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Organize Your Academic Job Search: Tips and Tools for Success in Higher Ed

Angela
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Looking for your next opportunity?

We know it can take up to 100 applications to land an interview. Having a well-organized and strategic approach is crucial to maximize your chances of success. In this article, we offer effective ways to organize your academic job search using a combination of tools and techniques. Following these guidelines can streamline your job search process and help you stay on top of important tasks and opportunities.

Create a Comprehensive Employer Tracker

To effectively manage your academic job search, create a tracker to compile details about your target employers. Include information such as contacts, challenges faced by target departments, and whether you have followed the employer on LinkedIn or subscribed to their news feed, Twitter account, or blog. Consider using a digital tool or notebook to keep this information accessible and up-to-date.

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Develop a Job Search Marketing Plan

Artwork by Malvika Shah

A well-defined marketing plan is essential for job search success. You’re marketing yourself! Use the tracker you created to delineate, execute, and refine your strategy. Monitor and evaluate your efforts, such as your social media output, networking requests, job board submissions, communications with recruiters, and company targeting efforts. Regularly refer to your plan to ensure you stay on track and make necessary adjustments. Consider attending webinars or workshops to gain insights into crafting an effective marketing plan.

Create a Weekly Job Search Action Plan

Refer to your Marketing Plan each week and create a detailed action plan outlining your tasks and priorities. Use your preferred system or planner to track and implement these tasks. Break down larger goals into manageable steps and allocate specific time slots to accomplish them. A structured plan will help you stay organized and focused on your job search objectives.

Keep Notes

Take notes during networking meetings, screening calls, and interviews. It’s essential to record key insights, details about the conversation, and action items. Additionally, refer to your company research during interviews to demonstrate your preparedness and make a lasting impression.

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Capture Your Thought Leadership Ideas

Position yourself as a thought leader with social posts and blogs. Jot down your thoughts, research findings, and potential blog post topics in your job tracker. Keeping these ideas close can help you mind map, organize, and refine your ideas to enhance your professional reputation.

Track the Evolution of Your Personal Commercials

Throughout your job search, your pitch and personal commercials will evolve. It’s crucial to track this evolution to ensure consistency and your success rate. Track which pitches you used where and ask for feedback from trusted colleagues at networking meetings. Refining your pitch helps you stay confident and articulate during networking events and interviews.

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Stay Informed with Industry Blogs, News, and Social Media

Stay on the cutting edge of industry happenings with LinkedIn, Google alerts, and other social sites to monitor industry blogs, news, and social media conversations. This can help you with ideas and inspo for your posts, expand your list of target companies, connect you with industry influencers, and uncover new opportunities.

By organizing your academic job search using these strategies, you can approach the process with confidence and efficiency. Remember to use a tracking tool to consolidate key details, track progress, capture essential insights, and stay inspired. A well-organized job search increases your chances of finding the perfect academic position in higher education.

Need help getting organized? Talk to our mentors today!

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Angela

Angela Britcher is a writer, communications professor, and instructional designer. She works with The Babb Group and Edusity.
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