Phase 1: Prepare Your Materials
Before applying anywhere: (1) Update your master resume with all current experience and achievements. (2) Tailor your LinkedIn profile to match your target job title. (3) Write a master cover letter template you can customize. (4) Gather references — ask 3 people in advance and confirm they are willing. (5) Build a portfolio or project list if relevant to your field. (6) Create a job search tracking spreadsheet.
Phase 2: Research and Target
(1) Define your target role, industry, and locations. (2) Build a list of 20–30 target companies. (3) Identify 5–10 people at those companies you are connected to (LinkedIn). (4) Set up job alerts for your target role on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. (5) Follow all target companies on LinkedIn. (6) Research the hiring process at your top 5 target companies.
Phase 3: Networking
(1) Reach out to 5 warm contacts per week for informational interviews. (2) Send 5 personalized LinkedIn connection requests to recruiters and hiring managers per week. (3) Attend one industry event or webinar per month. (4) Engage with content from your target companies and their employees on LinkedIn. (5) Ask every informational call contact for 2 more introductions.
Phase 4: Applying
(1) Apply within 48 hours of a job posting going live. (2) Tailor your resume to every application — adjust summary + top 3 bullets. (3) Customize your cover letter body paragraph to reference something specific about the company. (4) Apply through the company's website directly in addition to job boards. (5) Log every application in your tracker with date, contact, and next follow-up action.
Phase 5: Interviews
(1) Research the company for 60 minutes before every interview. (2) Prepare 6–8 STAR stories. (3) Prepare 5 questions to ask the interviewer. (4) Send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours of every interview. (5) Follow up after 7–10 days if you have not heard back. (6) Prepare your salary research and negotiation strategy before any offer conversation.
Phase 6: Offer and Acceptance
(1) Take 24 hours before responding to any offer (this is standard and expected). (2) Get the offer in writing before resigning. (3) Negotiate salary, bonus, and benefits. (4) Check the full compensation package: equity, PTO, remote flexibility, professional development budget. (5) Research the company's financial health before accepting (Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Crunchbase). (6) Give notice professionally with a minimum 2-week notice period.