September 4, 2016

How To Stay Motivated During The Job Search

Every job seeker dreams that the next job application they send in will be their last. After putting in the time and effort to find job listings, customize resumes, cover letters, and applications, and go through the interview process, no one wants to deal with job search rejection. The longer the job search drags on, the harder it can be to stay motivated.

How to Stayed Motivated scrawled on napkin next to coffee

A never-ending job search is discouraging. It’s easy to let your frustrations get the best of you. Repeatedly being rejected can defeat your focus, productivity, and motivation – but stay positive.

Remember that everyone who is currently employed out there has been in the same position as you at some point. As Nelson Mandela once wisely said, “It always seems impossible until its done.”

If you need a boost, here are a few tips to help you stay motivated during the job search:

  • Create A Realistic and Specific To-Do List – Write down what you need to accomplish. Be realistic in what is possible in a normal day of job searching. For example, send in job application to Company A, follow up with recruiter, and work on web presence for 2 hours.
  • Establish Clear And Obtainable Goals – It’s never a good idea to wander aimlessly during the job search. Set goals so that you know what you are trying to achieve. Write them down and hang them up in a place where you will see them every day.
  • Make A Plan And Stick To It – Create a daily, weekly, or monthly plan. Stick to it and treat it like a job. Don’t miss any deadlines or events on your plan to ensure that you complete your goals.
  • Socialize And Expand Your Network – Go out and see people. Don’t mope around and sit on the couch. Go see friends, attend networking events, and be social. The next person you meet might be the key to landing you a job.
  • Do Other Things – Staring at a screen all day is demoralizing. Don’t let the job search overwhelm your life. Do other things that are important to you. Exercise, walk the dog, play with your kids, or buy a coloring book. When you let the job search overwhelm your life, it’s bad news.
  • Try New Things – If your current job search techniques aren’t work, it’s time to think outside the box. Try new things that get your name out there. Apply to new companies. Search for jobs in new cities. Don’t be afraid to admit that your job search strategies aren’t working as planned.
  • Celebrate Your Small Victories – Reward yourself for your hard work. If you do everything on your to do list or you get asked to the interview round, give yourself a small reward.
  • Push Your Comfort Zone – Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Do things that you don’t like to do. These are the things that hold you back. Make yourself do them and you’ll get new results. It will push your comfort zone, but you’ll see a boost in your motivation.
  • Take Time Off – Take a day off from the job search. It’s good for you. It will allow you to refresh, reenergize, and relax. All things that will help you focus and stay motivated.
  • Understand The Timeframe – Realize that the job search isn’t going to take time. When you understand that the job search may take a month or six months, it’s easier to to accept where you are currently at.
  • Structure Your Day – Create a routine that works for you. Make every minute count. Treat the job search like a job and you’ll be more motivated to get things done. Find out what successful people do every day here.

It’s a challenge to power through a long term job search, but there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. Follow the above tips and apply them to your current situation. It will help you stay productive, focused, and motivated. Work hard now because the job search is almost over.

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