How development job seekers can make the most of their time

Whether you’re fully employed, unemployed, freelancing, or volunteering, job hunting can feel like a full-time job on top of your other commitments. But prioritizing your search and making the most of the hours you have is critical to landing a role, especially in the current highly competitive development job market. “With everything that’s happened this year, the market is flooded, so it feels impossible, and it’s hard to stay motivated,” Kelsi Kriitmaa, a social impact career coach, said during a recent digital event. “But we need to treat our job search like it’s an actual job.” To help development professionals approach the job hunt with clarity and structure, Kriitmaa offered science-backed strategies for prioritizing what really matters, maintaining focus amid distractions, and sustaining healthy routines throughout your search. Here are a few tips she offered during the discussion. Rethink your approach to productivity On top of an especially crowded job market, global development hiring cycles are notoriously long, making the search feel endless. The way to counter this is not “more hours” but “a better system,” according to Kriitmaa. “Sometimes we think being busy is being productive,” Kriitmaa said. ”But what we actually want is quality over quantity, because we don’t want you burning out before you even land your next role.” She recommends setting clear, controllable daily metrics — such as submitting one targeted application or reaching out to five contacts — rather than chasing every new opportunity that piques your interest. Thinking about what a “good job search day” looks like for you will help you set these goals, which should be treated as “nonnegotiables.” “Your nonnegotiables might be something like, ‘I want 30 minutes of movement every day. I want to apply for two jobs and send five connection requests on LinkedIn.’ That’s what we call your MVD — your minimum viable day,” Kriitmaa said. Focus when your energy is highest Instead of starting the day with reactive tasks like checking email or LinkedIn, Kriitmaa recommended creating a “morning reset”— a brief routine tied to an existing habit, such as making your morning cup of coffee — where you identify the most important task you want to accomplish that day. “Science tells us that a morning routine boosts clarity, motivation, and decision-making. So I want you to start simple every morning. I want you to think, ‘What is actually the thing that matters most today?’” she said. Kriitmaa recommended tackling these key tasks — whether it’s an application closing soon or an important outreach effort you’ve been putting off — during midmorning or early-afternoon “focus blocks,” when energy is at its peak for most. Another tip for accomplishing your targeted task is to break it down into small, achievable steps, which is another science-backed approach. If your goal is to complete a job application, the simple act of logging into your computer and pulling up your CV can release dopamine, the brain’s neurotransmitter linked to motivation and reward. “Those dopamine hits are going to make you more likely to finish that goal of getting that one application done,” she said. So, think of one morning habit that you can integrate now into your day to help your day feel a little more streamlined.” Balance structure with self-care Kriitmaa reminded our audience of Devex Career Account members that job hunting is a marathon, not a sprint. Setting regular “review points” — weekly, monthly, and quarterly — can help maintain motivation and allow for small, sustainable adjustments. “The more specific we are with our goal setting, and the more we review our goals, the more likely we are to attain them,” she said. She also encouraged attendees to rest intentionally, especially during slower recruitment periods such as the upcoming winter holiday season. “Know that the majority of workplaces in the Western world are going to be off. So don’t waste your time scouring LinkedIn. Save up your energy. Rest, refocus, and then come back in January feeling more energized,” Kriitmaa said.