Sample Lesson – Job Search
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE
Somewhere, an employer is looking for what you have to offer. Go find them!
With so many jobs available, it can be difficult to know how to find the best job for you. There are two key methods you can use to search for your next job.
Passive
A passive job search is a popular and low-effort way to find new employment. It involves searching through job boards and finding the right position with the right employer. This works for people who are currently employed and can’t spend a lot of time finding a new job.
Active
An active job search involves seeking out employers, rather than their posted available jobs. This involves networking and presenting yourself to employers, to make sure they remember you when an employment opportunity arises. This works for people who can dedicate the time to conduct a thorough search.
Make sure your job search goals are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, you could set a specific goal of job searching for 30 minutes a day on local online job boards. A job search plan with these traits combines the best aspects of passive and active job search.
In this lesson, you will learn methods for active and passive job searches, and how to set SMART goals for your job search.
WATCH
READ
PRACTICE
Create a SMART Job Search Plan
Spend some time crafting a job search plan. Don’t only say that your plan is to find a job. Make sure your plan is SMART. Pick specific and measurable goals (e.g., apply to one job each day, secure two interviews by the end of next month). Think about how much time you can realistically devote to your job search. Give yourself a reasonable deadline, and re-evaluate if that deadline passes.
Remember to use both active and passive job search strategies! Create accounts on job boards and set up alerts to notify you when jobs become available. Customize your process as much as you need, because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding employment.
Use these SMART Goals worksheets to support your SMART job search plan:
REFLECT
1. List three passive and active job search techniques you can use or have used in the past.
2. How can creating a SMART plan help you in your job search?
3. Do you have any questions or comments about this lesson?
Write your responses below (REMOVED FOR DEMO). When you're done, click submit, then navigate to your next lesson on the left.