The Pros And Cons Of Setting A Job Search Deadline

Setting goals during your job search is hardly a new phenomenon. Whether it's applying to a certain number of jobs in a week, or making X number of new networking contacts in a day, goal-setting is a good habit for job seekers. But is it a good idea to set a deadline for getting hired?

There is something to be said for setting this kind of deadline for yourself. While it seems arbitrary, a goal of this kind can really help motivate you. There's nothing more satisfying than meeting a goal that you worked really hard to meet and, if you are in the middle of a rut, it could be just the spark you need to kick-start your job search.

On the other hand, setting a deadline to get a job is a lot of pressure to put on yourself, especially in this economy. Missing a goal can also be demoralizing, especially if you did everything you could to make it a reality. Is a little extra motivation really worth potential disappointment?

Setting a specific date to get a job is ultimately something that will do more harm than good. Setting an arbitrary date for something as important as employment is only setting yourself up for disappointment. This doesn't mean you should take your time trying to get a job. On the contrary, you should work everyday on your various job search activities to improve your chances of being hired. Just don't overwhelm yourself by setting goals for thing you can't control.

What do you think? Voice your opinion on this topic by posting in the comments section below.