The single most important best piece of advice for job seekers…..

Always set a next action…

I’m serious, of all the advice and guidance out there for job seekers I still think this is the “one thing” that makes all the difference in a job search, any job search.

Think about it, when wouldn’t you set a next action.

• You’re just starting out on your job search, you write a resume, then your next action is…
• You just networked with a contact, you send a thank you letter, then your next action is…
• You find an interesting job ad, you customize your resume, then your next action is…
• You come across a company you want to work for, you research them on the web, then your next action is…
• You replied to a job ad, you schedule a follow up, then your next action is…
• You attended a job fair, you schedule a follow up, then your next action is…
• You sign up for a linkedin account, you fill out your profile, then your next action is…

I’m convinced not setting a next action is why a lot of job searches stall. You start so many things but don’t following them through all the way to the end, of course you’re going to get a little despondent.

Each time you complete and activity, decide what your next action will be and set a date for when you will do it. Making the decision about your next action while it’s still fresh in your mind will save you time later from trying to remember what happened, what needs to be done next and will keep you moving forward.

I can’t think of a better piece of advice for job seekers, if you do please let me all of us know.