A job search goes better with a routine than with bursts of effort. This plan breaks it into stages: deciding what you want, getting your CV and profile ready, finding openings, applying each week, and handling interviews and offers.
It includes a weekly review so you can see what is working. The timings are a guide. If you are still employed you may move slower, and if you need work quickly you may compress the first two weeks.
Copy it into Tatask and the tasks are dated from today. Where figures matter, such as pay or notice rights, the notes point you to official sources to check.
What's in this plan
See every step
Week 1: set your direction(day 0)
Target role defined(day 0)
Write down the 2 or 3 job titles you will apply for
Searching for everything finds nothing. A short list lets you filter listings quickly.
List your 5 must-haves and 5 deal-breakers for the next job
Write your minimum acceptable salary and notice-period limits
Work this out from your own costs. Check typical pay for the role on a salary survey site before you set a target.
Pick a weekly application target you can keep up
Three to five good applications a week beats twenty rushed ones. Adjust after week 2.
Money and time protected(day 2)
Check how many months your savings would cover
Check what benefits or notice pay you may be owed
Rules depend on country and contract. Check your contract and your government's job-seeker guidance, such as GOV.UK or USA.gov.
Schedule 3 job search sessions in your calendar each week
Tracking set up(day 3)
Create a job search tracker with company, role, date and status columns
Create a folder for CVs, cover letters and job descriptions
Create a job search email folder or label
Weeks 1 to 2: build your materials(day 5)
CV ready to send(day 5)
Collect your last 3 roles, dates and main results in one document
Write 5 achievement bullets, each with a result or scale
Say what changed because of your work. Use figures only where you can back them up.
Draft a master CV of no more than 2 pages
A master CV is your full version. You trim it for each application.
Prompt to copy
Help me turn these notes into clear CV bullets that start with a verb. Do not invent figures or achievements; mark gaps with <add result>. My notes: <paste notes>.
Ask 2 people to read your CV and send feedback
Save your CV as a PDF with a clear file name
Online profile ready(day 8)
Update your LinkedIn headline to name the role you want
Rewrite your LinkedIn summary in 3 or 4 sentences
Add a professional photo and check your privacy settings
Turn on the open-to-work setting if you want recruiters to see it
Choose who sees it. If you are still employed, restrict it so your employer is not shown.
Reusable cover letter written(day 10)
Write a 4-paragraph cover letter template
Keep it to one page and tailor the opening each time.
Prompt to copy
Draft a four-paragraph cover letter template for a <job title> role. Use my background: <summary>. Keep the tone plain and specific. Do not invent achievements or employers.
List 3 stories that show your strongest skills
Choose 3 referees and ask each for permission
Weeks 2 to 3: find openings(day 12)
Search routes chosen(day 12)
Set up alerts on 2 job boards for your target titles
List 15 companies you would like to work for
Find the careers page for each of those 15 companies
Register with 2 recruiters who work in your field
Network contacted(day 15)
List 20 people who could know of openings
Message 5 contacts to ask for a 15-minute chat
Short and specific messages get more replies.
Prompt to copy
Write a brief, friendly message asking <name> for a 15-minute chat about <their field or company>. I am looking for <role>. Make it easy to say no. Do not flatter or invent a shared history.
Tell your wider network what you are looking for
Ask 2 contacts for an introduction to a hiring manager
Weeks 3 to 8: apply every week(day 21)
Each application sent(day 21)
Read the job description and mark the 5 key requirements
Rewrite your CV bullets to match those requirements
Only reword what is true. Do not add skills you lack.
Prompt to copy
Compare my CV with this job description and suggest which bullets to move up or reword. Do not invent experience. CV: <paste>. Job description: <paste>.
Rewrite the opening of your cover letter for the company
Submit the application and save a copy of the advert
Adverts are often removed once a role fills. You will want the text for interview prep.
Log the application in your tracker with a follow-up date
Weekly review done(day 28)
Count applications sent and replies received this week
Send follow-ups on applications that are 7 days old
Change your approach if you have had no replies after 15 applications
Look at your CV, your target roles and where you apply. Change one thing at a time so you can see what helps.
Weeks 4 to 12: interviews and offers(day 28)
Interview prepared(day 28)
Research the company, its products and recent news for 1 hour
Write answers to 8 common interview questions
Practise aloud so the answers sound like you.
Prompt to copy
Act as an interviewer for a <job title> role. Ask me one question at a time, wait for my answer, then give brief feedback. Do not invent facts about the company.
Prepare 5 questions to ask the interviewer
Run 1 mock interview with a friend
Plan your route or test your video setup the day before
After the interview(day 35)
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours
Note down the questions you were asked in your tracker
Ask when you should expect to hear back
Offer decided(day 42)
Ask for the offer in writing, with salary, benefits and start date
Check the offer against your must-haves and deal-breakers
Research typical pay for the role before you negotiate
Use salary surveys and listings. Check figures from more than one source.
Reply to the offer with your decision by the agreed date
Tell other employers you have accepted and withdraw applications