How to stay motivated during a long job search is an essential topic for discussion because job hunting can be a frustrating journey, anyone can find themselves in it. Most times job search takes a while before you can finally get a good one, that doesn’t mean you’re not good enough, but that’s just how it is.
As the journey of job search continues you begin to lose interest and confidence in yourself and you see yourself gradually forgetting what you’re capable of doing and how good you are. It’s hard to stay upbeat when nothing seems to work out right.
It’s also hard to receive all sorts of rejection letters from different companies you applied for. This could reduce your confidence, but it’s essential to stay positive and motivated throughout your job search despite setbacks. In this article, we will explore how you can stay motivated during a long job search.
Let’s get started!
Source: Freepik
Motivation is important in the job search process because it can help you spend more time researching opportunities and preparing applications.
Motivation will keep you going instead of giving up so easily. It improves your chance of going as far as connecting with your ideal company.
Job search motivation is vital for achieving your career goals.
So it’s essential you know it and keep it to heart, when you want to journey in the job hunt industry.
Ways to Stay Motivated During a Long Job Search
#1. Set clear goals
Start by setting realistic and clear goals. Set goals based on your preference, set the kind of role you want, the kind of industry you want and the expected salary range you’re looking for.
It’s one thing to say that you want a new job; it’s quite another to identify the type of job, salary, and career advancement prospects you’re looking for. The main aim is to boost your spirit and remind you of where you are ahead, before the whole issue of a long job search.
Set small actionable goals, like applying for one job in a day. It helps to keep your mind and spirit in check because it reminds you of your little success. In addition to this, your goals can act as a roadmap to follow, which will make you consistent and help keep you on track.
#2. Research before sending the application
Starting with the basics of researching, is essential, as you need to know what you want for yourself. Ask yourself different questions that will lead you to the top companies of your choice, or the industry you want to work with.
Write down all you want to achieve, it helps you to make a smart decision and plan for your job search. Learn about the companies or industries you want to work with, know their competitors, know the skill requirements that they will need, and check out all these things to know how your skills can fit into their criteria.
As you are researching, also check out ways you can enhance your knowledge and skill set. It is necessary to build your skill set and growth while job hunting. Setting a clear plan in place can help you tick the boxes along the way and stay on track.
#3. Stay positive
Staying positive is one hard thing that you can do for yourself as you are already getting discouraged. Maintain a positive mindset, even when facing rejection. Remember that rejection is part of the job search process. Try not to take it out personally when you’re rejected.
Practice self-talk or affirmations, and self-care to align yourself back to positive thinking. This strategy might help you feel more optimistic and motivated. Consider what you might say to a friend to encourage them, then say those same things to yourself. You can also try journaling as an exercise to develop your positive thinking. ‘
Read also: How Long Does It Take to Get a Sponsorship Visa UK?
#4. Get a routine
A routine is a useful way to help motivate any new habit. You will need a consistent routine for your job applications and job search. You must see your job search as a job.
If you can adopt this mentality, you will have an easier time creating a routine for your job search. Operating based on your routine can help you feel in control of the process, which might help you feel more motivated. You can also include other activities in your routine to help create a more balanced schedule. For example, you could modify your daily routine to include 30 minutes of exercise between your first and second hours of application work.
This will make you feel refreshed and accomplished when you finish one task, you can also check out anyone you do off your daily to-do list. Instead of haphazardly applying for new jobs, try to organize your job search so that you have daily and weekly tasks to complete.
Source: Freepik
#5. Networking
Utilize the ability to connect with different people. Let your network know your challenge, it’s better to tell them than to go back to your shell, thinking you are a failure.
When you lose your job, this is not the time to hide it, this is the time to reach out to your friends and family and network. They are the ones that can help you, in any way they can. If possible go for events to connect with different people.
Engage in a lot of events along your career line, you can be opportune to meet your dream manager. So connect and network with a lot of people. Your network connections might be the key to your dream career. If you have your eye on a particular company, find an opportunity to interact with a current employee be it facially or on social media, it has a way of selling yourself to the brand you want to be in.
#6. Get plenty of rest
If you’re treating your job search like a full-time job, make sure you get plenty of rest. Take regular breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just to stretch your legs or get a glass of water.
After you’ve met your job search goals for the day, take some time to engage with hobbies, or visit friends and family. Do your best to get to sleep and wake up at the same times each day, as this will lead to increased energy levels and mental clarity.
Read also: 11 Characteristics of an Employee of Choice
Wrap-Up: How to Stay Motivated During A Long Job Search
There is a lot of motivation that can keep you going, it’s just a matter of reminding yourself who you truly are, and where you want to be.
Finding a new job can be hard. Finding a great job that aligns with your career goals can be very difficult.
To achieve the success you want, you have to stay motivated in your job search and be very persistent regardless of the obstacles
Picturing yourself in your ideal situation, while also visualising the end result, can help you remind yourself why you’re dedicating time to the job search and identify actionable goals to get to your ideal position.
