Job Search Time Management

Where Are You on the Time Management Matrix?

Many job hunters need a guide so that they use their time in the best ways. The following illustrates one way we work with clients to improve their use of time, always a precious resource in the job search.

Take this short quiz to see how you might use job search coaching.

First: Some Background

This is the Time Management Matrix from Dr. Stephen Covey's research (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People), adapted for job search purposes. Covey referred to it as a self-management matrix, because what are we managing when we manage our time, but ourselves?

The Question: Where Are YOU on this Matrix?

Think about your job search activities. Look at your calendar for last week: Where did you spend most of your job search time? Which quadrant -- I, II, III, or IV -- best describes where you are, job search-wise? Be honest. Are you dawdling and "getting ready", in Quadrants III or IV? Or constantly putting out fires in Quadrant I? Or planning and regenerating in Quadrant II?

Your Answer?

If you are mostly in Quadrant I, you are rapidly heading for burnout. Through coaching, you can learn how to be more in control of your time, instead of it being in control of you.

If you are in Quadrants III or IV, you are doing too many things that are busy work or no work at all; you are stuck in your comfort zone and may even be waiting for a rescuer or "for something to happen". Following this approach, you will have a job search that will go on and on, and too often, people doing this run aground and just quit. Coaching will get you to set solid goals and stick to them.

If you are mostly in Quadrant II, great, you're in the right place, investing in yourself and using your time well. Job search coaching can help you stay here. Simple check-ins would be an integral part of the plan.