How to Maintain Resilience When Job Searching

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Hi and welcome to issue #23 of THEHRCareerCoach newsletter. Thank you, I appreciate each of the 2,422 subscribers. ??

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In this month’s newsletter, we're tackling a challenge many job seekers face: maintaining resilience. According to a recent poll I ran on LinkedIn, 53% of respondents find it difficult to stay resilient during their job search.

I know the job market is tough at the moment. The good news is that with the right strategies and mindset, you can help maintain your resilience to stay motivated throughout the process.

What is Resilience?

Let's start by looking at a definition:

"Resilience is the ability to adapt well and recover quickly from adversity, stress, or unexpected changes. It's not just about the bouncing back from challenges, but also about growing stronger and more capable in the face of difficulties".

Why Resilience Matters

Resilience is crucial during job searching because it helps you navigate setbacks and stay focused on your goals. Here are some key reasons why maintaining resilience is important:

?? Helps you stay Positive and Focused

Resilience helps you maintain a positive outlook, which is essential when dealing with rejections or delays. It keeps you focused on your long-term goals rather than getting discouraged by temporary setbacks.

?? Adaptability to Change

The job market is constantly evolving. Resilience enables you to adapt to changes and remain flexible, increasing your chances of finding the right opportunity.

?? Builds Confidence

A resilient mindset boosts your confidence, which is vital during interviews and networking events. When you believe in yourself, others are more likely to believe in you too. When you remember you are uniquely you it helps push away the gremlins that can make you doubt yourself.

?? Stress Management

Job searching can be stressful, but resilience helps you manage this stress more effectively. It allows you to stay calm and composed, making better decisions and present yourself more professionally.

Strategies to Build and Maintain Resilience

Building resilience is an ongoing process, here are some strategies to implement to help you maintain it during your job search:

1. Set Realistic Goals

Break down your job search into smaller, manageable tasks. Setting realistic goals helps you track your progress and celebrate small wins to boost your motivation.

2. Develop a Routine

Establishing a daily routine provides structure and a sense of normality. Allocate specific times for job searching, networking, and self-care to create a balanced and productive schedule.

3. Practice Self-Care

Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential. You are no use to anyone turning up at interviews or events stressed or exhausted. Take time to engage in activities that you enjoy, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Make sure you factor in regular breaks and, if you don't already, try some meditation or relaxation techniques to help reduce stress.

4. Seek Support

Don't hesitate to reach out to your support network. Friends, family, mentors, or professional groups can offer encouragement, advice, and a fresh perspective. Sometimes, just talking about your challenges and knowing you are not alone can make a big difference.

5. Stay Informed and Prepared

Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and improving your skills can boost your confidence. Attend webinars, read industry news, and consider online courses to stay informed and prepared.

6. Reflect on Your Progress

Regularly review your job search strategy and make adjustments as needed. Reflecting on what’s working and what isn’t can help you stay proactive and resilient.

7. Maintain a Positive Mindset

Focus on what you can control and stay optimistic about your prospects. Remember you are uniquely YOU. Yes, others may have more 'perceived' experience but do they have your passion, values and strengths . Visualisation techniques, positive affirmations, and mindfulness practices, such as gratitude or freeform journaling, can also help you maintain a positive mindset.

Of course I am also going to say that working with a coach can make this process way easier, quicker and more enjoyable.

Resilience is Key to Success

Resilience is not just about enduring challenges; it’s about thriving despite them. By developing and maintaining resilience, you really can navigate your job search with confidence and determination.

Remember, every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient. Rejection really is redirection. I know it doesn't feel like that at the time, but when you look back you will usually recognise something was a red flag, the role wasn't the right one for you. Perhaps it was the right role, but you didn't tell your story to convince the recruiters you are the right hire. If so it's about regrouping to practice your interview techniques

In the end it's about staying focused on your goals, taking care of yourself, and believing in your abilities. The right opportunity is out there, and with resilience, you'll be ready to seize it.??

If you found this newsletter helpful or know someone who might benefit from it, please feel free to share.

If you need support with your job search or any aspect of accelerating your HR career, I am here to help you. Let's have a chat. Book a no-obligation 30-minute call using the link below.

https://calendly.com/lorraine-eivers-coaching/30min

Thank you for being a valued subscriber, and I look forward to sharing more career insights with you in the future.