Finding Time to Find a Job, While Working Full-Time

Whether you’re feeling the weight of poor management, noticing your paycheck isn’t stretching as far, or simply feeling burned out, it might be time to explore new career opportunities. Alternatively, you may not be facing any major issues, but you’re looking for more growth, flexibility, or better benefits. Whatever the case, the idea of a job search might start to cross your mind.

But how do you begin searching for a new job when your current role, personal responsibilities, and day-to-day essentials already leave you pressed for time? The key lies in strategic planning and effective time management. Over the years I’ve worked with thousands of fashion industry professionals who face the same challenge—finding a balance between managing their current workload and devoting time to job hunting.

Take a Step Back and Evaluate Your Schedule
Before jumping into your job search, it’s crucial to evaluate your schedule at a high level. I recommend setting aside two to three hours a week for your job hunt. Timing is everything, though. If you’re in a calm period at work and home, it may be the right time to start looking. However, if you’re in the middle of a busy fashion season, traveling for work, or juggling personal events, you may want to hold off. Waiting for a less hectic time (like a holiday?) will allow you to fully commit to the process.

Once you’ve pinpointed the best time to start your search, make a note in your calendar and prepare to commit. The journey to a new role happens in four key phases: exploration, preparation, application, and interview. Here’s how you can fit each of these into your busy schedule.

1. Exploration Phase
   The first phase of any job search is figuring out what you want from your next position. Often, professionals know they want a change but aren’t sure what they’re looking for. This is where research comes in.
   
   Start by scheduling some online research time. Pick an evening each week when you can consistently sit down and explore the job market. This might involve browsing job boards, researching industry trends, or identifying the skills you need for new opportunities. To stay on track, block out this time in your calendar and treat it like an important appointment. If home distractions make it hard to focus, consider working from a local café or library for a change of scenery and extra motivation.
   
   For informational interviews, you’ll need to coordinate with others’ schedules, but be just as intentional with your time. Designate a weekly slot to think through potential contacts and reach out to them. These meetings could take place over coffee before work, during happy hour, or virtually over your lunch break.
   
   
2. Preparation Phase
   Once you’ve identified the roles you’re interested in, it’s time to get your materials ready. This phase typically involves updating your resume and LinkedIn profile.
   
   It’s easy to get stuck here, either from procrastination or perfectionism. To avoid this, set a clear deadline to update your materials. For example, block off time on a Saturday morning to start working on your resume, and commit to finishing a section before moving on to the next task. Progress is better than perfection, and continuous forward motion will get you where you need to be.
   
   If you need accountability, ask a friend or colleague to review your updates, or consider hiring a coach. Having someone in your corner can help keep you motivated and push through any hesitation about putting yourself out there.
   
   
3. Application Phase
   Applying for jobs requires a combination of online research and networking, much like the exploration phase. However, during this phase, you’ll need to be even more proactive. Check for new job postings daily (or sign-up for job alerts!) rather than doing longer research sessions once or twice a week. This ensures you won’t miss any opportunities and gives you time to complete applications before deadlines.
   
   If you find yourself applying for several roles at once, break the work into manageable chunks. For instance, start drafting your application one evening and set aside time on the following days to refine it. It’s important to stay flexible, so if necessary, adjust your other commitments, like rescheduling a lunch or asking for help with home tasks.
   
   
4. Interview Phase
   Interviews are often the trickiest part of the process to manage, especially if you’re working full-time. If you work remotely or in a hybrid environment, try scheduling virtual interviews during lunch breaks or early mornings. If the interview is in person, consider taking a half-day off to attend without feeling rushed.
   
   It’s best to cluster multiple interviews for the same role back-to-back rather than spread them over several days, which could disrupt your workflow. If you’re interviewing in person and need to take time off, be sure to give yourself buffer time, so you aren’t rushing between your current job and interviews.

Final Thoughts
Job hunting is a significant commitment, but it doesn’t have to feel like an impossible task. By approaching it with intention and breaking the process into manageable phases, you can make consistent progress toward your next role without sacrificing your current responsibilities. Stay organized, lean on your support network, and remember—finding your next opportunity is worth the effort.