Let\u2019s face it \u2013 no job search is a walk in the park. But some job searches are more frustrating than others, especially those that last a long time. So, how do you stay motivated during a job hunt that seems to drag on forever?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Tips to help you stay on track and get that job:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Change things up<\/strong> Stick to a schedule Employ outside help Stay active in the community Stay active physically
\u201cIf what you’ve been doing is not bringing you good results, replace or add in new job search activities or methods,\u201d suggests Laurie Berenson, founder of Sterling Career Concepts. For instance, if the only tactic you\u2019ve been using is applying to jobs online, expand your strategies to include networking. \u201cReconnect with your network or start attending\u00a0virtual<\/em>\u00a0professional association meetings or mixers,\u201d Berenson says. \u201cReach out to alumni of your college \u2026 You’ll see an uptick in new activity that will motivate you to keep going.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/strong>Cheryl E. Palmer, certified career coach and owner of Call to Career, says creating structure will keep you motivated. \u201cMap out your day and your week so that you have specific activities that you plan to accomplish at specific times,\u201d she recommends. For instance, you might spend the first couple of hours each day searching for jobs on job boards, then spend the next few hours connecting with people on professional networking sites, then spend the afternoon researching companies of interest and applying to jobs. Then one day a week, plan to attend a virtual networking event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/strong>Sometimes when you\u2019re in a rut you need an outsider\u2019s perspective and guidance to help get you back on track. \u201cIf you find yourself spinning your wheels in your job search, consider hiring a career coach who can help you focus your energies and troubleshoot any trouble spots with your search,\u201d Palmer says. You can also consider working with a\u00a0recruiter at a staffing firm,<\/a>\u00a0who can help you learn about new opportunities that might not appear on job boards, and also serve as a coach through the hiring process.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/strong>\u201cJob seekers who are finding that the job search process is taking longer than they had hoped need to continue to nourish their professional identities by staying as active as possible in their fields and in their communities,\u201d says Robert Brooks, a career counselor with 25 years of experience. \u201cThis can be done through freelance work, volunteering, blogging, self-study, online study, professional associations, networking with other professionals (employed and unemployed), and finding opportunities to do what you do. For example, if you are a programmer, write open source code. If you are a designer, design. If you are a writer, write.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/strong>It\u2019s been proven that physical exercise provides a ton of\u00a0health benefits<\/a>, including reducing stress, alleviating anxiety and increasing brain power. And if you\u2019re in a better mood, you\u2019ll have a better attitude toward your job search. \u201cDo whatever you enjoy \u2013 it could be as simple as going for a walk around the neighborhood \u2013 or going to a fitness class at the gym. Getting some fresh air and working up a sweat will make you feel better.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n