5 Ways to Stay Motivated With Your Job Search

If you are searching for a new job and feeling exhausted, you are not alone.

Job search fatigue is a real thing, and unfortunately, not many people are willing to talk about it. This is especially true if you have been searching for a new job for quite some time. Emotions run high, finances run low, and sometimes, the search itself can feel so overwhelming, you’re ready to throw in the towel before you even start the day.

Trust me when I say you can and will get through this. Here are five simple ways to stay motivated with your job search.

1.) I want you to take a day off to recharge and refresh IMMEDIATELY.

Searching online day in and day out can be tedious. Job listings begin to look the same, your qualifications become blurred, and you become a bit robotic with your communications.

So, I want you to stop.

Spend the day doing something that brings you joy - whether that be hiking, biking, going for a run, or cooking up your favorite meal. Call a friend that makes you laugh, watch a show that no one finds funny but you, and decide to keep your computer turned off.

Then, at some point during the day, I want you to take a brief moment to compliment yourself on three professional accomplishments. Take a moment to remember how you felt when those events happened. It could be as simple as helping customers find something they need to navigate a complex product launch.

Whatever the case, toast to you.?

2.) Put your plan in place.

There is nothing worse than searching for a new job without a track to run on. You will burn out and become so scattered that landing your dream job will feel (and indeed be) out of reach.

Remember those achievements that made you feel like gold? Think about how you made those accomplishments a reality, and what about them brought you joy. This way, you can target positions that will likely make you feel just as fulfilled.

Map out the job boards and company boards you want to tackle daily, as well as the people you would like to reach out to. Then, set out a job search schedule. The key here is to set a time limit. Once that’s been hit, you need to turn it off and recharge until tomorrow.

3.) List out your negotiables and non-negotiables.

With countless positions out there to choose from, there is a job that will check all or most of your boxes - as long as you have a plan set up to search. By knowing what you want to do (and what you don’t), you can quickly skim through job descriptions with ease, knowing what will work for you and what won’t. You would be surprised how many people settle for something they hate.

If there is a job you would love to have, but feel underqualified for, apply anyway. Highlight your transferable skills, showcase your experience (aligning your background with the job description), and confidently hit the send button.

Companies are not always looking for a candidate who matches to a “T,” but someone who will be an excellent fit for the team. What do you have to lose? Every job you do not apply for is a job you certainly will not get. Take the chance!

4.) Find ways to connect and ways to grow.?

Find industry events, networking groups, web conferences, seminars, and in-person (or online) meet-ups that are of interest to you, and begin connecting with people. This is also the ideal time to take a course or pursue a certification to boost your confidence and candidacy.

But please, don’t limit this growth to your job search. If you currently aren’t working, do spend time each day tackling the hobbies you did on your “day-off.” Your value goes beyond your employment status.

5.) Do not go about your job search alone - it is okay to ask for help.?

Gather your close friends and family around you that will provide you with the encouragement you need during this time. Ask them to review your resume for typos, or listen to you practice your “pitch.”You can even have them sit and video chat with you so you can practice looking into the camera (which is far easier said than done)! You have a support system around you that wants to cheer you on - all you have to do is ask.

Unfortunately, navigating a job search isn’t always so clear-cut.

If you are a more seasoned worker, over 50 - or even a recent college grad, you may very well feel that the odds just aren’t in your favor - no matter who is by your side. This is especially true if you have an employment gap within your work history, are transitioning careers, or trying to find a job after working at the same company for quite some time.?

That’s where the Job Search School comes in.

With a personalized plan and approach to help you craft the perfect resume, optimize your LinkedIn profile, expand your network, tap into the hidden job market, and more, I have helped thousands of professionals land their dream job - and would love to help you too!

Check out my FREE workshop, which covers many tips and tricks you can start using right away. That’s right. It’s FREE!

Finding a new job takes time. Your unemployment will be a thing of the past by putting your mental health first, devising a plan, and viewing this as a time to invest in yourself. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

You’ve got this.