Why This Suggested Schedule for Job Seekers Won't Work!

I recently read an article that recommended a set schedule to decrease stress when looking for full time work. Here was what the author suggested:

“So, here’s the weekly schedule I ended up implementing for myself:

Monday: Search and apply for new jobs

Tuesday: Follow up on gigs I applied for two weeks ago

Wednesday: Review and edit my resume and cover letter, as needed

Thursday: Search and apply for new jobs

Friday-Sunday: Off"

While I applaud this person attempting to be proactive in their job search, I gotta say, this is the dumbest advice anyone can give. Applying to multiple gigs through job boards day and in day out is a broken system that doesn't work and is a waste of time. 

These job boards are highly competitive because anywhere from 100 to 500 people are all applying for the same position. Plus, you have no idea who or what is reading the resume you submit. This type of schedule is relying on hope, not strategy and is guaranteed to leave any job seeker tremendously frustrated. This person is not in control of their job search and hoping that numbers do the work instead. 

Successful job searching isn't about adhering to a strict schedule. It very well may be stressful because you have to put in the work in order to land a job. You have to utilize your contacts on LinkedIn, and attend networking events or career fairs. Invite your contacts to coffee, reach out to hiring managers on LinkedIn for potential companies you would want to work with. Having a targeted strategy is much more proactive than relying on hope.

About the Author
Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry. 

Ask the Headhunter

Dear Headhunter,

I have a what people call a man bun. I have rocked it all throughout college and I just graduated. I have a job interview next week and I am not sure if it is appropriate to wear up or let it down. Keep in mind my hair is pretty long. 

What say you oh great headhunter?

You are not going to like my answer....get a haircut! 

Chances are several candidates are interviewing for the same position as you and hiring personnel are looking for reasons to eliminate you from your competition. With more traditional positions in law firms, accounting, and sales, you will want to be sure you do get that haircut and are clean shaven. Unless you are interviewing for a tech company as a graphic design artist and know the company culture, don't take the risk. 

As I have said before, once you are hired it may be appropriate to grow it back out. You never really know what the company policy is on these things until you land the job. Don't take anything for granted. Hair grows back, it is not the end of the world.

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry. 

ASK THE HEADHUNTER

Dear Headhunter,

When I was a junior in college, I was arrested for an open container while at a party. Now that I have graduated, I am in the hunt for a job but a little concerned about this charge. Do I include it on my resume or bring it up during the interview?

This is a great question and fortunately everyone makes mistakes. Most companies don't hold dumb mistakes against you. Take into consideration the type of charge with any arrest. If the charges were dropped and it doesn't show on your record, then you have nothing to worry about. If it resulted in a misdemeanor or felony and it appears on your record, then you will want to talk about it down the line.

Problems with past arrests typically only occur when you misread the interview question or lie about it when asked during the application process. Non-disclosure of a circumstance can raise some serious red flags. Companies that deal with clients, finances or other personal items want to know that they can trust you. Like I said, most companies don't hold dumb mistakes against candidates. Just don't lie about it.


The bottom line is you do not have to put charges on your resume or cover letter. The purpose of those documents is to showcase why you should be interviewed, not create biased opinions that would eliminate you as a candidate. If asked when filling out the initial application or during the interview, be completely honest and explain the circumstances that surround it.

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry. 

Ask the Headhunter

Dear Headhunter, 

I am going on an interview for a marketing position next week. I have a lot of tattoos and not sure if I should cover them all up or if it is okay that they show a little. What are your thoughts?

Yes, it is clear that tattoos are becoming more mainstream, but when you head into an interview, you have to be prepared to impress and win over everyone that you meet. Company culture varies and some businesses are okay with a little ink present. However, being in a position where you might deal with clients on a day to day basis might be a little risky. You never really know if the client is a 24 year old or their grandma. Also take a look at your designs that can be seen. If you have controversial images such as a pot leaf, always cover it up! You don't know what beliefs your interviewers have and it could create the wrong impression about what type of candidate you are.

The goal of the interview is not to show off your ink, it is to get the job and destroy the hopes and dreams of all the other applicants!

If you do receive an offer, ask someone in Human Resources what the policy is. If you have a culture that promotes "dress for your day", you may be able to get by without worrying about covering your tattoos.

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry. 

Ask the Headhunter

Dear Headhunter,

I am a new grad in the midst of this stressful process we call job searching. I recently went on an interview and the girl that interviewed me was very attractive. I am still in the running for the position but I can't stop thinking about her. What are your thoughts on asking the person interviewing you on a date? 

Seriously?!

This should not even be a question! Absolutely not. Keep in mind that the person interviewing you has a responsibility to identify and hire a top candidate. Hitting on the person interviewing you could be misconstrued in a number of different ways, and has the ability to severely damage your standing, and potentially ruin your reputation in the community. Especially if you are looking to break into a niche industry. Why? People talk!  As soon as you cross the line, you have eliminated yourself as a viable candidate.   

Once you get the role, make sure you read any company policy that involves dating co-workers. If there is not one, you may invite her to a casual lunch. Just keep in mind that all companies have policies on sexual harassment in the work place. This is another line you really don't want to cross. 

If you don’t get the job, then all bets are off, give her a call.

Tom Johnston is the headhunter that headhunters seek to find talent for their firms. He is the CEO of SearchPath and has more than 18 years of experience in franchising, search and recruitment, and office development. Tom is recognized as a leader and authority in the executive search industry. 

During my last semester of college, I finally got around to actually writing my resume and thinking about a job. I signed up for every potential interview for companies coming on campus and only was able to secure one interview. Apparently, a regional trucking company was actually interested student with a degree in “management science” and a 2.9 GPA. In fact, they wound up interviewing 4 of my good friends as well as me, but I did not get the job. A few months later I was really glad because the guy they chose was stripped naked and shipped to NYC in the back of a trailer as part of his “orientation".

I returned home with absolutely zero prospects and no idea what to do, but I was told almost hourly by my parents to “get a job”. The best I could find was mowing lawns in my neighborhood. During a break, I was sharing my story of hardship with my next door “client” and he told me that his company actually had a “management training program” and he would get me an interview. Little did I realize the a management training program for UPS was actually being a driver, with the brown shorts and all. Apparently, everyone in management at UPS had to learn how to deliver packages. Due to the fact that it was my only “offer”, I took the role and within a few weeks I was running around delivering and picking up packages all over Northern New Jersey. It was hot, really confusing and really hard work. It took almost 2 years before they would promote me to an actual supervisory positions. It really wasn’t the worst job in the world, everyone loves the UPS Guy, but when I finally landed my supervisory role, it was on the midnight shift.