Staying Motivated During the Job Hunt

By Erica Haims

At times, it seems that the biggest challenge when searching for a new job or changing careers is keeping yourself motivated and not settling for less than you deserve in the process. Whether you’re looking for your first job after earning your degree or looking for a new challenge in your career, it can be a frustrating time filled with rejection, doubt, and at times even self pity. 

It can help to recognize that the challenges associated with finding a job trigger feelings that are common among nearly everyone who has ever looked for a job for any given period of time. The longer you've been in the working world, the more likely it is you've hit that wall where you've questioned your ability, skills, and self in general.

But it’s important to stay positive and laser-focused on your ultimate goal and set those fears and anxieties aside. Resilience is key. A job search brings highs and lows. You may be sending out many applications and waiting a long time to hear back. You could send out a dozen resumes and never even get contacted for an interview where you’d be a perfect fit.

Unfortunately, you need to suck it up, and realize that you are likely to receive a lot of “nos” before you hear “yes.” It is a numbers game, but luck and timing also play a role. Searching for a new job is not for the weary!  

Here are some tips to keep you going when you just want to crawl back under the covers and sleep the day away instead of opening up your laptop and sending out (gasp!) yet another application. 

Set Intentions and Small Wins 

Each morning when you first wake up is the best time to set your intentions for the day. Have at least 10 tasks that you commit to. They don’t have to be gigantic assignments but rather achievable tasks that will bring you closer to finding your next job. One day it might be to create a new resume or upgrade the quality of verbs on your resume. Another day it might be to work on a killer cover letter, research potential interview questions, or make a list of the organizations you’d like to work for. The key is to make the a commitment to yourself like you’d make to your boss at your place of employment. Check off those to-do lists each day and celebrate your achievements with a small indulgence. Maybe that’s binging a couple of episodes of a show, going down a rabbit hole on Youtube, or the guilty pleasure of scrolling through Buzzfeed articles. Whatever it is, don’t allow yourself the reward unless you’ve earned it. 

Find a Mentor 

There’s nothing better when you’re looking for a job than having someone that will hold you accountable. Mentors are ideal for keeping you going when you just want to throw the towel in and give up. Everyone should have a mentor at every stage of their career. 

If you don’t have a mentor, find one. The right mentor could be someone you worked with that you respect, a person that has the role you want right now, or someone you aspire to be three steps from now. Because a mentor is someone who donates their valuable time to helping you advance in your career development, there’s a commitment involved by both parties. Keeping up with your end of the bargain means taking input from someone else, trying out their suggestions, and being open to the feedback you receive. 

Network, Network, Network 

The majority of people shy away from networking because it’s awkward to introduce yourself to new people and carry on a conversation. This is especially true when you’re out of work and feeling vulnerable. But the fact is, very successful people are great at networking and it doesn’t come naturally for most of them. It’s because they see it as a requirement of their careers, and they know it could lead to their next opportunity so they work on it. 

If the job search has you feeling down and deflated, that’s another reason you need to get out of your shell. There are events you can attend online and in person. Find webinars that apply to your field of interest. Raise your hand (or turn your camera on) and ask questions that relate to the topic. 

Meeting and learning from your peers can provide the inspiration you need to stick with your career aspirations. Networking events are also an opportunity to let people in your industry know that you are available for your next challenge. 

Positive Attracts Positivity 

Negative ninnies are a no, no when you’re looking for a job! Set boundaries with the negative people who bring you down or suck the energy from you. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and create boundaries to avoid those friends or family members who always have a bone to pick or complain about their own lot in life. Reach out to people in your friends group that make you feel good about yourself. Call your closest friends and talk about how challenging the job search is, ask for a pep talk, and what they think are some of your best assets. Hearing what makes you special and unique can provide the perspective you need to see yourself as others do. 

Stay Healthy 

When you do things that are good for you, your body feels good and that in turn boosts your mood. Making healthy lifestyle changes such as increasing your vegetable intake, drinking less alcohol, and finding an enjoyable fitness routine not only improves your state of mind, but can increase your energy. When you have more energy, it’s easier to keep trudging along despite adversity. Looking for a job is tough. It wears you down so make an extra effort to exercise, eat better, and treat your body right. Your healthy lifestyle will benefit your career success. Radiate a healthy outlook and always look ahead to a brighter future. 

Staying motivated is an essential part of any job search but it takes discipline and an internal drive to persevere. Dig deep to find that drive and remember to take care of yourself during this time. Although there will be days that feel like you’re not any closer to achieving your goal, the job market is such that you never know whether the next application you submit or the next person you talk to may lead to the job you’ve been looking for, so don’t give up.