Perfect Your Job Search Plan: 30, 60, and 90-Day Benchmarks

By Jessica Howington, Senior Content Manager

Job searching isn’t something to go into blindly. Staying organized and having a plan in place can help you have a successful job search. One way to help you set concrete goals and lay out a job search plan in manageable chunks is to utilize 30-60-90 day plans to monitor progress.

Many business management professionals use 30-60-90 day plans to help onboard employees and monitor team operations and goals. Applying the same method, job seekers can create a platform that will support goal setting, monitor progress and achievements, and aid in successful job searching. Here’s how to organize your job search plan into 30-60-90 day intervals.

The First 30 Days of Your Job Search Plan

During the first 30 days of your search, focus on getting everything prepped and perfected to send to employers. Use this time frame to:

Write your cover letter, so you can tailor it for each application.
Update your resume, and make sure you customize that too.
Determine what kind of job you want to pursue (work-from-home jobs; part-time, remote jobs; freelance jobs, etc.).
Clean up your social media profiles, and then start using them.
Set intentions and goals for the next 90 days of your job search.
Start establishing communication with your network.
Map out a plan for job searching, such as researching employers and determining the type of flexibility you want from a job.
Create an online portfolio or website for more exposure.
Look at joining professional organizations.
Consider learning new skills or volunteering for more experience.
Sign up for any job search services that will be of help.
Start an initial job search.

Your Job Search Plan at 30 to 60 Days: The Halfway Point

Once you have everything prepped and ready to present to employers, it’s time to get into the details of job searching. Here are a few tasks to keep track of:

Start practicing and prepping for interviews in person, on the phone, or through video.
Create a system to keep track of and organize your job search.
Continue to network online and in person, and follow up with connections.
Continue adding items to your portfolio, and update your website frequently.
Set weekly job search intentions, such as the amount of time you will spend searching.
Attend networking events and job fairs.
Monitor feedback and progress from the first 30 days to ensure your success.

Your Job Search Plan at 60 to 90 Days

At this point in the process, most job seekers start to feel confident in their searching abilities. However, some job seekers begin to feel defeated if milestones aren’t being met. This is a good time to evaluate your plans and, if necessary, shake things up. Here are a few tips:

Keep the job search momentum going, but if your motivation starts to fade, walk away for a bit and do something you enjoy to help you get back on track.
Reach out and establish new contacts through those you have met over the first 60 days.
Follow up with employers, hiring managers, and HR professionals on your performance and candidacy.
Analyze your initial goals to identify what is and is not working, then adjust your plan accordingly.

Monitor Your Job Search Progress

Always remember that a job search will likely take more than 90 days. If you get to the end of your 90-day job search plan without an offer, don’t give up, and don’t be hard on yourself. Create a new 30-60-90 day plan that builds on your established goals.

Job searching is a job unto itself. Instead of haphazardly searching and applying for jobs, take control and utilize a job search plan to have a clear picture of where you are, where you are heading, and how you will get there.

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