Table of Contents

About the Author ix

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction xiii

Section I How to Manage a Timely Job Search Strategy 1

Chapter 1 Planning a Time-Effective Job Search 3

Don't Take All Job Search Advice to Heart 4

Network Productively 4

The Biggest Job Search Time Wasters-and How to Avoid Them 8

In Summary: Action Tips 12

Chapter 2 Time-Saving Tips to Create Winning Job

Search Materials 13

Identify Companies That Interest You 13

Focus on Your Skills 14

Target Your Materials 17

Evaluate Your Resume 20

In Summary: Action Tips 24

Chapter 3 Preparing for Job Interviews 25

Researching Is Time Well Spent 25

Know Your Own Skills Before You Go In 30

What Questions Should You Prepare to Answer? 32

What Questions Should You Prepare to Ask the Employer? 34

Plan for the Day of the Interview 35

Interview Follow-Up 37

In Summary: Action Tips 39

Section II How to Effectively Manage Your Work Day 41

Chapter 4 Preparing for Work the Night Before 43

Plan Out Your Transportation 44

Select Your Clothing 45

Prep for Small Talk 45

Ready Your Personal Items 45

Make a Plan for Your Family 46

Figure Out Your Food Situation 46

Sleep Smartly 47

In Summary: Action Tips 48

Chapter 5 Making the Most of Your Time at Work 53

Don't Skip Breakfast 53

Exercise or Stretch 54

When to Arrive 54

Plan Your Work Day 55

Manage Distractions 57

Assess Your Priorities 60

Manage Your Email 66

Take Your Lunch 68

Avoid Multitasking 70

In Summary: Action Tips 72

Chapter 6 Ending Your Work Day 73

Review Email and Voicemail 74

Finish Up Holdovers 74

Make a To-Do List 75

Savor Your Wins 77

Take Responsibility for What You Didn't Finish 81

Touch Base with Your Boss and Colleagues 81

Check the Calendar 81

Clean Up Your Work Area 81

Do Something Nice and Say Goodbye 82

What NOT to Do at the End of the Day 82

In Summary: Action Tips 85

Section III How to Maintain an Organized Work and Home Life 87

Chapter 7 Using Lists to Be More Efficient 89

Keep Multiple Lists 90

Compile Master Lists 90

Break Down Your List 91

Compile a Punch-Out List 92

Write Down Your Must-Do List 92

Estimate Timeframes and Always Include Them 93

Share Your List 94

Avoid These To-Do List Mistakes 94

In Summary: Action Tips 97

Chapter 8 Tracking and Planning Your Long-Term

Milestones and Short-Term Deadlines 99

Identify Long-Term Milestones 100

Create a Vision Board 101

Write Down Steps to Accomplish Your Long-Term Plans 103

How to Meet Short-Term Goals 106

Learn When to Say No 111

In Summary: Action Tips 112

Chapter 9 Prioritizing for Productivity 115

How to Set Priorities 115

Use Time Pockets 118

Tips to Master Productivity 120

Expect What You Can't Plan 128

Create a Productive Mindset 129

In Summary: Action Tips 129

Chapter 10 Organizing Your Work Environment 131

Is a Clean Desk Preferable? 131

How to Clean Up Your Workspace 133

Get Organized at Home 138

In Summary: Action Tips 142

Chapter 11 Presenting Your Best Self at Meetings 143

Dress for Success 144

Arrive on Time and Ready to Start the Meeting 144

Identify a Goal 147

Be Positive 148

Body Language Matters 148

Stay Alert 150

Follow Up 152

In Summary: Action Tips 154

Chapter 12 Reviewing Your Progress Regularly 155

Keep Records 156

Use Your Checklists 157

Prepare for Criticism 158

Identify Inefficiencies 160

Review Your Goals 160

In Summary: Action Tips 166

Chapter 13 How to Avoid Procrastination 169

Why Do People Procrastinate? 170

Risks Procrastinators Take 173

How to Break the Procrastination Cycle 173

Just Do It! 182

In Summary: Action Tips 183

Conclusion 185