HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED WHILE SEARCHING FOR A JOB
May 16, 2019Searching for a job is by far one of the most stressful and unmotivating things one can do. You are constantly trying to find the perfect job while also trying to stay realistic and selling yourself as much as possible- trust me I get it. This is why I'm sharing 10 tips to help you stay motivated during your job search process.
Because we have all been there...
10 Tips To Staying Motivated During The Job Search Process
1. Have Patience
I know you have heard this over and over, and I'll be there first to admin "patience" is not my strongest suit- BUT it is by far the most important thing one should have while job hunting. Here's why ...There are a million reasons why you are looking for a new job, one of them being you are probably fed up with your current job and need to get out of there, or maybe you deserve more and they are not giving it to you.
No matter what the reason is, patience is key. If you rush during the job search process and settle for the first job that is interested in you, you are making two huge mistakes;
1- You will end up in the same position that you are now
2- You will be jumping from job to job in no time
So, how do you avoid it?
- You sit tight and explore your options.
- You ask questions
- You evaluate yourself
- You identify what it is that you truly want to do
- & figure out how to do it.
2. Stay Positive
I’m a firm believer that what is for me will work out. God/life/the universe (whatever it is that you believe in) has a way of making life happen ONLY when it's meant to be. Believing this is true will help you stay positive for the times you don't get called back after that interview or for the times they tell you they went with another candidate. And especially for the times where you have been looking, and looking but can't land anything.Having the mentality that things will work out only when they are supposed to- will give you certain that better things are in fact coming your way. Believe in the timing of everything and stay positive during the process. Do not lose hope in the process, or yourself.
This will give you control, stability, and hope. Believing that things will work out in due time will keep you motivated until you land the job that you deserve.
3. Show Up & Show Out
The one mistake most people do when they are trying to leave their jobs is- they stop showing out at work. They stop working hard, raising their hands, and even at times meeting deadlines. They let their frustrations reflect their work, but they forget that employers call your references, your bosses and that recommendations go a long way.
A way to avoid letting your frustration get the best of you is by simply continuing to showing up to work and doing what you have been doing times 2. In the remaining of the time you have left, continue to raise your hand and ask for a new challenge. This will help your skills and leave a great impression with your boss- which could turn into a great recommendation.
This is meant to expand your skills, the harder you continue to work the better it will be for you once you finally make the transition.
4. Know What You Want
Identifying your wants will give you a clear perspective of what you want and where you should- this will eliminate the endless questions like "do I really want to be doing this? Can I do this? Should I do this?When you identify what you want, you have the answer to these questions ahead of time, so the process is clear and faster. By being clear with what you want, you are also able to learn new things about yourself, your skills, and your future.
This package will give you a clear perspective and ambition- if you know what you truly want, you won't give up until you get it.
You Should Also Read: 3 Steps To Finding A Career You Love
5. Stay Organized
Staying on top of everything while you are job hunting is as important as the search. It's important for you to be able to have everything you need in one place to be able to know which jobs you have applied for, which you have heard from, and which ones you are still waiting on, as well as all of your contacts information all in one place.To be able to get the best advantage of your job search you need to stay organized- you need a Job tracker.
Get a head start- grab your copy of my FREE Job Tracker HERE.
Another way you can stay organized is by creating a "To-Do" tacker instead of a to-do list. Create a tracker of things you need to get done and give them a due date. Going with this route will eliminate the endless to-do list that continues to grow. A to-do tracker works as a project plan and helps you see everything with its due date and the level of priority.
The more organized you are, the better.
6. Work With A Recruiter
Getting the additional help when you are ready to throw in the towel is by far the best thing you can do when you're trying to stay motivated during this process.Working with a recruiter has many benefits;
- They are able to match you with potential jobs based on your Resume & what you want
- They have insights into jobs opening you might not hear about
- They can advocate for you
- They prepare you for the interview
- They give you insight into what the hiring manager wants and needs
- They eliminate the application process
Working with a recruiter will you the ability to see what other jobs are out there aside from the ones you are also applying for.
7. Set Measurable Goals
Start by figuring out when you want to do your transition. Ask yourself; Do I want to be out of this job by 6 months from now? A year? 3 months? or within the next couple of weeks? Why do I need to be out of this job by this time? What is the real reason behind me wanting to leave by x date?After identifying your transition date; continue to set goals of how many jobs you want to apply for in a week/month. How many interviews you would like to go to in a month, etc. By when you need your resume and cover letter completed and so on.
Having goals will help you develop your plan and identify what steps you need to take during the process. Setting goals also set a timeline and motivation to execute and get things done.
8. Expand Your Knowledge
One of the most important things you should be doing on a regular and not only while you are job searching is to continue to work on your knowledge, because- knowledge is KEY.Ways to expand your knowledge;
- Podcasts
- Read Books
- Read Articles/Blogs
- Watch/Listen to Ted Talks
- Take Training
- Do educational courses
- Volunteer
9. Work On Your Network
People that are doing what I aspire to do inspire me to get things done, with that being said I look forward to getting to know and connect with these types of people. There are many ways you can work on your network on a daily;
- Attend networking events
- Attend conferences
- Reach out to people from work/ your contacts
- Connect through social media and professional platforms
One thing to remember when networking is not about the number of people you need to "meet"- is about who you can connect with/give to and learn from. It does not matter if you "meet" 10 people but are unable to connect or give them anything in exchange- this person will become just another person you met at an event.
Don't treat your network as a group of contact numbers- treat them as a team or a group of friends you are trying to build.
10. Do Not Rush
Understand that job searching is an exhausting process but a process nonetheless. The minute you start understanding this will take time will be the minute you will let yourself off the hook.
Do not make any decision based on temporary feelings. If you rush any decision you make during the job search process you will eventually find yourself in the same position.
Do not make any decision based on temporary feelings. If you rush any decision you make during the job search process you will eventually find yourself in the same position.
- Don't rush time
- Don't rush identifying your wants/needs
- Don't rush your goals
- Don't rush on building your network
No matter the stage that you are in your career, searching for a new job is stressful. Even though there are millions of jobs out there (and the right one for you is out there as well) it can often feel like a never-ending process which is why is very important for you to stay motivated while you are on this rollercoaster of a process.
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