Every job search is different. It can be challenging to maintain a positive mindset while job searching, but it is important to remember that you have a lot of great qualities and skills. In this post, we will discuss how to keep positive while you are on the hunt for your next gig.
Looking for a job is difficult, especially if you have been out of work or looking for an extended period. It is important to try and remain positive throughout the process, though!
Feeling positive and motivated is easy when you know and use the right tools, like tapping into your "inner force" to keep going.
It is also important for making a strong first impression because people can tell if somebody has an upbeat attitude or not!
Read: 7 Ways to Earn Money When You are Unemployed
Tips for Staying Positive During a Job Search
Ever feel down-and-out in the middle of a job search? It is not uncommon to have some days when you just cannot seem to find that next step. But do not worry, because these are 12 tips for staying optimistic:
1. Get Organised
Being organised really pays off. So, start getting ready for your job search with these tips:
Have an updated CV and a LinkedIn profile, some references to use during interviews, a great outfit that is perfect for the interview (you've got this!), and finally, make sure you're prepared, so everything will go smoothly!
To get a job, you need to spend time getting ready before starting. If you are in the middle of looking for work but not having much luck yet, use that spare time to make sure your CV is updated and enticing to prospective employers.
Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date, so that it looks fresh and professional. Connect with like-minded people who might be able to assist you or could be future colleagues. Have current references ready as well to add to your profile — it never hurts!
2. Create a Daily Job Search Practice
The job search process can be tedious, and it is tempting to skip a day at will. However, it is paramount to keep a daily routine. Get up early in the morning before anyone else to get a head start on making those introductions that will set yourself apart from other candidates. Take lunch breaks that are long enough for some quick exercise, like taking a brisk walk around the block to clear your head.
These tips will help you make the most of this valuable time with helpful suggestions on finding balance and being productive every day!
3. Find Time to Not Think About Your Job Search
If you are always thinking about your job search, it will only increase the stress in your life instead of doing something that could help. Pick a time every day to stop worrying and do something that makes you happy. Running errands can be a great way to get your mind focused on non-job search related stuff.
4. Focus on Your Positives
When you are searching for a job, it can be helpful to make a list of your best qualities, skills, and accomplishments. This will help when writing cover letters or practising for an interview because you will know what makes you a great candidate. Keeping the list where it is easy to view on your desk. It will help boost your confidence during the whole process.
5. Set Reasonable, Concrete Goals
One of the most important things for a job seeker to do is set measurable goals. These could be anything from writing five cover letters or attending job fairs. By focusing on small, achievable tasks that can get your CV out there and increase your chances of finding work, you will feel more accomplished throughout this tough process!
6. Spend Some Time Networking In-Person
Keep in mind that while you can successfully network online, nothing beats in-person networking. A cup of coffee with a former colleague or friend may get you job leads that you would not have been aware of. On the same note, do not be shy to ask your friends and family for help on finding work as they might know someone looking too!
7. Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to help others and yourself at the same time. Volunteering can introduce you to like-minded people, as well as offer opportunities for networking with them in your line of work or on personal projects. If volunteering feels too formal for you, consider donating goods instead! The best part about this? You do not need any special skills - just some stuff that is sitting around collecting dust anyway.
8. Join (or start) a Job Search Club
When you find yourself feeling hopeless and out of touch with the job world, joining a club for unemployed individuals is an excellent way to stay connected. You will be able to share stories about your struggles in finding work or just enjoy company from like-minded people who are going through similar experiences as you do. These clubs usually have lively discussion forums where members can give feedback on each other’s posts!
9. Celebrate Small Victories
Job searching can be daunting. You might feel like you are not getting anywhere, but there are always small wins to celebrate! Celebrate the little things throughout your job-hunting journey. Getting a phone interview is hard enough as it is, and even if that turns into a no-go, take pride in what got you to where you are now. Be proud of yourself for those new LinkedIn connections or when someone comments on one of your blog posts. These moments give us hope for our future successes!
10. Move on Quickly
Finding a job can be a challenging waiting game. So, if you apply for a position and do not hear back in a week or two, contact the employer to check on your status, and they might have some feedback for you. But once that time frame has passed without any word from them, simply cross it off your list and focus on what else is out there!
11. See Everything as an Opportunity
It is easy to become tired of the continuous job search grind. Writing cover letters, going on interviews, and networking. But try not to think of each activity as a chore, since that will only make you miserable. When interviewing for jobs, do not just see it as an opportunity, but also have fun with it! Think about how many people want this job or are better qualified than you? They are doing their best too. If we look at our CVs like templates rather than treasures in themselves, then we can be more open-minded when looking over them again and remove any mistakes without being so hard on ourselves, because if there's one thing I've learned from submitting my CV, is no matter what your story looks like someone else has had a worse one and is still trying to be successful.
12. Focus on What You Can Control
There are still plenty of things you can do to keep your job search on track, even if an interviewer has yet to call or if a contact provides no new leads. Investigate the companies that interest you most and learn as much about them as possible.
Even though you might feel that your job search does not bear any fruit, be persistent in continuing the efforts that will help you get closer to securing that dream job. It could be just around the corner when you expect it the least!
Watch: How To Think Positive (THE KEYS TO POSITIVE THINKING)