The job search process can be long with highs and lows, so we look at ways in which to motivate yourself during your job search!
HOW TO STAY STIMULATED WHEN YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A NEW POSITION
Searching for and applying for jobs can be a very lonely place. While others can offer advice and support, the process is extremely personal and individual by it’s nature.
With that in mind, it can often be difficult to remain encouraged, especially if rejections are more common than an offer of an interview. However, finding the perfect position for you can sometimes be a test of endurance and lasting the course usually has it’s rewards.
To get there, though, it’s important that jobseekers remain motivated “ losing faith in yourself or your capabilities will affect interview performance when the time comes. So, to help, here’s some helpful tips.
YOUR HUNT FOR A JOB IS YOUR JOB
If you’re currently unemployed, it’s a good idea to get into a routine where you are active during normal working hours.
Beginning the application process at 9am every weekday morning is the best place to start. This doesn’t mean that you need to spend eight hours filling in applications, it’s simply a straightforward method of establishing a schedule that you’ll have to get used to anyway.
If you hold a position already and are seeking a new challenge, applying for positions during working hours is not advisable. Eating into your current employer’s time in this regard is disrespectful, especially if positions of interest require a lot of time to fill in lengthy applications.
Instead, dedicate time in the evenings and at weekends when distractions are more limited. This way you can carry on in your current position in a professional manner too.
CHOOSE YOUR JOB SEARCH MEDIA CAREFULLY
While keeping up with current affairs is a must, you should find a balance. Read blogs and articles about positive news stories that offer a more considered view of the national employment situation. Statistics can be interpreted in a number of ways and not everything necessarily applies to you or the industry you specialise in.
You can go further by reading biographies of successful business people. Often, their stories can be inspirational and you could uncover nuggets of advice that apply to your job search or your professional life.
FIND A MENTOR AND WIDEN YOUR NETWORK
Having someone you know review your CV and job applications can be invaluable. However, it’s up to you to ensure that the individual in question will give honest and frank advice, and is qualified to do so. There’s little point in receiving praise for your efforts if they’re not yielding results. You’ll be better served by a view that is dispassionate, independent and sincere.
Identifying such a person will also help with expanding your network of contacts. It might be the case that you already have someone in mind, but a second opinion of a professional careers advisor, for example, won’t hurt.
You could even extend your reach to individuals in your field. This has the added advantage of keeping you involved in your industry, even if it’s not in a full-time position.
Should you need to re-write your cv before going further in the process, read How To Write A Winning CV.
Searching for a new job, especially in such a competitive environment, is no easy task. If you’re finding it particularly difficult, you don’t have to continue on your own. Your applications may need minor adjustments or major surgery, either way, some advice and encouragement from an outsider will go a long way to helping you maintain a positive outlook.
