Simplify Your Job Search with To-Do Lists
The job search can be a difficult process. Looking at job boards, writing resumes and attending interviews takes time and energy. Preparing a to-do list, which is a list of tasks that need completion, can reduce job search stress by simplifying the process.
Why to-do lists are helpful for the job search
When faced with many tasks, you may not know where to start. To-do lists are helpful when you’re looking for work because they break down the single task of finding a job into smaller sub-tasks. The other benefits of to-do lists include:
- Improved understanding of tasks required
- Visual progress tracking
- Satisfaction of checking off each completed task
- Ability to divide tasks across days or hours
- Burnout prevention
- Customizable
How to write a to-do list
Take a second and write down all the steps required for your job search. This list may start small but can expand over time as tasks are further broken down into subtasks. For example, the first step on your to-do list may be writing a cover letter. The subtasks could include writing an outline, writing a rough draft and editing.
Next, decide the length and detail of your to-do list. How detailed you make the list is your decision, as the size of your to-do list can vary based on your needs.
Also consider whether you prefer digital or physical to-do lists. If you like sticky notes and physically checking off boxes, then physical to-do lists may work best for you. However, if you enjoy notifications and easier customization, then digital to-do lists may work better.
To-do list techniques
- Ranked to-do lists
The ranked to-do list can help you identify where to begin. There are many ways to rank your tasks. One method involves ranking based on urgency and the time required for completion. Keep in mind that you may need to complete certain tasks before others. Also consider whether you prefer to do the hardest or easiest task first. For some, starting with the hardest task may be overwhelming. While others gain greater satisfaction by getting the hardest task out of the way first.
- Time blocking and to-do lists
Time blocking is scheduling tasks throughout the day to ensure a balance of rest and work. Once your to-do list is complete, you can assign tasks to time blocks throughout your day. The blocks can include tasks from a to-do list, scheduled breaks and other daily activities. This method also allows you to focus on one thing at a time which reduces unnecessary multitasking.
- Pomodoro Technique and to-do lists
If you struggle with time management, the Pomodoro Technique can be helpful. It was inspired by tomato-shaped kitchen timers. This explains the name, as pomodoro is Italian for tomato. The Pomodoro Technique uses timers to set short periods of time for work followed by shorter periods of rest. Each repetition of work and rest is called a pomodoro. You can even assign to-do list tasks to each pomodoro to measure the time needed to complete each task. Typically, the working period is 25 minutes, and the rest period is five minutes. After four repetitions of work and rest, there is a longer 15-minute break. The Pomodoro Technique’s short time periods are a great tool to tackle procrastination and perfectionism.
Not sure what job-search tasks to put on your to-do list? Check out these WorkBC pages for inspiration: