Random bursts of applications are stressful and ineffective. A light weekly rhythm keeps you moving without burnout. Use this plan, templates, and tracker to make progress every week.
The 5-day rhythm (≈5 hours/week)
- Mon: Source roles (30–60 min). Save 8–10 into your tracker.
- Tue: Shortlist to 3–4; collect JDs and company notes.
- Wed: Tailor resume + cover letters (use your prompts).
- Thu: Apply + send 3 targeted LinkedIn messages.
- Fri: Follow-ups, networking pings, and reflection notes.
Kanban view (what you’re doing, at a glance)
- Backlog → Shortlisted → Applied → Interview → Offer → Archive
Keep each role in exactly one column. Each Friday, move cards forward or archive.
LLM prompts to speed things up
Extract keywords from a job ad
From this job description, list 10 hard skills and tools it expects. Then draft 5 resume bullet edits that reflect those terms without exaggeration. [PASTE JD]
Draft a polite follow-up
Write a short follow-up to a recruiter about my application for [Role] at [Company], sent [date]. Friendly, 3 sentences, includes link to portfolio: [URL].
LinkedIn outreach (2 templates)
To a hiring manager
Hi [Name] — I’m applying for [Role]. I built [short proof, e.g., “a feature that cut drop-off 18%”]. Would love to share the case study and hear what matters most for the role. Thanks!
To a team member
Hi [Name] — I’m exploring [Role] at [Company]. Any insight on day-to-day or what stands out in candidates? Happy to keep it brief. Thank you!
Weekly metrics (keep it simple)
- Applications sent
- Responses / interviews booked
- Quality moves (warm intros, tailored apps) vs. spray-and-pray
Friday review questions
- What led to responses this week? Do more of that.
- Where did I stall? Fix the bottleneck (resume, outreach, volume).
- What 3 roles will I target next week?
Consistency beats intensity. This rhythm, paired with your tracker, makes the search calmer and more effective.