Career Center Corner
Ways to Stay Motivated in a Frustrating Job Hunt
1: Get Specific with Your To-Do List
When your motivation is low, general job-searching tasks like “network” and “redo resume” can be overwhelming. A great way to instantly make your search seem more manageable? Rework your to-do list to include smaller, more specific tasks. A weekly quota of two to three jobs is a realistic goal that allowed you to focus on doing the best job applications each week.
2: Look Up Your Career Role Models
When you’re job searching, reading description after description requiring “five to seven years of experience” in a certain field, it’s hard to remember the truth about career paths: They’re rarely linear. In fact, most successful people made loops, jumps, and a few skids to get to where they are today. So, step away from the job boards, hop over to LinkedIn, and search for people who have your dream jobs or who work at companies you are interested in.
3: Seek Constructive Criticism from Your Supporters
Your biggest fans can also be your most helpful critics—if you ask them to be. That supportive former co-worker, professor who believed in you, and friend who just gets you all know your full potential and how you could improve. So, if you’re feeling like you’re trying everything but still getting nowhere, try asking them for some constructive criticism. Identify where you’re struggling, whether it is with resume formatting or interviewing, and ask for advice from the appropriate people
4: Put Your Career Goals on Paper
Take some time to make a list of all of your dreams, big and small. Actually, putting them on paper will force you to think about what you want to achieve and—better yet—motivate you to see at least one goal. Seeing things on paper will get you excited to check things off.
5: Take Days Off (MOST IMPORTANT POINT)
The best way to deal with a motivational slump of any sort is to take a few days off. Pre-determined free days—where you get some time off from thinking about resumes, cover letters, and interview questions—can alleviate all those job-search frustrations and help restore your drive. By taking a few days off here and there, you will find your able to refocus and better tackle the search when you’re ready.
The job search doesn’t have to be a daunting task every time you open your laptop. Use these tips to find your dream job.