Looking for a job is a full-time job.

In the outplacement projects we run at E&E Group, I have had the opportunity to work with many professionals to date. In the “Career Support Programs” we carry out to support them during their transition period and to help them continue their careers in a new position suited to their goals in the job market, the very first thing we always say is this sentence: Looking for a job is a full-time job.

It would be more accurate to describe the career transition process not only as looking for a job but also as making a new career plan and creating job opportunities.

Owning this process with this perspective, planning what needs to be done, and implementing it proactively is essential. Your self-discipline and motivation can remain high only in this way. Depending on your goal, if you manage it this way, the process will conclude as you wish in a shorter time. If there are people around you who say they have been looking for a job for a long time but have not found one, it is worth questioning their situation: either they do not know what they are looking for (no goal), they do not know how to search (no correct methods), or they pretend to search but actually do not want to / have other thoughts.

The job search process should be considered a complete project and planned step by step:

First, set your goal.What can you do? What can you offer to the job market? What are your priorities and desires? Can you clearly describe the job you see as suitable for yourself?

Apply the right job search methods.Of course, have a good CV, but job hunting does not mean just sending resumes everywhere and waiting. Are you in contact with people in your network? Do you get ideas from them and introduce yourself while creating opportunities for meetings? Do you actively use job search websites and social media? Are you in communication with consulting firms?

Stick to the plan you have prepared; monitor and update it according to developments.A full-time job search means spending nearly 7–8 hours a day on it. There may be many issues beyond your control, but is your project progressing as you wish? Are you focusing on what you can do and taking steps? Are you persisting without giving up?

What has been described above is not only for those who are actively job searching. In fact, this is exactly what we call career planning. Even if you already have a job, you should ask yourself: Where am I in my career right now? Where do I want to be in the upcoming period? (Perhaps you can divide this into short, medium, and long term.) What am I doing to be where I want to be?

Remember, if you do not take responsibility for your career and plan it yourself, you will have to accept the plans made for you by others.

Figen Küçüköner Kırca, E&E Group