Job searching is not for the faint of heart. If you’re on the hunt for a new position, you know the time and energy spent keeping track of the job listings, cover letters, resumes, applications, follow-ups, interviews, thank yous, and more can be enough to make you want to throw your hands up in defeat. If you’re applying to job after job without getting anywhere, it might be time to refine your approach and get a little more organized. Follow these eight steps to find your dream job faster:

Develop a schedule

Searching for a job can quickly turn into its own full-time job. Before you look up at the clock only to realize the day has gotten away from you, consider how setting a schedule might help you stay on task. Trying a simple strategy like time-blocking can make sure you stay focused and productive. Designating specific times of your day for internet searches, e-mailing, cover letter editing, and follow-up can remove distractions and help you achieve your goals more effectively.

Set realistic goals

Speaking of goals… while you work toward your big goal of landing a great job, setting smaller goals each day can help you stay on task and recognize the progress you’re making. You might reserve one day for resume updates, another for reaching out to five professional connections, and another for submitting three job applications for positions you’ve been eyeing. Writing down actionable objectives for the week ahead will help you both stay focused and feel accomplished when you look back at what you’ve checked off your list.

Minimize distractions

We all know how easy it is to reach for our phones in moments of boredom or procrastination. Keep distractions to a minimum by turning your phone off or placing it in another room while you work on applications. Need a little extra help? Try a distraction-blocking app to prevent your internet eye from wandering from the task at hand.

It’s also helpful to designate a particular physical space for job search-related work (a transition to a specific place in your home can help you mind transition to a different headspace as well). Keep your job hunt area tidy and free from clutter, distracting appliances, junk food, or anything else that could tempt you away from your work.

Broaden your search

Don’t limit your job search to one site, even if it’s an aggregator. Search different job platforms (especially those dedicated to specific industries) and keep a spreadsheet of websites to check for new opportunities every day. If you’d rather ditch the spreadsheet, check out Altogethr’s ability to search all of your favorite job sites at once.

Establish a connection

Did you know that 60% of jobs are filled through a connection? Now’s the time to build your network. Reach out to your biggest supporters and those who have been mentors for you in the past and check in to touch base. Look up your college’s alumni and introduce yourself to those in a similar professional field. Join industry Facebook groups and follow companies of interest on LinkedIn. Before you apply to a job, think about who’s in your corner, and who might be able to help make sure your resume makes it to the right person. You never know what could come from a check-in call, text, or email.

Customize your resume and cover letter

Make sure you take the time to customize your resume and cover letter to highlight how you match the requirements of the job at hand. Applicant tracking systems are programmed to scan for specific words and phrases that match the job opening. So when you’re listing out your skills and qualifications on your resume, have the job post handy to make sure the wording of your specific experience is in line with what the company is looking for. Be sure to list out specifics like software or systems you’re familiar with, languages you speak, degrees, certifications, and any other “hard skills” you might have, and be sure to use Altogethr’s resume and cover letter repository to keep track of all of your versions in one location.

Stay on top of deadlines

Need to send work samples by the end of the week? Falling behind on thank you notes for those two interviews you had recently? If you’re balancing multiple job applications at once, something’s bound to fall through the cracks. Make sure you never miss the crucial follow-up that will set you apart from other candidates. Note any important deadlines on your calendar, or use Altogethr’s platform to set helpful reminders (on colorful virtual sticky notes) to make sure you stay on top of all your to-do’s.

Find an accountability partner

You’ve likely realized how the support systems in your life have helped you through tough times in the past, and the job search process is no exception. Ask a friend, family member, or fellow job-seeker to act as an accountability buddy — someone who can check in with you, swap stories and advice, and offer encouragement to stay motivated when the going gets tough.

Good luck with the job search, and we hope these tips help you stay organized and focused as you work towards your next step!

You should also check out these 4 ways to revolutionize your job hunt.