5 Ways to Stay Positive During the Job Search

Job hunting is often a soul battering endeavor. Multiple stressful interviews, a series of rejections and the mind-numbing process of submitting resumes day after day can truly tank your self esteem. Despite such difficulties, looking for a new job can also be empowering, hopeful and exciting. By adding some changes to your current routine,it’s possible to at least find the experience a bit more encouraging and productive. Keep reading for ways to stay positive during the job search.

Remember Your Purpose

Whether you’re unemployed or seeking a new job before leaving your current one, taking time to assess your preferred criteria in a position and what is most important to you can help to keep you on track when the going gets tough. Write down the characteristics of a workplace that matter to you such as collaborative or supportive. Add some notes regarding the types of benefits you seek like good health insurance or paid time off. Finally, list the net gains you will receive from obtaining a job that matches your wish list. Things like a sense of accomplishment, security and pride may be included here. Hold onto your list and refer to it when you’re feeling down. Remembering your purpose can go far toward providing the motivation you may lack.

Act Like You’re on the Clock

It can be so easy to slip into the pajamas and Netflix life when you’re unemployed. These types of actions frequently lead to feeling frumpy and lazy, neither of which are conducive to productivity or a sunny outlook. Even though you aren’t forced to follow a 9 to 5 schedule right now, it can be helpful to act as if you are. Continue to set your alarm, get dressed in presentable clothing and set yourself up to “work” at the same place each day. This can be at a desk in your home, a coffee shop or any area that puts you in a productive frame of mind. Soon, your brain will begin to recognize that it’s time to get down to business when you start your day this way, and you’ll feel more accomplished overall. This especially works well if you write up a to-do list at the beginning of the day and check items off as you go along.

Be Specific in Your Goal Setting

If you’re not sure what to add to your to-do list, you’ll want to change that by setting specific goals. Conducting an effective job search requires more than just following the job boards and sending out application documents. Brainstorm ideas for ways you can improve yourself and your chances of being hired. Such items can include attending networking events, taking a class on something that will make you more marketable and conducting research on innovations within your field. Set up a meeting with a career counselor or do some research online for more proactive suggestions. Then add a few to your daily agenda. Taking on these tasks will move your job search forward and help you to feel like you’re making real progress.

Take Care of Yourself

It’s easy to get down on yourself and focus solely on the end goal of finding a gig during this stressful time. Try to resist falling into that trap by reminding yourself that you are working hard and deserve to indulge in some self-care. This care can take the form of time out for daily exercise, a weekly outing with your best friend or even a bubble bath or date with a good book. Forgetting that you’re human will only lead to burnout.

Don’t Go It Alone

Along these lines, don’t forget that you don’t have to be a super hero. Not only is it okay to ask for help, your friends and loved ones will likely appreciate it if you do. Those who care about you worry when you’re going through a hard time. It makes people feel useful to be able to do something for you. So don’t be afraid to call up a friend if you need a listening ear or a reminder of your talent. Ask your mother to babysit if you’re feeling frazzled and need some time alone for renewal.

Hopefully, these suggestions will help to invigorate your job search. Reframing your thoughts, taking proactive steps and noting your accomplishments can flip your perspective and rejuvenate your spirit.