I have been in the middle of one for a while. And like any good software engineer, I've iterated and tweaked my process over the search. This Obsidian Notebook is a capture of my process as it stands today. Your mileage will vary. But if the list of problems below resonates, then perhaps what I've learned and done will help you. After all, a job search can be onerous and/or daunting. Every little bit helps.
I tried a few versions of keeping this data structured - say, in a spreadsheet or database. But I've found that Obsidian's search and cross-linking has been much easier to use for me.
If you are already an Obsidian user, consider incorporating these steps to your daily journaling. If you are not an Obsidian user, I talk more about how I use Obsidian in this blog series.
git clone https://github.com/infews/job_search_in_obsidian
Visit the Releases page and download the zip file.
... and then open in Obsidian as a separate Vault.
If you don't have Obsidian yet, the Obsidian site can help you get started with the app.
If you would rather save Obsidian for another time, this Notebook is just a directory of text files that should be viewable in any text editor.
- Read the [[Problems to Solve]] to understand the justification
- Review [[How to Track It All]] to learn what I do
- Consider what helps you. Take what you like, leave what you don't, iterate until you have what works for you
- Just the activity of looking a lot does raise your profile.
- People you know will find you.
- Some of my most interesting opportunities are from ex-coworkers who heard I was looking, or came up after a recent chat.
- Keep at it.