Managing the long-haul job hunt

For anyone on a protracted hunt for work, you know from personal experience, the process can be depressing or exhausting, frustrating, annoying, etc…. Sound familiar??

You might not be in sales, but it’s similar to being in sales, where 90%+ rejection or silence is the norm despite repeated contact. You just have to keep pounding through the “NOs” looking for a YES.

It’s hard for many people not to take things personally when the search continues for months on end. The reality of seeing hundreds of applications on Linked job posts doesn’t help emotionally either. How are you going to stand out in a sea of resumes?

We all know if you’re in a hot hiring market in an industry that is going through rapid growth, the scenario above doesn’t last very long. People get scooped up in a wave of hiring and sometimes job seekers have multiple offers. But when your industry has crashed and is still laying people off after several months, you’ve got to prepare yourself on several fronts for the continued long haul journey.

Let's talk about some strategies for the protracted job hunt. Managing depression and expectations during a long job search can be challenging, but focusing on key strategies can make the process more manageable.

Here are some quick points to help manage the process:

1. Create a Structured Routine: Establishing a daily schedule helps maintain a sense of purpose and productivity. Set aside time each day for job search activities (e.g., networking, updating your resume, applying), but also make time for self-care, exercise, and relaxation. Routine brings stability and combats feelings of uncertainty.
2. Set Realistic, Small Goals: Breaking the job search into smaller, achievable tasks can reduce overwhelm. Instead of focusing solely on landing the job, celebrate completing applications, refining your portfolio, or reaching out to contacts. Setting weekly or daily goals helps build momentum and gives a sense of progress. What’s that old saying about how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
3. Focus on Self-Care and Mental Health: Prioritize activities that boost your mental well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy. Stay connected with friends, family, or support groups, as isolation can worsen depressive feelings. Mental health professionals can also offer guidance on coping strategies.
4. Manage Expectations and Reframe Rejections: Understand that job searches, especially in competitive fields, can take time. Rejection isn’t a reflection of personal worth but a normal part of the process. Consider each setback as a learning opportunity, refining your approach rather than seeing it as failure.
5. Stay Open to Continuous Learning: Use the downtime in your job search to upskill or pursue professional development. Online courses, certifications, or attending workshops/webinars can help keep your skills sharp and boost your confidence. Plus, it demonstrates your proactive nature to future employers.
6. Leverage Your Network and Seek Support: Reaching out to your professional network can provide new opportunities, insights, or leads you may not have considered. Don't hesitate to ask for informational interviews or advice. Additionally, seeking emotional support from friends, family, or mentors helps reduce feelings of isolation and pressure.
7. Consider Temporary or Freelance Work: Exploring freelance gigs, temporary positions, or part-time roles can help alleviate financial stress, build your portfolio, and expand your network. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose while continuing your longer job search. A door may open here to a bigger role that you might not have considered when working in your more traditional area. Be open to that.
8. Cut expenses wherever possible: All the luxuries of having a steady income and a regular paycheck don't count right now. Pare back anything that isn't critical. Be a bit ruthless if you can. You can always add things back when things get better. Look for creative solutions.

I hope some of the above is valuable to you or someone in your network. Let's all hope several more industries that are in flux get healthier in the coming months ahead.