The discipline of writing something down
is the first step toward making it happen.
– Lee Iacocca

Have you ever heard that writing down a goal is the best way to make it happen?  It’s true. It’s part of the power of positive thinking and optimism.  It sets it in your subconscious so that you take action.

Of course, your job search goal is a job–but it will help you to break down that goal into smaller ones.  Reach the smaller goals to get to the bigger one.  What should you write down as job search goals today?

What are good goals to write down?

I will quantify my resume.  Quantifying your resume will grab attention from employers and make them excited to speak with you. 

I will contact 10 (or another number) of hiring managers every day.  You are more likely to get interviews by contacting decision makers directly (rather than going through HR with an online application).

I will reach out to 10 (or another number) of people in my network.  You will get job leads from contacting people you know.  You never know who they know or what they may have heard. 

I will update my LinkedIn profile.  Recruiters and hiring managers search LinkedIn for candidates every day–and a great profile will attract their attention and get them to contact you.

I will join 50 industry-related groups on LinkedIn.  Joining groups in your field will expose you to hiring managers and recruiters in your field.

I will participate in 5 group discussions this week.  Joining discussions with helpful tips, information, or insights will help you become known (or better known) and boost your chances of getting contacted about opportunities.

Set goals, write them down, and make them happen. This will help you be successful.

Don’t judge your job search progress by how many hours a day you spend in it–judge it by the results you get from the actions you take.  If your actions aren’t getting results, do something different.

• If your resume isn’t generating interviews, it’s time to change your resume.  Check out Write a Resume that POPS! Redo It With Numbers That Quantify Your Experience.

• If you aren’t getting contacted about opportunities through LinkedIn, update your profile: 3 Best Places for Keywords on Your LinkedIn Profile.

• If you can’t find enough jobs (or enough good jobs) to send your resume in for, check out How to Find Unadvertised Jobs and Get Interviews.

• If you aren’t crushing your interviews and getting the job offer every time, check out 30-60-90-Day Plan: How to Create and Use It to Knock Their Socks Off in the Job Interview.

Best of luck!