Staying Motivated in Your Job Search
The US job market is back to pre-COVID levels and companies have gone on a hiring spree to make up for a labor shortage resulting from the effects of the pandemic. ??According to the monthly employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US economy added 223,000 jobs in December 2022, capping a year of extraordinary job growth. That should be encouraging for those looking for jobs, right??Although job seekers continue to have the upper hand in the market, many still find themselves submitting resume after resume to application portals with no sign?of?life?on the?other end.?Even if they are contacted for a job, it can take weeks and countless interviews to then be told that you’re not a good fit for the role. These experiences are mentally taxing and can make staying motivated during a job search challenging.?
But there are things you can do to?keep your stamina high and mindset positive during this process:
?Set Goals & Reward Yourself
It’s no secret that job hunting can be exhausting. Make it a better experience by setting small, achievable goals and rewarding yourself along the way.?It will help keep you motivated and on task, and you’ll be able to feel as if you are making progress?in your job search, even if the progress is small. ?Your job search goals should be specific and targeted as with any other type of goal.?This is an excellent time to also clarify and align your actual career goals with your job search goals. ?Think beyond job title and define what your ideal role would look like and the skills you'd get to leverage in your next job position.?Doing this will ensure that you’re applying to roles that will help you reach your optimum career goals.??
One goal may be to apply to a certain number of applications within a timeline that feels challenging, but realistic for you.?Another goal may be to create a list of 20 ideal companies that you are especially interested in and focus your networking efforts there, leveraging LinkedIn or a similar platform. When you set concise and measurable goals and stick to them, you’re much more likely to achieve them.
Once you’ve accomplished each goal, allow yourself time to reward and recharge. Rewards can be as simple as taking time to read a new book, binge watch a series or get a massage.?Whatever serves as a stress release, do it. Celebrating your successes is a nice reminder that you have accomplished something and a way to stay motivated and continue to even greater heights.
Create a Routine
Creating a routine is an excellent way to help develop any new habit and doing so in your job search is no different. ?Operating based on a routine can help you feel in control of the process, which might help you feel more encouraged. Create a routine based on a checklist of daily or weekly deliverables. ?A sample checklist may include:
A job search is like a full-time job, literally. ??Just like in your job, you must be consistent and well organized to be successful and yield the results you’re looking for.?What you put into your search is what you will get out.?If you happen to fall out of your routine, acknowledge it then get back on track. ?In addition to creating a routine, carve out a dedicated area to use for job your search, one that is distraction free. ??This will contribute greatly to success and results in your search. ?
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Build a Support Network
When you’re expanding your network, think beyond simply recruiters, managers or those who can help you find a role in a company. Networking also means joining with others who can help with the load of job seeking. This could be in the way of Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups or creating your own regular check-ins with friends, ex-coworkers, and family.?
During your job search journey, you’ll discover that you not only need professional support, but also mental and emotional support. Chatting to family, friends and mentors about your job search can give you an outlet for your frustrations and help you see things from a different perspective. ??Didn’t nail an interview for a role you really wanted? ?A mentor can give you some tips on how to knock the next interview out of the park and can also conduct mock interviews with you to ensure future success.?Feel like you’ve applied for a gazillion jobs, and you start to doubt what you have to bring to the table??A trusted friend, professional or otherwise, can help you see your value and build your professional esteem. This type of support will help keep you motivated to stay the course and not give up.
Don’t Take Rejection Personally
Not every job search is going to be perfect and result in a call from a recruiter or an offer on the first try. With the job market continuing to expand, not every role is going to be a perfect fit for you or the company. Rejection from any role regardless of how far you are into the process (an application, a phone screen, or an interview) can be difficult to handle.?Especially from a job you desperately wanted and felt that you were the right fit for.?
It’s okay to feel discouraged if this occurs.?Just remember, don’t take rejection personally and instead use it as an opportunity for self-evaluation or recalibration. ?It might be helpful to change job search tactics – if you’re primarily using job boards such as LinkedIn or ZipRecruiter, try introducing the use of a recruitment firm such as Innova HR Solutions to assist in your job search. ?Perhaps you can engage the services of a professional resume writer or career coach. ?If you’ve gotten all the way to the interview stage, seek feedback from the company as to why you weren’t right for the job, and use their input to help you improve for another opportunity.?Remember, each rejection is one step closer to you interviewing for your dream job!!
Celebrate Your Wins
It is key to remember to celebrate all victories regardless of their size. If a recruiter calls you for a phone screen, that is a success. ?Look at this way, your resume stood out from the rest. As a result, a hiring manager or recruiter wished to learn more about you, and this is a small win that deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated. Even if you don’t get interviewed, you’ve got the contact details of a recruiter or manager that can be added to your network and leveraged in the future.
Additionally, if you have been invited for an interview that is a huge win for clear reasons as the employer wishes to learn more about you and is considering you for the role. Even if you don’t get the job, use this an opportunity to evaluate how you interviewed and what changes you need to implement for the next one.
Take a Break
With hours being spent searching for positions, completing applications, and preparing for interviews, the job hunt can seem like a job in and of itself. Stay motivated by taking a break.?Your body, mind and spirit need downtime and regular breaks. Instead of aggressively pushing yourself for long periods of time to reach your job search goals, introduce periods of rest and recovery. Set aside time to unplug and come back more energized and ready to take on the world.?The amount of time away will differ for each job seeker.?Some may require several days away from the process where others can get away with taking just a day.?Know yourself and do what works for you. ?Taking the time you need, you’ll find that you have renewed energy, clarity, and motivation to resume your job search.