Job searching can be a challenging and frustrating process, but there are several strategies you can employ to cope with frustration and stay motivated. Here are some tips:
Take Breaks: It’s essential to step away from your job search from time to time. Constantly staring at job listings can be overwhelming. Give yourself short breaks to relax and recharge.
Evaluate and Adjust: Assess your job search strategy. Are you targeting the right positions? Do you need to update your resume or improve your interview skills? Take a moment to reflect on your approach and make adjustments accordingly.
Set Realistic Goals: Break down your job search into manageable goals. This could include updating your resume, networking with a certain number of people each week, or applying to a certain number of jobs daily. Achieving smaller goals can boost your confidence.
Diversify Your Search: Explore different job boards, company websites, and networking events. Consider expanding your search to different industries or locations. This can open up new opportunities and reduce frustration.
Network: Connect with professionals in your industry through networking events, LinkedIn, or informational interviews. Building relationships can lead to valuable insights and job opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or guidance.
Seek Support: Share your frustrations with friends, family, or mentors. They can offer support, advice, or even introduce you to potential opportunities. Sometimes, talking about your feelings can alleviate some of the stress.
Learn New Skills: Use the time between applications to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. Online courses, certifications, or workshops can make you more competitive in the job market and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep can have a positive impact on your mood and energy levels. Don’t neglect self-care during your job search.
Stay Positive: It’s easy to become discouraged, but maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. Celebrate small victories, focus on your strengths, and remind yourself that setbacks are a natural part of the job search process.
Consider Professional Help: If you’re struggling with your job search, consider seeking guidance from career counselors, resume writers, or mentors. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your strategy.
Remember that job searching is a process, and it often takes time. Stay persistent, stay positive, and continue refining your approach as needed. Each step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goal.
How to stay positive!
Don’t forget to exercise and stay healthy. Exercise is the number one recommendation! Any doctor would tell you, this is the first way to stay healthy. You don’t necessarily need to join a gym, get a physical trainer, or run a marathon, just make sure you try to do some type of cardio activity for more than thirty minutes. A quick 30-minute walk around the neighborhood is a good start. I guarantee you will feel better.
See your doctor every six months and get labs! Something as simple as an iron deficiency can cause fatigue, depression, and irritability. Additionally, if you suffer from a mental illness, which 1 out a 4 people do, see your mental health specialist! There is no shame in it, and you are not alone.
Get enough sleep! We live in a world where sometimes working more and sleeping less is a sign of being a productive member of society. But ask yourself, how do you feel after a day of working long hours? How is it affecting your attitude, demeanor and most importantly your family? Not to mention it is just plain unhealthy. If your body tells you, it needs rest, do it. If you are unemployed don’t be afraid to take a midday nap and wake up with a refreshed and rested mind and body.
Make set times to job search. I suggest at least two hours a day. It is easiest to make a set time for yourself. For example, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8am to 10pm, that would give you a total of eight hours or the equivalent of a whole day of job searching!
Seek outside help, like your state or county funded job development and placement center, your local library, career coach or a trusted friend.