Job
Hunt Getting You Down?
Looking for a job can take its toll.
Searching for suitable roles, cold calling, writing endless cover
letters, and nothing is more disheartening than the deafening
silence that can follow an application. So how can you stay
motivated? It's important to remember that with so
many factors at play when you apply for a job, a rejection is not
necessarily a reflection of your abilities (or lack thereof). Here
are six ways to keep a positive outlook while looking for
employment.
Six (6) Ways to Stay Motivated
1:
Keep a routine
If you're unemployed and searching for
work, it's crucial to set a daily routine. Giving yourself goals and
tasks each day will give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Make sure you get out of bed at a similar time each morning, have a
shower and get dressed for the day. Sleeping in, spending the day in
your pajamas and frittering the time away are anathema to the
motivated job seeker.
2.
Treat yourself
Your self-esteem can take a hit when the job hunt isn't going the
way you planned - so it's important to be kind to yourself, even in
small ways. Remember that an application rejection doesn't mean you
aren't a worthy candidate. Instead of beating yourself up and
letting it dampen your enthusiasm, treat yourself to a bit of 'you'
time. If you're on a budget, you can still treat yourself to a DIY
pamper session at home, take a walk in the sunshine or take time out
to have coffee with a friend.
3.
Make a budget
Financial uncertainty while searching for work can add a lot of
stress and negatively impact your mindset. Creating a budget and
sticking to it will give you a sense of control as well as realistic
parameters, and will help alleviate some of that stress. Don't view
your budget as a burden - rather, it will give you the breathing
room to find the right opportunity and ensure you don't burn through
your funds prematurely.
4.
Join job search groups
The online community is a great way to find out where the work is
and how to get it. It's also a chance to chat to like-minded people
and realize you're not the only person who may be struggling.
Professional networking sites such as LinkedIn will match your
listed skills to available jobs and make related suggestions - and
that will save you time. By joining specific groups, you'll also be
placed in front of recruiters looking for someone just like you, and
seeing those recruiters viewing your page will help motivate you to
keep going.
5.
Contact a recruiter
Tackling the job hunt solo can unnecessarily heighten your stress
levels, not to mention you may be missing out on opportunities.
Recruiters are human resource professionals who not only help you
search for appropriate roles but pre-interview and advocate for you
in the application process. They can also provide you with candid
and constructive feedback, giving you the support you need to stay
driven and focused.
6. Volunteer your time
Just because you're not getting paid doesn't mean you can't
volunteer your time for the greater good. There are many
philanthropic causes just waiting for your enthusiasm and expertise,
and the additional experience will only strengthen your CV.
Internships are another way to get experience and add to your
skill set and will provide valuable networking opportunities. Any
work experience can give you the opportunity to keep exercising your
skills, and being part of a team can help keep your spirits up.
|