Okay so I spend a lot of time advising people on the long term benefits of a solid job search plan, and I am in no way saying that you should throw caution to the wind and recklessly plan for your next career move. However, lately I’ve been asked more and more, “But I need a job now! What can I do?” Times are tough, money is tight, and for just this once I thought I would gather together some tips that are really meant to eliminate the waiting game frustrations:

So first off what should you be doing to land a job today!

1. Quantity over quality. (Okay not really OVER but for our purposes here they can at least be equal.) Send out as many resumes and cover letters as you can. Expand your requirements, go for hybrid positions in your field, turn down the title one notch and go for a position you have already had or currently experienced. In such challenging times you need to be willing to be flexible with your demands and work within the landscape available. Send out as many applications as you can, upping your chances for a phone call back.
2. Use Templates. Normally I am a huge advocate of customizing cover letters and resumes for each job you apply to. However, when time is of the essence, it is okay to have some sort of template structure to your cover letter. Keep the “what do you bring to the table” and “what do you hope for from the new opportunity” paragraphs similar to save time, and help you get out as many applications as you can.
3. 70% search, 30% apply. I usually suggest you spend about 50% of your job search time researching open positions, doing job searches, and learning about the company, then the other 50% of your time working on customizing the applications and editing for perfection. When you want to shorten the waiting game, I suggest slightly shifting your attention to the job search process. This enables you to see the jobs as they are posted, as well as learn more about the companies. Are they hiring for multiple positions? Research who is best to contact, personalize your application based on the company’s latest news. Make the company your priority and stand out in your application as a highly informed applicant.
4. Make it personal. Yup you read that right. Get offline. Pick up your phone, or if possible… Walk.Your.Resume.In. Hey you are the one that wants to find a job right now, and nothing does that like showing up, all spiffy in your professional garb and saying hello in person. If you do this be sure to have your full portfolio with you and be ready for an impromptu interview, because you never know what their schedule looks like. Also don’t be upset if you call in and get a voicemail or drive there and are asked to leave your resume at the front desk. The important part is to make the effort and stand out.
5. Follow-Up. This is an crucial step of the process no matter your final goal, but if you are looking to score a job immediately then following up is key. It takes out all the guess work. If you fax or email in your resume, wait until the next morning and call to confirm they have received all the material required for your consideration. If they are receptive, feel free to inquire about the next steps and expected timeline to hearing back. Don’t be forceful, but read the conversation for hints as to when you should call back or check-in on the status. Often times emailing to following up is our mean of choice, but if you are serious about finding a job today or tomorrow then you really need to take the step to phone calls. Make it more personable and increase your chance for immediate answers.

Now am I saying that if you do all this you will be employed by tomorrow? No. Will there be a much better chance you have an interview? Yes. The key to immediate results is momentum and persistence. Just be careful you don’t push it too far and enter the area of annoyance but by tweaking your usual job search efforts just a bit, you may be able to facilitate a more immediate return. The important thing to remember is you have to keep at it. Finding a job is not a part-time gig; it’s a full-time commitment. So get going… get going…