Searching for a new job can take several days to several months. Initially, your spirits will be high, but you’ll start losing motivation as the days pass, especially when you receive zero or very few responses even after applying to hundreds of jobs.
However, you should remain calm instead of losing hope and keep applying for jobs. You never know when the right opportunity will knock on your door!
You can spend a few hours applying for jobs and invest the rest of the time in doing something that interests you. Or prepare yourself for interviews to keep yourself far from negative thoughts.
We know that’s easier said than done. So, we’ve discussed the top 13 ways to stay motivated during your job search below.
How To Stay Motivated During Your Job Search
All job seekers require job search motivation while hunting for a new job. You might lack motivation due to various reasons.
For example, when you cannot answer interview questions, when employers won’t respond to your applications, or when you don’t have relevant experience. Regardless, you can still stay positive and move ahead in your job hunting process.
Here are a few tips to stay motivated during your job hunt.
1. Remember Why You Want A New Job
Losing motivation while looking for a job is easy when you don’t know why you want the job. So, begin by defining the reasons for getting a new job. If necessary, create a list to identify why you are scouring for new opportunities.
Also, write your small and big goals. Then whenever you lose motivation during the job searching process, remind yourself of these goals and reasons. This will give you positive energy to continue job hunting.
2. Deal With Rejection Constructively
Rejections are evident. Very few people are lucky to get the first job they’ve applied to. Prepare yourself for rejections. You might not receive a response from the company at all, or the company will send you a rejection email right after the interview.
This can be disheartening, but it’s not the end. So, take it positively and continue applying for other jobs.
Additionally, ask the employer why you are rejected after getting a rejection email or phone call. You can learn from your mistakes and prepare for your upcoming interviews accordingly.
3. Take Some Time Off From The Job Search
You need to be consistent while looking for new job opportunities. You should make it a daily routine. But taking a break is okay if you feel overwhelmed or stressed.
You can take the day off and do other activities that you enjoy—for instance, going out with a friend, watching a movie, visiting a new place, etc.
Taking the day off will motivate you, and you can return to the job hunt process the next day. You’ll also feel energetic and refreshed.
4. Lean On Your Support Network
Instead of staying alone and dealing with your thoughts, spend some time with your friends or family members. Talk with them about your feelings and ask for their advice.
You can also join a network of people in the same situation as yours. This way, you can get your frustration out and learn about others’ opinions.
Ask people in your network to refer you to companies hiring new employees. Ask for career advice and tips to ace interviews in your industry.
5. Use online resources to keep your head in the game
The internet has various resources to help job seekers land their dream job effortlessly. You can use online job boards to browse and apply to job postings. You can also connect with professionals in your industry using an online job board like LinkedIn or other sites.
Online platforms provide access to expert career advice. You can read success stories or watch interviews of people who succeeded in their careers for an extra push. This will make you feel good and encourage you to keep the hunting on!
6. Don’t be too Hard on Yourself
Failure is a part of life, and you can’t control it! Try not to be too harsh on yourself. Remind yourself that rejections will always come when you are looking for the perfect job. And it’s best to wait a while to find the right job instead of settling for something you don’t like.
Focus on staying positive and take some time to do other things. Don’t stress yourself so much that you are frustrated and worried all day. Look for ideas that make you feel valued and make you feel better personally.
7. Keep Yourself Busy
Negative thoughts will fill up your mind when you are free. So, keep yourself occupied with something you enjoy. You can start volunteering, learn new skills, talk to friends, polish your resume, begin new research, or attend virtual events.
Expand your network to connect with potential employers and professionals in your industry and talk to them regularly.
Create a to-do list to write your daily activities. At the end of the week, you can review the tasks you’ve successfully completed and track your progress. You can also try new adventures every week until you land the next job.
8. Think of What’s Next
If you suddenly lose your job, you might not have the time to think of the future or plan it. So, sit down and calmly think of how to deal with unemployment. Create a plan to follow daily, and focus on your well-being.
Also, figure out how you can manage your expenses or deal with unexpected situations. Point out your future goals and find a way to accomplish them.
Remember, you don’t have to spend your time worrying about being jobless. Use it to improve your skills and personality and improve your life.
9. Find Meaning And Purpose
Everyone has a goal and purpose in life. It is time to identify this goal and prepare yourself to achieve it. Know what you are meant to do and where you are happy.
Save time to look for activities you enjoy doing. Also, find out why you enjoy doing something and see if you can build a career out of it.
Additionally, list your goals on a paper and define a timeline for each goal. Try your best to achieve this goal within that time and reward yourself after achieving it.
10. Think Positive Thoughts
It is mandatory to have a positive attitude throughout your job search process. Whenever you find your mind filled with negative thoughts, replace them with positive ones.
Stay positive even after receiving multiple rejections from companies. Remember that the best is yet to come, and you must wait for it.
You can also stick motivational quotes in your room and begin your day with a motivational quote. This will keep you focused during hard times.
11. Find Your Inner Strength
You might not know your true potential until now. So, try to find out the real you. Know what you like, how you are, and whether you need to improve yourself or not.
Challenge yourself to do something interesting or that you’d never do. This way, you will meet a different you! No matter what, don’t forget that you are stronger than you think.
12. Engage With People
Talking and meeting new people is an excellent way to expand your network. You can also learn new tips, skills, etc., to boost your job search.
These people may also give you job search motivation and help you succeed in your career. You can also get help building your career path by talking to new people.
So, keep making new friends and talk to family members to keep yourself motivated.
13. Be your biggest supporter
Regardless of others’ opinions, what you think matters most. Stay away from negative thoughts and always encourage yourself. Always challenge yourself and don’t shy away from trying new things.
Even if you don’t think you qualify for a job, apply for it. Don’t think of what others will say or do. Do what you like as a person and aim to go higher in life.
FAQ’s
What motivates you in a job search?
Lacking motivation while looking for jobs is natural. But the main thing that keeps you motivated to keep moving on is your reason for getting the new job. Without that, you will easily lose your motivation after a few rejections.
Why is job searching so exhausting?
Job search consumes a lot of time and effort. You’ll also be stressed about not having a career. And this makes you worried about how to manage finances or support your family. All these eventually make job search exhausting and frustrating.
Is job hunting depressing?
Job hunting can be depressing for some people. But you can deal with this depression by keeping yourself busy with other work and staying motivated during this phase. You can also take help from your relatives.
How do I stop job hunting anxiety?
For various reasons, most people complain of anxiety when they don’t find employment. However, a few things to do when you feel anxious is to talk with your close relatives, read success stories, set goals, manage your schedule, etc.
How to Motivate Someone to Find a Job
If you want to motivate someone to search for a job, explain to the person why getting employment is important. Tell the person the benefits of being independent and how their skills can be valued in the current job market. Also, explain that having a good career is important in life.
Conclusion
Staying positive during your job search is not as easy as you think! A single rejection can sink your hopes. And with companies receiving plenty of applications for each listing, getting a job has become more challenging. However, with the tips mentioned in this post, you can keep your spirits high until you land your dream role!