Key Takeaways
- Don't burn out in month 1—pace yourself
- Different phases require different strategies
- Flexibility should increase over time
Last updated: December 2025
Phased Job Search Strategy
"Should I apply to everything immediately?" — No. Pace yourself.
Month 1: Recovery & Preparation
Focus: Processing, preparation, and easy wins
| Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Process emotions | Don't skip this; it affects everything |
| Update resume | Quality matters more than speed |
| Update LinkedIn | Recruiters look here first |
| Inform close network | Personal outreach, not mass announcement |
| Easy applications | Get momentum, practice |
Don't do:
- Apply to 100 jobs
- Accept any offer out of panic
- Skip self-care
- Isolate yourself
Months 2-3: Active Campaign
Focus: High-volume, targeted effort
| Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Heavy application volume | Numbers game starts here |
| Networking events | Expand connections |
| Coffee chats | Informational interviews |
| Recruiter relationships | They have access you don't |
| Track everything | Know what's working |
Weekly targets (example):
- 10-15 targeted applications
- 5 networking conversations
- 2-3 informational interviews
- 1 recruiter call
Months 4-5: Expand & Adapt
Focus: Broaden criteria, build skills
| Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Expand search criteria | Different roles, industries |
| Consider adjacent roles | Transfer skills |
| Skill-building | Shows initiative on resume |
| Contract/consulting | Bridge gaps, build network |
| Evaluate feedback | What's not working? |
Criteria to consider relaxing:
- Title requirements
- Salary expectations
- Industry focus
- Location/remote requirements
Month 6+: Strategic Pivot
Focus: Major reassessment
| Question | Consider |
|---|---|
| Is my approach working? | Time to change strategy |
| Am I being too selective? | Market may dictate compromise |
| What's my runway? | Financial reality affects choices |
| Is a career pivot needed? | Some industries are contracting |
Options at this stage:
- Take "good enough" offer, upgrade later
- Accept contract role
- Consider geographic relocation
- Retrain for different field
The Marathon Mindset
| Month | Energy Level | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | High but scattered | Structure and prepare |
| 2-3 | Peak effort | Maximum output |
| 4-5 | Fatigue sets in | Adjust expectations |
| 6+ | Sustained endurance | Strategic pivots |
You can't sprint for 6 months. Pace yourself from the start.
Test Your Knowledge
According to the phased strategy, when should you begin significantly expanding your search criteria?
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D