Finding your ideal job is not child’s play. You would need a framework to develop your job search goals. Why? Because it’s essential to have guideposts that point you in the right direction.
To overcome obstacles in your way, we’ll discuss 13 examples of SMART goals for finding a job. Setting SMART goals will lay the groundwork for goal attainment in the future.
What is a SMART Goal?
SMART is a goal framework that can help people successfully land their jobs. For those not in the know, SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based.
- Specific: When setting your goals for job searching, try to be as detailed as possible.
- Measurable: Make your goals measurable; this criterion is critical to finding a job.
- Attainable: Reaching your objectives and goals shouldn’t be unreasonable. Try to find something realistic yet challenging.
- Relevant: Your goals should align with your core personal values. They must be tied to the bigger picture.
- Time-based: Have a deadline for goal completion to push yourself forward.
Goals for job hunting are best developed using the SMART goal method. Following the 5 criteria will ensure you have a greater likelihood of landing your dream job.
13 SMART Goals Examples for Finding a Job
Job searching can be a tedious process for some people. Below you’ll find numerous SMART goals examples to help you find a job:
1. Cultivate Professional Relationships
“For the duration of four months, I will attend three professional networking events every month to build contacts and generate potential job opportunities. I’ll use these events to solidify at least 5 professional relationships that can help me in my job search.”
Specific: The goal is clear and concise, outlining precisely what needs to be done to achieve it.
Measurable: Attending three professional networking events each month and building 5 relationships can be tracked.
Attainable: This is achievable with a bit of time management and planning.
Relevant: This goal is pertinent to finding a job because it helps widen the net of potential contacts and opportunities.
Time-based: There is a four-month timeline for accomplishing this goal.
2. Improve Your Resume
“I want to edit and add new sections to my resume that accurately reflect my past accomplishments and highlight my skills by the end of two weeks. This goal will help me get noticed by employers and put my best foot forward when applying for jobs.”
Specific: This statement outlines the changes and improvements you want to make to your resume.
Measurable: You could assess and track the changes you’ve made to your resume.
Attainable: Making changes and improvements to a resume is within reach.
Relevant: Improving your resume makes it more attractive to potential employers.
Time-based: You have two weeks to complete this goal.
3. Create a Systematic Job Search
“To increase my chances of landing a job in 6 months, I will create a systematic job search strategy and apply to at least 5 new jobs per week. This will ensure my job search is comprehensive, and I’ll be better prepared to follow up on any promising opportunities.”
Specific: The SMART goal is clear about what must be accomplished to boost the chance of landing a job.
Measurable: The job searcher can track the number of jobs they have applied to each week.
Attainable: The goal is possible with a commitment to applying to 5 jobs per week.
Relevant: The person understands that a systematic job search is the most effective approach to finding a job.
Time-based: You’ll want to achieve success in 6 months.
4. Think Outside the Box
“I’ll strive to think outside the box and brainstorm innovative solutions to my job search challenges by engaging with recruiters and professionals in other industries. By the end of two months, I will have a list of potential employers and contacts I can pursue.”
Specific: The aim is to think outside the box and develop creative solutions for a job search.
Measurable: Verify your results by creating a list of potential employers and contacts from their efforts.
Attainable: This is realistic and achievable by talking to recruiters and professionals in other industries.
Relevant: The goal is appropriate for the individual’s job search efforts.
Time-based: Goal attainment will be met after two months.
5. Use Professional Services to Boost Your Career
“I will invest in my career by subscribing to a professional networking service and using it to connect with potential employers. I’ll also attend career-related workshops to gain new skills and increase my value. I aim to have at least three job offers within the next year.”
Specific: You’ve identified the services you’ll use and what you hope to achieve.
Measurable: You can verify progress by the number of job offers you receive.
Attainable: With the help of professional services and workshops, this is a realistic target.
Relevant: You are focusing on building your career and increasing your value.
Time-based: This goal should be achievable within the following year.
6. Take Online Courses
“I’ll take two online courses related to my desired field within three months. I’ll use my new knowledge and skills to enhance my resume and career prospects.”
Specific: The person will discover two specific online courses they want to take.
Measurable: Make sure you sign up and complete the chosen courses.
Attainable: This SMART goal is achievable if the person has time to study and access the necessary resources.
Relevant: Online courses are a great way to acquire knowledge and skills related to one’s desired field.
Time-based: The goal must be accomplished after three months.
7. Prepare for Job Interviews and Follow-Ups
“Over the 6 months ahead, I will prepare for job interviews by researching the position and company, creating a list of potential questions and answers, and investing in a professional wardrobe. I’ll also aim to follow up with employers within 24 hours of the interview and track progress in my job search every day.”
Specific: The statement outlines the steps required to prepare for job interviews and a timeline for follow-ups.
Measurable: Determine progress by working on your job search every day.
Attainable: The provided timeline allows enough time to gear up for interviews and follow-ups.
Relevant: This goal is suitable because it focuses on making proper preparations.
Time-based: There is a 6-month time frame for goal attainment.
8. Use Social Media to Connect With Employers
“I will proactively use social media to connect with employers in my industry and make sure they know who I am. Until three months later, I’ll dedicate two hours each week to developing and maintaining relationships on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.”
Specific: This is about actively using social media to connect with employers in the same industry.
Measurable: You will commit to two hours each week for the next three months.
Attainable: The goal is feasible since most people have access to social media.
Relevant: Connecting with employers on social media is relevant to getting a job.
Time-based: You have a deadline of three months to meet this particular goal.
9. Showcase Professionalism
“Over 5 months, I want to research the company I am interviewing with to show that I am knowledgeable about the business and its industry. By asking thoughtful questions and taking the initiative, I can show the interviewers my professionalism and emphasize why I’m a great candidate.”
Specific: The job searcher aims to research the company and show their knowledge during an interview.
Measurable: Measure success by the number of questions asked and the level of insight given.
Attainable: This is attainable because the person can research the company before the interview.
Relevant: The goal is appropriate because it emphasizes the individual’s professional qualities and expertise.
Time-based: This is time-bound because it has 5 months to complete.
10. Leverage Your Skills and Experience
“I’ll research the current job market and determine where my skills and experience will be valued in the coming two weeks. Then I will update and refine my resume to reflect these skills and experiences and any additional qualifications that would make me an ideal candidate.”
Specific: The goal states the objective and what will be done to achieve it.
Measurable: You could track your progress in researching the job market, updating your resume, and acquiring qualifications.
Attainable: This is achievable because it’s realistic to research the job market and update your experience to make you a better candidate.
Relevant: Knocking down the listed action items is pertinent to landing a job.
Time-based: There is a two-week timeline for reaching this target.
11. Become an Expert in the Industry
“I’ll aim to become an expert in my chosen field by attending conferences, reading industry-specific publications and blogs, and joining related professional organizations in the following two years. This will help me stay up-to-date on the latest trends in my field and establish myself as an authority in the industry.”
Specific: This is specific because the person will set out to become an expert in their chosen field.
Measurable: Evaluate progress by proactively following the three listed actions.
Attainable: Attending conferences and reading publications are achievable tasks that will help the individual become an expert.
Relevant: The goal is relevant to the person’s career and is achievable within the given timeline.
Time-based: Completion of this goal is expected within two years.
12. Show Your Talents
“To increase visibility and attract the attention of potential employers, I will showcase my talents on social media and create a portfolio website by the end of two months. The goal is to create an online presence highlighting my skills, abilities, and accomplishments to make me stand out among other job candidates.”
Specific: You must use social media and a portfolio website to show your skills.
Measurable: You can confirm how much time it takes to create a portfolio and how many social media posts you’ve created.
Attainable: Realize that creating an online presence is absolutely doable.
Relevant: Having an online presence is key to getting noticed by potential employers.
Time-based: Goal achievement is expected in two months.
13. Remain Focused and Dedicated
“I will devote an hour a day to job searching to stay focused and dedicated to the task at hand. This includes creating a job search plan and tracking progress to ensure I am staying on track. I aim to remain consistent in my efforts until I finally land a job.”
Specific: The statement details the task and how it will be accomplished.
Measurable: Progress can be tracked by devoting an hour a day to job searching.
Attainable: This is an achievable goal that requires dedication and consistency but is not overly ambitious.
Relevant: This is relevant to job searching because it ensures you remain consistent over time.
Time-based: This is an ongoing goal that will be continued until you finally land a job.
Final Thoughts
Finding a job can be long and complicated, but creating SMART goals is a fantastic way to stay laser-focused and motivated. Breaking down your job-hunting goals will ensure you progress toward your ultimate goal: landing your dream job.
Don’t be afraid to use the SMART goals examples above to set your job search goals. Remember to tailor them to your situation. With well-defined goals, you’ll be well on your way to a successful job search.
