Three Job Search Tips You Can Do in Just 5 Minutes

Big changes start with small steps. Here are three five - minute actions that can give your job search momentum.

When you think about job searching what comes to mind? For most people it’s hours of scrolling through job boards, tailoring CVs, writing cover letters and waiting for replies. It can feel like a second full-time job and that’s on top of the energy it takes to keep your confidence up.

But here’s the good news: progress doesn’t always come from long days or massive effort. Often it’s the little things you do regularly that build momentum. Just like exercise, consistency matters more than intensity. Five minutes here and there can change the shape of your job search.

Here are three small but powerful actions you can take today. Each takes less than five minutes and each one helps keep your search moving forward.

Job Search Tip 1. Refresh your LinkedIn headline

Your LinkedIn headline is prime real estate. It’s one of the very first things recruiters and hiring managers see and it also plays a big role in whether you show up in searches.

Too often people waste this space with a vague placeholder like “Looking for opportunities” or just their job title. The problem? Neither tells anyone what you’re good at or why they should click on your profile.

A stronger approach is to use your headline to highlight skills and value. Think of it as your “mini billboard.”

For example: 

Instead of: “Customer Service Representative” Try: “Customer Service | Helping people solve problems with empathy and speed”

Or:

Instead of: “Marketing Manager” Try: “Marketing Manager | Campaign Strategy • Brand Growth • Digital Engagement”

This tiny update takes less than five minutes but can completely change how people perceive you and whether they reach out.

Pro tip: use industry keywords. Recruiters often search for skills not just job titles. Think about what you’d want to be found for and make sure those words are in your headline.

Job Search Tip 2. Reconnect with one contact

Networking has a reputation for being intimidating but at its heart it’s about relationships and relationships don’t always start with a big ask. Sometimes the most valuable career moves begin with a simple “How are you doing?”

Scroll through your LinkedIn or your phone contacts and pick one person you haven’t spoken to in a while. Maybe it’s a colleague from a past job, someone you studied with or a manager you worked closely with. Then send them a short message.

It can be as light as:

• “Hi [Name], I was just thinking about our time working on [project] and thought I’d check in. How are things going for you at the moment?”

• “Hey [Name], it’s been a while! I hope you’re doing well. I’d love to hear what you’re working on these days.”

You’re not asking for a job. You’re re-opening a door. These small touchpoints build goodwill and over time those connections often turn into opportunities. People share job openings, make introductions or think of you when something comes up.

Pro tip: consistency beats intensity here too. Aim for one reconnection a week. That’s 52 potential opportunities in a year from less than five minutes of effort each time.

Job Search Tip 3. Set a smart job alert

Instead of spending hours refreshing job boards, let the jobs come to you. Both LinkedIn and Seek allow you to create custom alerts which means you’ll get notified when new roles match your criteria.

The trick is to be specific. A broad search like “Manager” or “Analyst” will flood your inbox with roles that don’t fit. Instead combine keywords and filters to narrow it down. For example:

• “Operations Manager – Christchurch”

• “UX Designer – Remote NZ”

• “Environmental Advisor – Entry Level”

This way you will spend less time scrolling and more time applying to roles that are genuinely relevant. It also gives you a speed advantage: when you get alerts early you can be among the first to apply and early applications often get more attention.

Pro tip: create two or three alerts with slightly different variations. For example “Digital Marketing Manager” and “Marketing Lead.” Sometimes employers use different titles for similar roles and you don’t want to miss them.

Why small steps matter

Job searching is often a marathon not a sprint. It’s easy to get discouraged when progress feels slow or when rejection emails start piling up. That’s why small wins matter.

Spending five minutes on LinkedIn today won’t land you a job tomorrow. But over time these actions build a foundation:

• A more visible, attractive profile

• A stronger, warmer network

• A steady flow of opportunities in your inbox

They also help with motivation. Knowing you’ve done something, even a tiny step, can shift your mindset from “stuck” to “moving.” And momentum no matter how small is powerful.

You don’t need hours each day to move your career forward. Sometimes the best progress comes from the smallest, simplest actions.

So here’s your challenge: take five minutes today. Refresh your headline, send one message or set a job alert. Then notice how it feels to know you’re not just waiting - you’re actively shaping your next opportunity.

Five minutes is a great start. And when you’re ready for more than the quick wins — whether that’s reworking your CV, strengthening your LinkedIn, or sharpening your interview skills — having the right strategy can take you further.

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