be overwhelming, but on the other hand, the self-discipline it imposes would likely be helpful.