A job search can be exciting, filled with promise and possibility. It can also be one of the most draining processes you’ll go through. Staying motivated during a long job search can be challenging. But there are things you can do to be sure you’ve got the stamina to stay the course.
1. Be Varied in Your Approach.
Submitting resume after resume into application portals with no sign of life on the other end can make staying motivated nearly impossible. If you’re sticking to an approach that isn’t working and somehow expecting different results, you’re in for a lot of disappointment and frustration. Be sure you’re employing different job search methods like networking and being active on social media to keep things fresh. Plus, networking will help you curate a group of people that offer value beyond your search.
2. Be Specific in Your Search.
While you may have many skills and interests, as a job seeker, you need to learn that you can’t be all things at once. How could staying motivated even be an option if you’re applying for Account Manager, Producer and Communications Associate roles? As a Recruiter, I work on filling various open roles within our organization at any given time. This means that via the LinkedIn Recruiter platform, I’m able to see all the roles candidates have applied for within my company. When Recruiters see candidates applying to so many different things, it sends a message that the candidate isn’t really sure of what they want. On the flip side, when you’re not targeted, you’re spending so much energy that’s ultimately unfocused and far less productive.
3. Give it a Rest.
Staying motivated can be even more difficult if you’re always coming in second. You get to final rounds for nearly all the positions you’ve interviewed for and something’s just not clicking. This can be devastating. Taking a step back and giving yourself space to gain some much needed perspective is a must, especially if you’re being consumed by your search activity. In this case, it’s easy to let this frustration cloud your vision regarding everything else in your life. Take stock of the positive and trust that the right opportunity will come in time. If you can shift your perspective and stop trying to control things, you’ll start to feel the pressure lifting and staying motivated will become much easier.
