Looking for a new job can be a full-time job in itself. This is especially challenging when balancing a part-time job while actively seeking in your dream job. But with some structured daily routine, this is doable. Whether you're an IT professional or an accountant, Here's how to adjust the routine to fit in part-time work that will help you land on your dream job:
Morning
You morning defines your day. Here are a couple of “MANDATORY” things you should be doing if you want to be more productive:
- Wake up early: Start your day around 6-7 AM to maximize productivity. This gives you ample time to tackle your to-do list.
- Exercise: Give your body a chance to energize. A light physical activity of 15-20 minutes will keep you energized throughout the day.
Job Search & Skill Development (Before Part-Time Job or After, Depending on Schedule):
Your parttime work may have a floating schedule. It’s really hard to focus if you don’t have a consistent schedule to work on. If you separate your job hunt as a block, you can move the whole block according to your work roster.
Option 1: Morning Block (7:30 AM - 9:00 AM) if your part-time job starts later.
Option 2: Evening Block (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM) if your part-time job is in the morning or mid-day.
For any of the options, things you can do during your power hour:
Review job postings: Spend 1-2 hours scanning job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or industry-specific sites for new opportunities that match your skills and experience. List down all the jobs that are relevant.
Apply for the job: After listing a relevant job, dedicate at least 30 minutes to 1 hour applying for 1-2 job positions. Make sure to tailor your resume according to the job description.
Networking: Spend 20-30 minutes connecting with professionals on LinkedIn or attending a virtual event/webinar if time allows.
Skill Enhancement: Use 30-45 minutes to either complete an online course or work on a technical skill (e.g., a coding project for IT or familiarizing yourself with accounting software like MYOB).
During your job
Focus on your part-time job during your shift hours. Make sure to stay productive and maintain your energy throughout your workday. No matter on what you’re working on, enjoy while you’re on it.
Post-Part-Time Job (If Working Morning Shift or Mid-Day Shift):
Afternoon/Evening Routine (If Shift Ends Midday or Earlier):
Follow-ups and Research (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Use this time to follow up with recruiters, and send polite follow-up emails to the jobs you’ve already applied for.
Interview Preparation (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Spend 30-45 minutes prepping for interviews or practicing technical interview questions, particularly for your IT or accounting role.
Networking and Mentorship (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM):
Attend virtual webinars or in-person meetups to stay in touch with industry trends and expand your network.
Reach out to mentors or participate in brief online discussions for career guidance.
Evening Wind-Down (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM):
Reflect & Plan: Spend 10-15 minutes reflecting on your job search progress, part-time job performance, and daily achievements. Plan the next day to keep momentum. Make sure to be happy about small wins.
Relax & Recharge: Unwind by spending time on personal hobbies, reading, or engaging in light entertainment to prevent burnout.
Remember, consistency is the key. Maintaining a consistent daily routine will help you stay focused, organized, and motivated throughout your job search. Be patient, persistent, and adaptable as you navigate the process. With this structured approach, you'll be on your way to landing your dream job, regardless of the industry.