Free and Easy Job Search Workflow for Intermediate Computer Skills

Hello! If you’re here, it means we’re both in the same boat, sailing determinedly toward our next role. Rest assured, we will reach our destination and hit solid ground—it’s just a matter of time. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. With the job crisis we’re all navigating, I’ve decided to focus on staying positive and making the most of this time to work smarter, not harder.

What I’m sharing here is a workflow similar to what I’m using in my own job search. It’s simple, practical, and designed to minimize (if not eliminate) complicated coding or configurations. My goal is to make this as easy as possible for anyone to follow.

I genuinely hope this helps someone because, in my heart, I believe that if you can help someone, you absolutely should. Let’s chart a course together toward success and seize the opportunities that await.

Step 1: Centralize Job Alerts

Streamline your job search by consolidating notifications using free tools:

1. Google Alerts for Niche Job Postings

   Create alerts for specific roles using Google Alerts. Use Boolean operators like AND and OR to refine results. Notifications are delivered directly to your email.

2. LinkedIn Job Alerts

   Set job alerts on LinkedIn for real-time updates tailored to your search criteria. Use filters for location, experience, and company size to refine results.

3. RSS Feeds for Company Websites

   Monitor company career pages using RSS readers like Feedly. If RSS feeds are unavailable, tools like Visualping can monitor page changes for updates.

Step 2: Automate Notifications

Use IFTTT to consolidate alerts into a single platform:

• Create applets that trigger notifications for job updates from LinkedIn, Google Alerts, or RSS feeds.
• Receive notifications via phone or email for real-time updates.

Step 3: Organize Applications

Track your job search progress with Google Sheets or Notion:

• Include columns for Job Title, Company, Status, Deadline, and Notes.
• Use filters to prioritize applications by urgency or interest.

Step 4: Optimize Your Resume for ATS

Leverage free tools to ensure your resume passes ATS (Applicant Tracking System) scans:

• Jobscan: Analyze your resume for missing keywords or formatting issues.
• Resumatch.io: Get recommendations to improve ATS compatibility.

Use clean templates from platforms like Canva. Save your resume as a .docx or .pdf file for optimal results.

Step 5: Apply Directly and Bypass ATS

Increase visibility by reaching out to hiring managers directly:

1. Use LinkedIn to find and connect with hiring managers. Personalize messages to express genuine interest.
2. Find professional email addresses using tools like Hunter.io or Zoominfo.com. These platforms provide verified contact details for recruiters and hiring managers. Send a tailored email introducing yourself and attach your resume.

Step 6: Free and Easy Resume Tailoring

Customize your resume for each job using free ATS-friendly templates from Canva. Incorporate keywords naturally based on job descriptions to improve your chances.

Why This Workflow Works

This process is designed to be free, efficient, and beginner-friendly. By automating job alerts, optimizing your resume, and tracking applications, you can focus on high-impact activities like networking and direct outreach.

Tools Summary