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Written By Isabelle English
10 Practical Tips to Keep Your Motivation During a Prolonged Job Search
Starting a job search can be exciting, but as the days turn into weeks and months, maintaining your motivation can become challenging. The journey to finding the perfect job is often filled with highs and lows. Whether you are searching for a new job or starting your first job hunting, the journey of seeking your ideal job, submitting applications, and conducting virtual interviews can appear quite intimidating, particularly if you find yourself in a challenging situation.
However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can stay motivated throughout the process of how to start a job search. In this article, Remarkable People will explore ten practical tips on how to stay motivated while job hunting
1. Understanding the Challenges
Job searching can be a challenging and often daunting process, a job hunt filled with various obstacles and uncertainties. Understanding these challenges is essential to navigating the job market effectively. Here are some of the key challenges job seekers often face:
Recognising the Uphill Battle: The first step in staying motivated during a prolonged job search is acknowledging the difficulties you may encounter. Recognise that it's not uncommon to face rejection or slow progress, and this acknowledgement will help you prepare mentally.
Managing Emotional Rollercoasters: Job searching can evoke a range of emotions, from excitement to frustration. Learn how to manage these emotional ups and downs effectively to maintain your motivation. Extended job searches can take a toll on a person's confidence and mental health, as it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration.
2. Seeking Professional Help
If your job search feels like it's hitting a dead end, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Career counselling can provide you with valuable insights, help you refine your job search strategy in your job interviews, and offer guidance on potential career changes.
3. Volunteer or Freelance
If your job search is taking longer than expected, consider volunteering or freelancing for jobs in your industry that you can add to your LinkedIn profile. These experiences not only add value to your resume but also keep your skills sharp and your motivation intact.
4. Setting Achievable Goals
Setting achievable goals in your job search activities is crucial for maintaining motivation and making progress in your career. Here are some steps to keep a positive outlook and help you set realistic and attainable job search goals in New Zealand:
Assess Your Current Situation: Start by evaluating your current skills, qualifications, and experience. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and what you enjoy doing in a job. This self-assessment will help you set goals that align with your career aspirations.
Define Your Career Goals: Determine what you want to achieve in your career. Be specific about the type of job you're seeking, the industry you want to work in, and your long-term career objectives. For example, if you're in marketing, your goal might be to become a senior marketing manager in a tech company within five years.
Break Down Your Goals: Divide your career goals into smaller, manageable steps. These can include obtaining specific certifications, gaining relevant experience, or improving certain skills. Breaking down your goals makes them less overwhelming and more achievable.
5. Networking and Building Connections
Networking and building connections are important in terms of a successful job search in New Zealand. Connect with professionals in your industry through social media platforms like LinkedIn to build your personal brand and portfolio.
Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to expand your network. The more people who know about your job search, the higher your chances are of hearing about unadvertised job openings. Participate in job fairs and workshops to meet potential employers and gain insights into the job market. The positive energy of a strong network can motivate you to pursue the right role.
6. Staying Organised
Staying organised during your job search in the UK is essential to ensuring that you make the most of your time and opportunities. Here are some tips to help you stay organized:
Create a Job Search Plan: Start by outlining a detailed plan for your job search process. This plan should include your career goals, your personal interests, and a timeline for achieving your objectives.
Set Up a Workspace: Dedicate a specific area in your home for job searching. Ensure it is well-organized and free from distractions. Having a designated workspace can help you stay focused.
Use a Job Search Tracker: Maintain a job search tracker or spreadsheet to keep tabs on your applications, including the job description, job titles, application dates, and deadlines. This will prevent you from missing application deadlines.
Organise Your Documents: Set up a personal professional website just for job seeking that has links to your CV, cover letter, references, and any certifications or qualifications, current employment dates to your resume, and list the exceptional skills and wonderful experiences that you have to offer to prospective employers.
Set Up Email Alerts: Sign up for job alerts on job search websites and platforms. This way, you'll receive notifications when new job postings matching your criteria are posted, saving you time in the long run.
7. Maintaining a Healthy Routine
The job search process can be mentally and emotionally draining, making it essential to maintain a healthy routine. Maintaining a healthy daily routine is vital for your physical and mental well-being to stay positive. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can significantly impact your mental and physical well-being. A healthy body and mind are better equipped to handle the challenges of a prolonged job search with a positive attitude.
8. Cultivating Resilience
Above all, remember that resilience and perseverance are your companions in the job search journey. Maintain a positive mindset, keep your self-esteem intact, and focus on your long-term goals. Understand that rejections are part of the process, and setbacks are temporary. Keep pushing forward with determination.
9. Staying Informed About the Industry
Stay informed about the latest developments in your industry. Subscribe to industry newsletters, follow thought leaders on social media, and read relevant books and articles. This knowledge will make you a more informed candidate and boost your confidence during interviews.
10. Celebrating Small Wins
Finally, don't forget to celebrate your small wins along the way. Landing an interview, receiving positive feedback on your resume, or making a valuable new connection are all achievements worth acknowledging. Recognising these accomplishments will keep your motivation high. Whether it's landing an interview or receiving positive feedback, acknowledging your progress keeps your motivation intact. Imagine yourself in your dream job and visualise the success you'll achieve. This mental exercise can reignite your motivation and determination.
Expand Your Career with Remarkable People
Navigating a prolonged job search may be challenging, but by implementing these ten practical tips, you can keep your motivation high and increase your chances of finding the right opportunity. Remember, success often requires patience, resilience, and unwavering determination. Stay committed, stay motivated, and your dream job will become a reality.
Remarkable People have a variety of positions across New Zealand. Contact us today and don’t miss an opportunity to meet our hiring manager and learn about our hiring process.