Why Your Job Search Needs a System
80% of jobs are filled through networking—so why are so many job seekers still just applying to job postings and waiting?
The clinical research job market is tough right now. Layoffs, hiring slowdowns, and increased competition mean that traditional job-hunting methods won’t cut it. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you need a structured, proactive strategy that uncovers hidden opportunities.
That’s where Getting Things Done (GTD) by David Allen comes in. Originally designed as a productivity system, GTD can be a game-changer for job seekers. It helps you organize your search, stay consistent, and take meaningful actions daily—without getting lost in endless applications.
Here’s how to apply GTD to your job search and maximize your chances of landing the right role.
Step 1: Capture – Get Everything Out of Your Head
One of the biggest job search mistakes? Keeping everything in your head. GTD starts with “Capture”—writing down everything that needs to be done so nothing falls through the cracks.
What to Capture:
- Companies you want to target
- People you need to connect with
- Recruiters to reach out to
- Jobs you’re considering applying for
- Follow-ups you need to send
- Webinars, conferences, or networking events to attend
How to Do It:
- Use a tool like Trello, Notion, or a simple Google Sheet.
- Create categories like “Job Applications,” “Networking,” “Follow-Ups,” and “Research.”
- Set up a notes app (like Apple Notes or OneNote) for quick ideas on the go.
👉 The goal: Get everything in one place so you’re not scrambling to remember what to do next.
Step 2: Clarify – Turn Big Goals into Clear Next Steps
A common reason job seekers get stuck is because their to-do lists are too vague. If your task list says things like “Apply for jobs” or “Network more,” it’s no wonder you feel overwhelmed. The key is to break each task down into clear, next steps that you can take action on immediately.
How to Clarify Your Job Search Tasks:
Instead of: “Apply for jobs”
Make it actionable:
- Identify three roles that match your experience and interests.
- Customize your resume and cover letter for each role.
- Submit applications through the company website or a recruiter.
- Log the job details in your tracking system (company, job title, date applied).
- Set a reminder to follow up in one week.
Instead of: “Network on LinkedIn”
Get specific:
- Send three personalized connection requests to professionals in clinical research.
- Comment on two posts from industry leaders to stay visible.
- Send a follow-up message to one former colleague to check in.
- Research one hiring manager at a company you’re interested in and engage with their content.
Instead of: “Follow up on applications”
Break it down:
- Find the hiring manager or recruiter on LinkedIn.
- Send a brief, professional follow-up message (e.g., “Hi [Name], I recently applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company] and wanted to follow up. I’m very interested in the opportunity and would love to connect.”).
- If no response after a week, send a second follow-up or try a different contact at the company.
Pro Tip: Apply the Two-Minute Rule—if a task takes less than two minutes (like sending a quick LinkedIn message), do it immediately instead of adding it to your list.
👉 The more specific your tasks, the easier it is to take action and build momentum.
Step 3: Organize – Create a Job Search Workflow
Now that you have clear actions, you need a system to keep track of everything.
How to Set Up Your Workflow:
Create a simple tracking system—use a Trello board, Google Sheet, or Notion page. Your workflow might look like this:
- To Apply – Jobs you plan to apply for
- Applied – Jobs you’ve submitted applications for
- Follow-Ups – Recruiters and hiring managers you need to check in with
- Networking – People you’ve contacted or want to reach out to
- Interviews – Scheduled interviews and prep notes
Bonus Tip:
- Set calendar reminders to follow up on applications.
- Keep notes on conversations with hiring managers and recruiters.
👉 A structured system means you won’t lose track of applications or forget to follow up.
Step 4: Reflect – Review Your Progress Weekly
Most job seekers get stuck in a cycle of applying and waiting. That’s why GTD emphasizes a Weekly Review—a time to step back and adjust your strategy.
How to Do a Weekly Review:
Ask yourself:
- What applications and networking efforts did I complete?
- What follow-ups do I need to do?
- Are my efforts leading to interviews? If not, what should I change?
- Am I relying too much on job postings instead of networking?
Set aside 30-60 minutes every week (Friday or Sunday works well) to go through your tracker and make adjustments.
👉 Job searching isn’t just about effort—it’s about strategy. Reviewing your progress keeps you on track.
Step 5: Engage – Take Daily Action
The final step in GTD is to trust your system and take action consistently. Small, daily actions compound into results.
Your Daily Job Search Routine:
- Apply to 2-3 targeted roles.
- Send 3-5 LinkedIn connection requests.
- Follow up on previous applications.
- Comment on industry-related LinkedIn posts to stay visible.
- Research 1-2 target companies and identify decision-makers.
- Check your email and LinkedIn inbox for recruiter messages.
👉 Even 60-90 minutes a day of focused job searching is more effective than randomly applying to dozens of jobs.
Beyond Applying: Hidden Job Search Strategies
Most jobs aren’t filled through online postings. To stand out, you need to tap into the hidden job market.
1. Leverage Recruiters & Staffing Agencies
- Many contract and full-time roles are never publicly posted.
- Connect with specialized recruiters (like OnPoint Clinical) who have insider access to roles.
2. Reach Out to Hiring Managers Directly
- Find managers on LinkedIn who lead teams you’d want to work on (e.g., Directors of Clinical Operations, Clinical Project Managers).
- Send a short, personalized message expressing your interest.
3. Engage in Clinical Research LinkedIn Groups
- Join groups like ACRP, SOCRA, and Clinical Research Professionals.
- Engage in discussions and comment on posts to build visibility.
4. Attend Webinars & Conferences
- Events like DIA, SCOPE, or ACRP meetings are great for networking with hiring managers.
- Follow up with new connections after events.
5. Build an Online Presence
- Post about industry trends, clinical research challenges, or personal experiences on LinkedIn.
- Hiring managers often check LinkedIn activity before reaching out.
Final Thoughts: Trust the Process
A job search isn’t just about sending resumes—it’s about building momentum, making connections, and staying consistent.
Here’s your game plan:
- Capture everything in one place.
- Clarify your tasks so they’re actionable.
- Organize your search with a simple workflow.
- Reflect weekly to adjust your strategy.
- Engage daily to build connections and uncover hidden opportunities.
💡 Stuck in your job search? OnPoint Clinical specializes in helping clinical research professionals find the right opportunities.