How to keep motivated during your job search

Looking for a new job can be a long and labour intensive process, full of highs and lows and days when you feel like giving up altogether. It’s important to keep your motivation levels up but that’s often easier said than done when you’re feeling a little knocked back throughout your job search.

Here are our tried and tested tips for not losing your motivation:

Set yourself goals

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try setting yourself a couple of manageable goals that can be easily ticked off each day. Make sure these goals are specific and attainable. For example you could set yourself the task of connecting with two new relevant contacts every day through LinkedIn or submitting one new tailored application each week.

Look for inspiration in others

No two career paths are exactly the same, yet reading though generic job specs can make you feel inadequate and under-qualified. But don’t let this make you feel like you are headed in the wrong direction. You’ll find most successful people have come up against setbacks along the way. So when you’re finding it hard to stay motivated, have a look at the journeys of those that you find most inspirational. Chances are their paths were anything but easy.

Ask for Feedback

It can be frustrating when you have an application rejected but you don’t know why. If this has happened to you and you aren’t getting the feedback you need why not ask your friends, mentors, ex Managers or colleagues, for their input. Identify where you might be struggling in the process (CV, interviews, personal brand) and ask for some brutal honesty.

Think outside the square

If you have your heart set on working for a particular organisation, but you’re not getting much traction, consider if there might be another alternative. Is there a position below your ideal job that could open some doors, provide vital experience, and give you the chance to get yourself noticed? Or could you gain relevant industry experience working in a temporary role at a similar organisation?  

Remember why you started looking

If your job search isn’t progressing as well as you would like, it’s worth checking in with yourself to make sure you’re still pursuing a path that you are passionate about. Maybe things are going well in your current role or your focus has shifted elsewhere. Passion is an incredible tool, and job hunts can be hard without it. Remind yourself of the reasons you started on this journey and the end goal you are trying to achieve.

We know looking for a job can be a daunting task so don’t feel like you have to go it alone. If you need some expert advice we have offices across the country.

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