How to structure your job hunt

You’ve picked yourself up from the disappointment of a rejection. Maybe you’ve read our previous piece on how to mentally bounce back – and now you’re ready to get stuck back in. That’s brilliant. Now let’s make sure your next steps are focused, sustainable, and effective to get that job.

Job hunting doesn’t have to be chaotic, overwhelming, or endlessly discouraging. With the right structure, you can build momentum and give yourself the best possible chance at success. 

Here’s your step-by-step job hunt plan – easy to follow and adaptable to your schedule. 

Set clear goals for your job hunt

Before diving into another flurry of applications, take some time to reflect and ask yourself:

• What kind of roles am I genuinely interested in?
• What sectors or industries align with my skills and values?
• Am I looking for structured grad schemes or smaller, more flexible roles?
• Where am I open to working – in a big city like London, anywhere in the UK, remotely, or in another country?

Now write it down – create a job hunt document or spreadsheet where you:

• List 3-5 target sectors (e.g. public policy, tech startups, finance, media)
• Name 10-15 companies you are interested in
• Define your non-negotiables (e.g. location, salary, expectations, visa sponsorship), so you know what to look for in a role and don’t waste your time on unsuitable applications. 

Pro tip: Many UK grad schemes have deadlines between September and December. If you’ve missed one cycle, focus on entry-level roles or smaller firms that hire year-round, and then be ready for the next year.

Build a job hunt routine

Treat your job hunt like a part-time job. It’s easy to burn out or lose motivation without structure, so aim for consistency over intensity. 

For example, on different days you could:

• Research new roles, review job boards, and tailor CVs
• Write cover letters and submit applications
• Practice interview questions/assessment centres
• Network on LinkedIn and follow up with contacts
• Upskill through online courses

As you can see, it’s not just about applying - you also want to diversity your skills, expand your network and reflect on your progress. 

Create a simple job application tracker

Staying organised with all your applications can help reduce your stress and make it easier to follow-up effectively. Many UK grad schemes have multiple assessment stages, and keeping track of where you are helps avoid missed emails or deadlines.

Depending on your style, there are many platforms and templates out there that help you track your applications, for example using Google Sheets or Notion templates. 

Your tracker could include columns like: 

• Company
• Position
• Sector/Area
• Location
• Salary
• Application Deadline
• Extra Notes

Prioritise by deadline type

There are two main types of deadlines you will come across:

• Fixed deadlines (e.g. “Applications close 15 November 2025)
• Rolling recruitment (applications are reviewed as they arrive)

The best strategy would be to apply early to rolling roles, as these can close as soon as enough candidates have applied. 

Schedule time each week to work toward fixed deadlines, breaking them into smaller tasks and setting calendar reminders to keep yourself on track.

Balance applications with everything else

Job hunting isn’t just about sending applications, you also should make time to:

• Network: Reach out to alumni, former managers, or people on LinkedIn for chats (especially useful in sectors like policy, charity, and media). There’s no harm in asking – people are often happy to share their insights and time.
• Upskill: Use free platforms like Coursera, FutureLearn or LinkedIn Learning to continuously build your skills.
• Refine your CV and cover letter: Ask your friends or career advisors to review, and research what style of CV is most effective in your chosen field.
• Practice interviews and tests: Don’t leave interview preparation to the last minute – try mock interviews, watch YouTube examples, or use university careers support.
• Take care of your mental and physical health: Exercise, get outside when you can, and give yourself permission to rest – especially after rejections.
• Keep in contact with friends – if you are all in the same position, maybe go to a café weekly with a friend to knock out some job applications while keeping your spirits up. 

There’s no single ‘right way’ to job hunt – but having a plan makes everything feel less chaotic. Use this guide to create a structure that works for you.