Stop Wasting Time: Make a "To-Don’t" List and Land That Job

Let’s cut to the chase: If you’re stuck in your job search, it’s probably because you’re doing too much busywork.

Not sure if that’s you? Here’s your checklist.

Print it out, grab a pen, and check off everything you’ve been wasting time on.

Then—here’s the hard part—STOP DOING IT.

The Job Search Busywork Checklist

☐ Endlessly Perfecting Your Résumé

• You’ve spent hours tweaking fonts, layouts, or wording when it’s already good enough.
• You obsess over small details no one will notice.
  
  

☐ Sending Generic Applications

• You copy-paste the same cover letter for every job.
• You apply to jobs you don’t care about or aren’t qualified for.
  
  

☐ Mindless Job Board Scrolling

• You refresh LinkedIn or Indeed 10 times a day without a real plan.
• You keep “bookmarking” jobs but never actually apply.
  
  

☐ Over-Researching Companies

• You read every single Glassdoor review (even the ridiculous ones).
• You stalk employees on LinkedIn without reaching out.
  
  

☐ Overthinking LinkedIn Messages

• You rewrite connection requests or cold outreach messages 15 times.
• You spend more time analyzing who viewed your profile than reaching out to them.
  
  

☐ Avoiding Networking Conversations

• You attend webinars and events but never talk to anyone.
• You have a list of contacts but haven’t followed up with them.
  
  

☐ Procrastination in Disguise

• You’re constantly reorganizing your job search spreadsheet.
• You keep creating new “systems” or “trackers” instead of applying.
  
  

☐ Overdoing Skill Development

• You’re taking way too many online courses instead of job hunting.
• You think you need another certification before you’re “ready.”
  
  

☐ Getting Sucked Into Social Media

• You scroll LinkedIn but don’t engage or take action.
• Instagram or TikTok “breaks” somehow turn into hours of wasted time.
  
  

☐ Fixating on Rejections

• You re-read rejection emails and replay interviews in your head.
• You vent endlessly without coming up with a plan to improve.

Now, Take Action

1. Add up your checkmarks. How many boxes did you tick? Be honest.
2. Highlight the top 2-3 time-wasters. These are your biggest distractions.
3. Write a “To-Don’t List” with those items. Commit to not doing them this week.

Refocus on What Matters

Here’s where to spend your time instead:

• Networking: Build meaningful connections with people in your target field.
• Tailored Applications: Apply to fewer jobs, but customize each one.
• Interview Prep: Practice your answers to common questions.
• Skill Targeting: Learn ONE skill that will immediately boost your hireability.

This checklist doesn’t lie—if you’re doing too much busywork, you’re holding yourself back. Cut the distractions, focus on what counts, and go land that dream job.

Want to Dive Deeper?

Ready to stop wasting time and land your dream job?

The Elevated Careers Career Change Accelerator gives you a simple roadmap to:

• Cut the noise and eliminate busywork.
• Create a to-don’t list that clears your schedule for what matters.
• Build a job search strategy that actually gets results.

If you're done spinning your wheels and ready to take control, this program is for you.

Your Challenge:

Print this email. Mark your busywork. Make a to-don’t list. Then, take back control of your job search.

Your future self will thank you.

That's it for this week.

Steph Yesil

Find me on LinkedIn, Get My Career Change Kit, or Book a 1:1 Call