Job hunts can take a toll on the best of us. Waiting for replies, applying every single day, not hearing back from companies or getting any feedback, and so on. Nowadays, the job market is definitely oversaturated, and it’s hard to find work in a lot of fields. Around 58% of people globally plan to look for a new job this year, but half of them say that the job search has become much harder in the last year.
But you can’t let any of that get to you. There is a great job out there waiting for you to find it (and fight for it). That’s why today, we decided to share some tips on how to stay motivated during your job search. First up, what kind of goals do you have for your job search?
1. Set Realistic Goals
Instead of thinking you need to find a job immediately, break your job search into smaller, manageable goals. Here are a few examples.
Stay Consistent
Apply to three jobs per day. The idea here is to create a habit that you can hold yourself to. So, no matter how you’re feeling, show up for yourself and apply for at least three jobs.
Chase New Connections
Reach out to one new person on LinkedIn per week. The best way to network on LinkedIn is to not start talking about work immediately. You can pitch your services, of course, but if you want to meet new people, start slow and really try to build a relationship with them.
Invest in Yourself
Spend 30 minutes each day working on your resume or skills. Just investing 30 minutes of your time and committing to it can really help you improve your skill set, your mindset, and your confidence.
Setting realistic goals is so important because it helps you feel you’re making a difference in your efforts. Finding the right flow takes time. So, set your goal, create a strategy, and adjust it as you go.
2. Create a Routine
You have to treat job hunting like a real job. Try to create a schedule with time for job searching, networking, and working on your skills. A good, structured routine will help you stay disciplined, feel better about your day, and accomplish more.
Here’s an example of how you could break up your time:
- Three to four hours a day applying for jobs.
- Thirty minutes a day working on your skills (online courses, practicing, etc.).
- One hour per week networking on LinkedIn.
Whatever your routine looks like, make sure you build in time for breaks. Staring at your screen for hours can make the job search feel endless. Take short breaks to refresh your mind. Go for a walk, listen to music, or chat with a friend or family member. This will help you stay motivated and keep your mind fresh.
3. Celebrate the Small Wins
It’s easy to focus on what you haven’t achieved yet, but don’t forget to celebrate small wins. Every single one of them brings you closer to your goal.
You got a response from a recruiter? That’s progress. You improved your resume? That’s a step in the right direction. Had a great interview, but didn’t get the job? That’s practice for your next interview and a new experience that brings you closer to your dream job.
4. Update Your Strategy Regularly
If you’re not getting the results you want, you need to take a step back and analyze your approach.
- Is your resume strong enough? Ask someone else to review it and give feedback.
- Are you tailoring your applications for each job? This is a super important step.
- Are you networking? Do your best to engage with professionals in your industry. You never know how far one conversation could take you and how many doors it could open.
- Are you researching enough before the interview? Showing up as a well-informed candidate can make a huge difference.
Don’t forget that a job search is a learning process, and every rejection is an opportunity to improve. Rather than spending your time looking for a quick fix, take some time, adjust your strategy, and think about what could be missing. Do this in regular intervals, such as once a month, to make sure you are always putting in your best efforts.
5. Stay Connected
Job hunting can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Stay in touch with friends and family. Talking to people that care for you can give you some much-needed support in this journey and more perspective.
You can even connect with people from your industry online who are also looking for work or attend networking events to meet people who are in the same boat as you. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone can make a huge difference in how you see things.
6. Keep Your Mindset in Check
It’s normal if you get discouraged, but try to focus more on what you can control than on what you can’t. Instead of thinking about how you’ll never find a good job, try to remind yourself that you are qualified and competent, and that you’re doing everything you can to find work.
Practicing gratitude can also help. Every day, write down three things you’re grateful for. This small habit can improve your overall outlook on life and motivation. You can even buy a gratitude journal or find one online and print it out yourself. Sometimes, it’s the small things that can help us keep going.
7. Develop New Skills
If the job search is taking longer than expected, you can use it to your advantage. Use the extra time you have to work on your skills. Take an online course, practice some of your skills (if you can practice skills in your line of work by yourself), or volunteer in your field. This not only improves your resume but also helps you keep your head up, feel useful, and feel more confident.
8. Keep Networking
Networking can really open doors for you. There are a lot of jobs out there that aren’t even advertised, where people are just looking for recommendations from word of mouth. Even if you aren’t the type to go out and mingle, just give it a try and work on your social skills.
In addition to building one new connection a week, spend some time working your existing connections. Reach out to old classmates and former colleagues and engage with them on LinkedIn. You can attend industry events and try to strike up a conversation or two. Even a casual chat with someone in your field can lead you to a great job opportunity.
9. Take Extra Care of Yourself
Job searching can be stressful, so give yourself that extra care you need. Get enough sleep, eat well, and try to work out regularly. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, and helps you stay motivated and active.
In your free time, you can pick up on old hobbies or do things you really enjoy, like painting, cooking, or anything you like doing. You can use the serotonin and the peace that comes from doing things you love. There’s no need to constantly be thinking about the job search. Do what you can and then do your best to relax.
Ready to Step It Up?
Job searching is not easy for anyone. The truth is that rejections are just part of the process and can happen for any number of reasons. All we can do is try our best and trust that our time will come. You will find your place in the world.
Make sure you create a good routine, stay positive and connected, and celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. We’re rooting for you.
Guest writer
