When you set out on your adventure to find a new job, it’s rarely possible to guess how long it will go on for. You may end up with King Julian’s voice in your head like “How long is this going to take?!!!!”.
As time passes, the rejections mount up and money gets tighter, it’s so easy to become disheartened.
However, this is exactly the time when you need to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and put in more hard work than ever. One of the main attributes of a successful job seeker is persistence. Here’s a few tips to help you stay positive:
Start as you mean to go on – The first hour of your day is golden. The thoughts you think and the actions you take during this crucial time can affect your performance levels for the rest of the day. Instead of getting up late, set your alarm as if you were going to work, have a shower and go for a walk to get some fresh air in your lungs.
Set daily/weekly/monthly goals – If you don’t have anything to work towards, you have nothing to focus on and you’ll find yourself achieving very little. Goals will keep your mind focused on the things that are important and keep you feeling positive about the future. Make sure you include an action plan for each goal, a map as a pathway to that goal, without this action plan your goal will simply be a wish.
Set up the right environment – There’s a lot to be said for being neat, tidy and organised. Make an area in your home where you can run your job search with a phone, computer and anything else you might find in an office. It’ll help you stay focused on that dream job. You might also want to change it up every now and then by working from a coffee shop, the beach, your favourite park, etc.
Eat right – Your environment also includes the fuel you put into your body. We only get one life suit so make sure you eat lots of fruit and vegetables, stay away from fatty foods and try to limit your alcohol intake. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
Create a support network – Get yourself a crew. Forming an alliance with other job seekers will help you share experiences, get advice and give you an outlet for those times you need to vent, just remember not to pitch a tent in self-pity land. Try to meet at least once a week with your crew and share strategies and wins.
Remember the law of averages – The more calls you make, the more connections you make and the more applications you make, the greater your chances are of finding the job of your dreams. However, resist the urge to blanket bomb every employer out there. You need to tailor your cover letter and resume for each job. Sooner or later, that yes WILL come.
Enjoy the process – Job hunting is a time of transition and change and it can also be a very important time for personal development and growth. Use this time to reassess your goals, find out what you really want to do and engross yourself in making yourself the best you can be.
Feedback – At every stage of your job search, you should look to get feedback. If you’re not getting asked for interviews then get someone to have a look through your cover letter and resume. If you’re getting to the interview, but being rejected there you should find out what you’re doing wrong.