How To Stay Motivated Throughout Your Job Search
For many job seekers, searching for a role to apply to is just the beginning of a time-consuming and frustrating process. After identifying the perfect role, you will then need to perfect your hiring materials, contact reliable references, and submit an application, all before then facing multiple rounds of interviews or performance tasks. To complete all of this hard work, just to be met with rejection or worse – no response at all, the job search can ultimately lead to feelings of burn-out and fatigue. If this sounds like a typical day in your job hunt, keep reading for five tips.
Set realistic goals for yourself
Recent research suggests the average time to find a job can take up to five months. However, this statistic can also vary depending on your experience level, the demand of the jobs you're applying to, and even just timing. Keep this in mind going through your job hunt, especially if it begins to take longer than you initially expected. This will help you set a realistic timeline for yourself and understand the importance of staying persistent and determined. Once you have your timeline set, make goals for each day – whether this means applying to a certain number of jobs each day, reaching out to a certain number of people each day, or just setting aside a specific amount of time every day that you will dedicate to your search.
Ask for feedback
Without proper feedback regarding your job search, you may be missing out on potential interview tips, crucial information needed on your resume, and more. Start asking for feedback before the interview process begins by reaching out to trusted friends or colleagues and asking them to look over your hiring materials. Having a second set of eyes look over what you have written can give you fresh ideas on how to present the information differently or new information to include. Once you are confident that these materials are the best that they can be, consider setting up a practice interview with this person to gain advice or tips on where you can improve in an interview setting. If you have already gone through an official interview round but have found yourself facing yet another rejection, try reaching out to the interviewer and see what recommendations they have.
Remember to not take any feedback you receive as an insult or personal attack, but as an opportunity to learn and improve. Additionally, not all feedback is about what you need to change. Receiving positive feedback about what you’re doing right can be the confidence booster you need to continue your search with a positive attitude and clear understanding of your abilities.
Switch up your searching methods
While looking for your next role, don’t be afraid to switch up your search methods. After all, if the way you have always done things isn’t working, this might be a sign that you need a change. For example, if you’ve always relied on job boards to find openings, try reaching out to your network, utilizing different forms of social media, or directly reaching out to a recruiter. While these practices might feel a little out of your comfort zone at first, remember to keep your end goal in mind.
Stay positive through rejections and “ghostings”
Going through the trouble of applying to a position and then being turned down or being “ghosted” by an employer that never gets back to you can be a disheartening experience and might leave you questioning if you did something wrong or if you just weren’t qualified enough. The truth is, there can be a lot of reasons why you were not selected for a role and each rejection or unanswered application will only move you closer to where you are meant to be. Adopting this positive mindset will help you see these not-so-ideal situations as opportunities to keep searching.
Remember it’s okay to take a break
After sending out application after application with no success, it may be time to take a step back from your job hunt. While putting the brakes on your search may feel counterproductive, it might be just what you need to get back out there and try again. During this time, take a step back and reevaluate the jobs you are applying to, your hiring materials, and even your skills. Use the feedback you received throughout your search to revamp your resume and cover letter or consider upskilling with career certification courses, online classes, or even by volunteering in your field.
You may find taking a break will allow you to go back into your search with a new perspective. In addition, you will not only become more confident in yourself and your abilities, but you will also be given the opportunity to show what you have learned once you start your search again.
When you’re ready to give it another go, contact Nexus for a personalized recruitment plan. Our team of experienced hiring professionals is ready to help you land that dream role! Reach out today or check out our list of available jobs here.