Focusing on What You Can Control: A Job Search Action Plan for Uncertain Times

With the election around the corner, it’s safe to say that anxiety is running high. This week, I’ve felt it too, and I’m sure many of you are feeling it even more intensely—here’s looking at you, Pennsylvania/Michigan/Nevada. In times like these, where so much feels unpredictable, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Earlier this week I hosted a job search workshop for a group of 30 job seekers, and the feedback was eye-opening: participants said they felt relieved to finally have some structure and an action plan they could actually control. The main takeaway? While we can’t control every factor—like the job market, election outcomes, or the economy—we can control how we prepare and set ourselves up for success.

So, let’s take a look at a few key areas where you can focus your energy and reclaim a sense of control over your job search journey.

1. Build and Optimize Your Personal Brand

In a job market full of unpredictability, your personal brand is a powerful asset that you can develop and control. This includes your online presence on LinkedIn, personal website, or portfolio, as well as how you communicate your skills and experience.

Consider these steps to polish your brand:

• Revamp Your LinkedIn Profile: Make sure your profile reflects not just your experience, but also the skills that make you unique. Use keywords specific to your field so recruiters can find you more easily.

• Create a Strong Summary: Write a summary that tells your professional story and aligns with your career goals. This section gives you full control over your narrative, so use it to stand out.

• Showcase Relevant Work: Whether you’re a student building your first portfolio or a professional with years of experience, having relevant examples of your work makes a strong impression.

These steps are fully within your power to control, and they help position you as a qualified, engaged candidate.

2. Enhance Your Skills

Skills are the currency of today’s job market. Investing time to develop or refine in-demand skills is a smart way to take charge of your career path. Plus, it’s something you can control regardless of where you are in your journey—whether you’re entering the field for the first time or looking to advance.

• Identify Key Skills: Take a look at job postings in your target field. Which skills appear most often? Use this as a guide to prioritize which skills to work on.

• Explore Online Learning: There are many affordable or even free resources available on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Khan Academy. Even dedicating an hour a week can help you make noticeable progress.

By focusing on skills, you’re actively setting yourself up for a stronger, more competitive application.

3. Network with Intention

Networking is a powerful way to control your career prospects. During the workshop, a lot of attendees mentioned they felt uncertain about how to approach networking, but they were eager to learn how to do it more effectively. The truth is, networking isn’t about knowing everyone—it’s about connecting with a few key people who understand your goals and can help you get there.

• Seek Informational Interviews: Reaching out for virtual coffee chats with alumni or people in roles you admire is a good way to learn about the industry and get advice.

• Join Groups or Associations: Many fields have professional organizations, and alumni associations often host networking events. These connections can provide invaluable support and insights.

By building genuine relationships, you’re developing a network that can open doors and offer guidance—even if the job market is tough.

4. Organize Your Job Search with a Tracker and Weekly Goals

Staying organized is key to feeling in control, and a job search tracker can make the process more manageable. Workshop participants found that using a tracker allowed them to stay focused, motivated, and to see progress clearly—a big boost, especially during longer searches.

• Set Weekly Metrics and OKRs: Set small, achievable goals like applying to three roles or connecting with five new people. This structure gives you a clear direction each week.

• Track Applications and Follow-ups: A simple spreadsheet can help you record job applications, statuses, and follow-ups, keeping everything organized and in one place.

• Visualize Your Progress: Tracking your work lets you see all the effort you’re putting in. And when you can look back on a productive week, you’ll feel a lot more motivated.

By focusing on progress, not just outcomes, you create a sense of achievement that builds momentum and keeps you moving forward.

5. Build a Resilient, Positive Mindset

In an unpredictable job market, mindset matters more than ever. While having a tracker helps you stay organized, developing resilience and a positive outlook is what will keep you moving forward during tougher weeks. The job search journey is filled with highs and lows, but by nurturing resilience, you can stay balanced and confident no matter what’s happening around you.

• Reframe Setbacks as Learning Opportunities: Instead of viewing rejections as failures, use them to refine your approach. Adjust your applications, interview responses, or networking strategies based on feedback, and see each step as part of a larger learning process.

• Celebrate Every Small Win: From sending a well-crafted email to completing an application, recognize and celebrate each step you take. Small successes build momentum, which strengthens your mindset and helps you stay positive.

• Focus on What’s Within Your Control: In times of uncertainty, it’s reassuring to concentrate on the actions you can control. By consistently taking steps toward your goals, you’re reinforcing a mindset that values persistence and growth.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Job Search

As we head into the next week with so many unknowns on the horizon, remember that your job search is one area where you can take meaningful control. By focusing on actionable steps—like building your brand, setting achievable goals, and staying resilient—you can move forward with confidence, regardless of what the future brings.

If you’re ready to create your own action plan or need personalized support, reach out for a consultation with LATCH Career Services. I’d love to help you build a proactive job search strategy that aligns with your goals.