Job Searching Is a Strategy Game. Learn How to Win

Your job search is like a strategy game. You won’t always be in the mood to look for jobs, so it’s important to build engines that will keep you moving, even when you’re not feeling particularly motivated. Every bit of planning you do moves you closer to the finish line.

Step 1: Create a map.

Have a concrete plan for when, how, and where you’ll look for jobs. Write job search tasks into an official schedule.

Include time for looking for posted positions on a variety of sites, such as the KCBA Jobs webpage (kcba.org/?pg=jobs), your alma mater’s online job board, LinkedIn, and other bar association websites; writing and updating cover letters; meeting attorney contacts for coffee or Zoom chats; attending panels and events; and volunteering for professional organizations that are topical fits or organizations for which you can gain experience in a relevant skill set.

Along with this calendar, keep track of your planned steps and mark your progress.

Step 2: Follow the rules.

It can be hard to listen to yourself, but you are the authority on your job search — no one else will make you do this work. Make sure to take your own advice and directives seriously. An accountability partner can be helpful, so stay in touch with classmates, mentors, your law school’s career center (most offer services to alumni), and others who will encourage you in your efforts. What you say goes, so if you write an activity in your calendar, that’s a real “to do” item: Do it.

Step 3: Continually reevaluate your strategy.

What works for some may not work for you. Feel free to adjust your plan. By keeping track of your tasks, you’ll be able to look back and see what’s gotten traction and what needs revamping. Try fresh ideas. As long as you keep moving, you’re doing something right.

Step 4: Encourage others (and ask for encouragement).

Brainstorming is a lot more fun with a friend. Surround yourself with positive people who will support you, give you constructive ideas, and help build you back up when you’ve had a hard week.

Step 5: WIN.

It’s not if you’ll get a job, but when. Remember that as long as you’re actively taking steps to find employment, you’re moving closer to the day when you win big and get that offer call. In this game, trying leads to winning — every time.

An earlier version of this story was published on the Seattle U Law Center for Professional Development blog.