Job Search Frustration: Keep up the Positivity

I talk to so many people throughout my day who are so frustrated looking for their next job - and I want to spread some tips to keep positive through your search!

It’s easy to get discouraged when job searching. I've spent years talking with people who have lost their jobs, and I hear the frustration and discouragement. I hope my words can help you find some solace and guidance during this frustrating time. It’s essential to stay positive and motivated throughout your job search despite setbacks.

You lost your job… and now you are looking for a job in this economy…. What to do? What to do??

First – be mad… be angry… GET IT OUT!!! You’re allowed to have a moment. Really—take a week. Then…

GET GOING!!!

Create a Routine: Get up every morning at the same time—get going. Work out, take your dog for a walk, and GET GOING! Kick your discouragement in the teeth before it derails your job search and possibly your career!

Self-Affirmations: Take the time to encourage yourself with self-affirmations:

• I can accomplish what I set my mind to.
• I am positive and ready to face this job search.
• I am focused and will accomplish my goals.
• I know that I have skills to offer a company.

Saying these things out loud will encourage you to face your job search with positivity and focus! Often saying positive words out loud and repeating them will help you believe what you are saying and help you manifest success.

Get Organized! Turn off Netflix, put away TikTok, and pull yourself together to get ready to be productive. Make “to-do” lists. Set daily and weekly schedules to stay productive. It is a bit of a cliché, but you need to treat a job search like you treat working. Set up daily and weekly schedules and goals to be productive. For example, “research five new companies” a day as a daily goal. Maybe set up a spreadsheet to log what jobs you apply to and responses. Make lists: It is so personally rewarding to cross things off a list!

Switch things up! If you have a go-to place to look for jobs or a standard job title you’ve been seeking, it’s time to change that up a bit. Try out new job boards, explore Slack communities, and connect with hiring managers! Bring fresh energy to your search!

Social media: Remember that social media can play a huge role in helping you network with people in your industry and identify potential job openings that haven’t been posted yet. Use new channels to ensure you’re taking advantage of every opportunity. Maybe create a video and post it about who you are, what you can bring to the table, and the type of roles you are looking for. Different gets attention (if it is a positive different).

Educate yourself: Continue your professional development. It is so self-satisfying to earn a certification or complete a class. Plus, those new certifications and current skills may be the key to standing out from the competition.

KEEP POSITIVE!! Network: I talk to so many people a day, trying to help them as much as I can to develop search skills or keep positive. Network—reach out to people you have known or not connected with for a long time. You never know who may have an opportunity for you. Remember that you would happily pass along job openings if the roles were reversed. Attend meetups and networking events—even job fairs. Maybe the role wouldn’t be exactly what you would want, but you can make contacts.

Don’t let the A@@@ get you down. Yes, you have spent a lot of time looking for jobs… Yes, you have been turned down or not received a response… But you have to move on. It is frustrating. But—if you stop, you risk sabotaging your chances with future opportunities. It’s easier said than done, but with focus, you can sustain your job search energy and bring a fresh perspective to your search strategies.

Take Time to Recharge: Once you’ve created a sustainable schedule and infused positive energy into your job search, it can be easy to try and go full speed ahead. But don’t let that momentum carry you into another cycle of discouragement and burnout. You need to maintain your mental and physical health throughout your job search.

Take Breaks during the Day: You would take time off during the day if you were employed. Take time to stretch, eat healthy meals, and exercise! Incorporate fun activities—this can keep you positive as well!

Maintaining a positive attitude while job searching can be difficult, but it is possible with the right mindset and strategies. With patience, determination, and some self-care, you can remain confident that something great is just around the corner.

Remember, job searching is a process, and it's okay to experience ups and downs—but fight off the urge to be down and know your self-worth is not only dictated by a job. Focus on what you can control, and by maintaining a positive mindset, you'll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and ultimately find the right opportunity for you.

WE ARE ALL HERE TO SUPPORT!!! BEST OF LUCK