Job Search Habits that Really Pay Off

In August I delivered a LinkedIn Lunch & Learn for the Norwich Young Professionals Organization — I enjoyed seeing them get embrace new features and functionality to build and reinforce their brand. While I do find LinkedIn an extremely powerful tool, our discussion reinforced what I see every day: LinkedIn is just a tool.

Job search progress comes from mindset, clear guiding criteria, networking, and building a plan. This is why I use the Lead Your Career program! As a career transition consultant, I partner with clients navigating today’s strange and turbulent job market.

Here are six habits that I consistently see move a search forward:

1. Customize your resume for every application.

Generic resumes rarely get traction. The best applications clearly show, “I know you, I understand your business, and here’s how I can contribute.” Today’s AI tools make tailoring faster and easier, but the human touch—choosing the right stories and language—still matters most.

2. Network twice as much as you apply.

Most opportunities don’t come through online postings—they come through people. For every hour you spend applying, spend two connecting, learning, and following up. It feels slower at first, but it’s how momentum builds.

3. Make networking joyful and reciprocal.

Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional or like you asking for a favor. Approach it with curiosity: What’s important to this person? What are they working on? How can I make their day easier or more interesting? When it feels like a conversation instead of a pitch, it works better for everyone. Enjoy getting reconnected with people and learning what they like (and don't like) about what they do and where they work.

4. Protect restorative time.

Job searching is emotionally draining. Block time in your week for activities that help you recharge—whether that’s a walk outside, coffee with a friend, or reading

something that inspires you. A rested candidate interviews far better than a burned-out one.

5. Use downtime for skill building.

The waiting periods between applications and interviews can feel endless. Fill them with growth. If you have LinkedIn Premium, look at their learning paths. Pick courses that sharpen your current strengths or expand your expertise—and share what you’re learning with your network. This not only develops you, but it also reminds your connections that you’re engaged and proactive. And, you'll have insights and resources to share as you network.

6. Ask for feedback!

Why let a 'No' be the last word. Ok, maybe it's a few words, 'We're going in another direction.' You've spent considerable time applying and interviewing and waiting. You deserve to ask for feedback so you can use it to enhance your search. The worst they will do is ignore you and that's already happening when you don't ask for feedback.

I recently nudged a client to ask for feedback after she got the 'going with another candidate' email. She was reluctant but we worked together to craft an email. She learned that she was in the last 4 (of 70!) candidates and the person selected reassured her that the right person truly got the job. It was a confidence booster AND she felt good about the outcome. She then also asked who else they knew that might be hiring. (Great networking! What a great referral!) Get in the habit of asking questions like:

"Where are you in your hiring process and what are your next steps?"

"How did my application compare to the candidates who were chosen to interview?"

"What can you share with me about the candidates who were moved to the next round/selected?"

These questions show that you are confident and can give you helpful insights to move you forward. Two Books Worth Your Time

Getting started can feel overwhelming, which is why I often point clients toward structured systems that make the process easier. (You truly have to treat your search like a project, give yourself daily goals and manage it.) Two of my favorite systems are:

• Never Search Alone by Phyl Terry – A guide to building peer support groups that keep you accountable and encouraged.

• The 2-Hour Job Search by Steve Dalton – A step-by-step process for turning networking into targeted opportunities without letting the process take over your life.

Ready to Manage Your Search?

If you’d like to talk through your own search strategy—how to clarify your criteria, brand yourself, work your network, or build a realistic weekly plan—I offer free consults.

Sometimes a 30-minute conversation is all it takes to get unstuck and moving forward.

You can schedule time with me here or email me at liz@tracypartnerships.com