Run your job search like a project
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Job searching is emotionally heavy and logistically messy. Treating it as a project with weekly targets and dated follow-ups keeps the logistics out of your head, so you can spend your energy on applications that count.
Add a follow-up in one lineOpen the first-30-days templateOpens in your browser — no install or sign-up needed.
Set a weekly input target
You control your applications, not the replies. Set a weekly target for inputs: for example five tailored applications, two networking messages and one skill-building session. Review the numbers every Friday and adjust the target, not your self-worth.
One list, one line per application
For each application, create a task with the company, role and next step, tagged #jobsearch. When you apply, add the follow-up date in the same line: “Follow up Acme designer role in 7 days”. A follow-up that is on a date gets done; one you intend to remember does not.
Keep job ads and notes with the task, because postings disappear once the role is closed.
Interview preparation
- Research the company: product, customers, recent news.
- Prepare three stories that show impact, using a situation-action-result structure.
- Write questions to ask them.
- Check the route or the video link the day before, and send a thank-you note within a day.
When you get the offer
The first 30 days in a new job set expectations. Plan them: meet the team, learn the tools, agree on goals with your manager, and schedule a check-in at the end of the first month. The new-hire onboarding template gives you that structure.
Setting it up in Pladay
- Type applications and follow-ups in plain language with dates and #tags (quick add).
- Use the Contacts module for recruiters and referrals, with notes about each conversation.
- Count down to an interview or a start date with the D-day calculator.
- Running interviews like a project? The project kickoff template adapts well to a job-search sprint.
Templates for this
- New hire onboardingFrom first-day setup to a 30-day review: settle into a new job quickly.9 tasks
- Project kickoffDefine goals and roles, run the kickoff meeting and review the first milestone.9 tasks
FAQ
How many applications should I send per week?
It depends on your field and how tailored each application needs to be. A small number of well-researched applications often works better than mass applying; measure your reply rate and adjust.
Can I keep my job search private?
Yes. Without an account, your tasks stay only on your device. If you sign in, they sync to your own account and are not visible to anyone else.