Treating your Job Search like a Project

👻 Feeling Ghosted? Here’s How to Take Control of Your Job Search

It’s one of the most frustrating parts of job hunting—putting in time and effort to tailor a great application… and hearing absolutely nothing back.

Sadly, we hear time and again from candidates who feel invisible in the job market. And while we never ghost our members at Ten2Two, we know not every recruiter or employer upholds the same standards. It’s disheartening—especially when applying can take hours.

So how do you stay motivated when you're met with silence?

The truth is, job hunting takes consistent effort over time. But by treating it like a project—and working smarter, not harder—you can reduce frustration and increase your chances of success.

✅ Build Your Job Search Plan

You’re not just “sending out CVs”—you’re running a strategic project. And like any good project, it needs structure, systems and clarity.

Here’s how to take control and stay one step ahead:

🕒 Allocate Time

Set aside regular time for your job search. You’ll need a chunk of time upfront to get set up, then shorter bursts daily or every other day to check alerts and apply. Consistency beats bingeing!

🎯 Set Your Criteria

Be clear about your non-negotiables:

• What hours can you work?
• What’s your minimum salary?
• What’s your maximum commute or travel tolerance?

Knowing this will help you focus your energy and avoid applying for roles that don’t suit your life.

🧩 Understand Job Titles

Job titles vary wildly between companies. If you’re not sure what roles match your skills, start searching on job boards using specific keywords (e.g. “Xero”, “project management”, “CRM”).

You’ll likely discover titles you hadn’t considered—and they might lead to perfect-fit roles.

📄 Create a Base CV and Cover Letter

Having a strong base version of your CV and cover letter means you’re not starting from scratch each time. You can then tailor it quickly to highlight what’s most relevant for each job.

Not sure how to start? Check out our CV support services – we're here to help.

📬 Sign Up for Alerts

Register with job boards and agencies that suit your sector, skills and location. Then create folders in your email to store alerts in one place, so they don’t get lost or overwhelm your inbox.

✍️ Tailor Every Application

Small tweaks can make a big difference. That might mean:

• Adjusting your profile summary
• Re-ordering your key skills to match the job description
• Echoing language from the job advert

Tailoring shows the employer you’ve read the ad and can see yourself in the role.

💻 Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile

Make sure your LinkedIn matches your CV and reflects the roles you're aiming for. You can select up to 50 skills on LinkedIn—use them strategically! These help recruiters find you and make your profile stronger.

Need a LinkedIn refresh? We’ve got a step-by-step guide here to help.

👥 Reach Out to Your Network

Don’t underestimate the power of your network. Tell friends, former colleagues, family—even your Pilates instructor—that you're job hunting. You never know who might have a lead or introduce you to the right person.

📊 Track Your Applications

Use a spreadsheet, notebook or app to keep tabs on where you've applied, the date, and any follow-up needed. It helps you stay organised—and stops you applying to the same job twice!

🐢 Expect Highs and Lows

Some recruitment processes move at lightning speed. Others crawl. Try not to take delays—or rejections—personally. Often it's about internal factors, or the company choosing someone who ticks slightly more boxes.

Stay patient and keep going. The right role is out there.

💬 Final Thought: It Isn’t Personal

Rejection stings, but it doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It just means the match wasn’t quite right this time.

So if you’re feeling disheartened, take a step back, refocus your energy and keep moving. Every application is a stepping stone towards the job that’s right for you.

And remember—we’re in your corner.