Job Search Motivation: How To Start The Hunt After A Job Loss

You’ve Lost Your Job, Time for a Job Search

When you’ve been fired it can really deflate your tires and leave you feeling unmotivated. Your next great role – will require your great efforts to find.

The worst thing you can do is sit back and wait for an opportunity. Be proactive to land the job you want. Your next move could be your best move if you’re in the right mindset.

And there may be a very practical reason for starting your search right away – it might take a bit of time to find a new job.

“There was a time, not too long ago, when employers were in such a rush to hire workers that they were doing anything they could to make it easier for people to apply. That time has passed.” – Time Magazine

Your Job Search May Feel Harder After Job Loss

You might be feeling a wide array of emotions at this time and that can be hard. Moreover, having negative feelings can make even the simplest job search steps seem difficult.

I’m reminded of that scene in Reality Bites after Winona Ryder’s character has lost her job. She becomes a lump on the sofa, eating terrible food, avoiding the shower – she’s lost all motivation, and a job search is the last thing on her mind.

You’ve got to find your inner motivation. Having a friend, accountability partner, or career coach can be very beneficial during this stage. Checking in with another person and updating them on your efforts can help keep you on track and away from the couch (and the snacks).

You want to be ready for your next career move at the drop of a hat. Of course, if you truly are struggling with depression, it’s important to get help.

Networking – Your Job Search BFF

Networking is your job search BFF. You may find your new job through someone you know. According to Hubspot, “…findings from a 2022 survey [show] 42% of professionals found their current jobs through some form or effect of networking. This includes things like a referral, applying to openings shared in their network, and more”.

Start with friends, former colleagues, family members, and acquaintances in your target industry/sector.

You never know who might hold the key to your next job. Networking is effective and it can also save time. Even if they can’t use their own influence to help pave the way for you, letting you know that their employer is hiring can be step one to getting your foot in the door.

Searching for Jobs Online

When it comes to searching for jobs online, you have no shortage of options. Online job banks, job boards, applications like Indeed and LinkedIn – and there’s also the often overlooked (but obvious) tactic of scouring corporate websites for job listings on their “careers” page.

I recommended a social media clean up, resume work, and putting a positive spin on your “leaving story”. You can read more about this here.

Keeping Busy, Staying Active, Spotting Opportunities

Thinking back to Winona Ryder in Reality Bites – it would seem that her character’s depressive state worsened the more inactive she became.

During your job search, it’s important to keep busy and stay active. It's good for your overall health and wellness and can present opportunities that serve your job search.

If you leave the house regularly for stimulation and recreation – you never know what magic might happen. Especially if you’ve got a positive mindset and you’re focused on manifesting your next big opportunity.

A Career Coach Can Help with Your Job Search

A career coach can help with your job search if you’ve been fired, laid-off, terminated, let-go – for any reason. Your next career move doesn’t have to be challenging, you can have assistance every step of the way.

How can a career coach help?

We know how to finesse your online profile to reflect your best leaving story and your best self. We have tips for where to look for new opportunities and we know where to help you direct your networking efforts. We can help you combat limiting beliefs, overcome personal challenges that have held you back, and conquer fears or barriers that are in your way. We can help you ace your next job interview too.

I know I become very invested in seeing my client’s success unfold before me. When you work with a coach – you’re in good hands.

Are you ready to start your job search? Sign up for my?Newsletter. Connect with me here on LinkedIn?– let’s chat about your job hunt!

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