"I've applied to no less than about 100 jobs. I know this because I have a spreadsheet." Attorney, on a free Huntr support call

🏠 The Ultimate Job Search Guide

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Your first 4 weeks, step by step. Block 2.5 to 10 hours a week for applications: 10 to 20 a week at 15 to 30 minutes each, or 30 minutes to 2 hours a weekday. Hiring timelines vary, so adjust as you go. Move interview prep forward as soon as an interview appears.

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If you were just laid off

Start here, before week 1. These are the steps most people skip.

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1. In the first hour: get the terms in writing, and don't sign yet.

• Ask for your layoff letter and the severance terms in writing.
• Ask for time: "I'd like 48 hours to review the paperwork before I sign anything."
• Take time to grieve. A day or 2 won't hurt your search. </aside>

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2. Negotiate your severance. Most people don't know they can.

• You have leverage. Companies offer severance in part to protect themselves from legal claims. The release you sign is what they get in return.
• Ask, unless they've told you the offer is final.

Things to ask for:

• More weeks of pay
• Health coverage, or help paying for it
• Your bonus and unused time off
• Agreed reference language

If you're 40 or older, US law gives you at least 21 days to consider the offer (45 in a group layoff), and 7 days to take it back after you sign. For anything complex, a 1-hour call with an employment lawyer is worth it.

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3. File for unemployment in your first week. Many people qualify and don't know it.

• Most people never apply. In 2022, only 26% of unemployed people who had worked in the past year applied for benefits.
• Why they skipped it: 55% thought they weren't eligible, and 17% expected to be back at work soon.
• Searches run long. Plan for 3 to 4 months.

How to file:

• Check your state's rules in the Labor Department's unemployment benefits finder.
• Have your layoff letter and last pay stub ready.
• File now. A late claim can cost you weeks of benefits. </aside>

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4. In your first week: map your people. A referral is your best shot at an interview. In Ashby's data:

• Referrals were under 1% of applications.
• But 40% of referred applicants reached an interview.
• Referrals made up about 18% of hires.

Don't stop at friends and family. Weak ties, people you know a little, often help most. More in Networking and referrals. List:

• Former coworkers and managers
• Classmates and fellow alumni
• People you met at events and trade shows
• LinkedIn connections you've talked with, even once, in the past 2 or 3 years

Write down where each one works now, and check those companies for open roles. Start with the places where you have an in.

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5. Fix your resume before you reach out. A referral gets your resume read, but your resume still has to show you fit. Get your resume in shape first, so you have something strong to share. See Write your resume.

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After that, the rest of the search looks like anyone else's. Start week 1 below. For more on the first days, see my contribution to SUCCESS.

Week 1: Choose a target and build your evidence

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• [ ] Write down your limits and 1 target role. See Plan your search.
• [ ] Compare 3 current job posts and note the repeated requirements.
• [ ] Start a master record of projects, duties, results, and work samples.
• [ ] Build a clear base resume in a readable format (see our resume format study), and match your LinkedIn profile to it.
• [ ] Set up Huntr's free job tracker, job alerts, and an employer list from the Hidden Job Market list.
• [ ] Tell 5 people what you're looking for. </aside>

Week 2: Apply and reach out

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• [ ] Tailor each application using facts from your master record.
• [ ] Search several sources: Google job search, niche job boards, and company websites.
• [ ] Reconnect with people who know your work, and make specific asks.
• [ ] Save each resume version, job post, and next step.
• [ ] Practice your introduction and 5 stories. </aside>

Week 3: Find the bottleneck

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• [ ] Work out your interview rate: interviews ÷ applications.
• [ ] Compare by source, target role, and resume version.
• [ ] Ask someone you trust to review 3 real applications.
• [ ] Change 1 important thing so you can learn from the result.
• [ ] Follow up 3 days after applying, up to 2 times. </aside>

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Below 5% after 2 weeks? Find your problem in Where are you stuck?

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Week 4: Keep what works and adjust