How to Stay Motivated While Job Hunting

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By Buckeye207
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Stay Motivated While Job Hunting

Job hunting is grueling and can allow your less helpful inner voices to get the best of you. These steps will help you stay motivated throughout your job hunting process.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

FOCUS ON YOUR STATE OF MIND: This first step can be instrumental in laying a foundation for all the other work you will be committing to during your job search process. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2006 Stress Survey, you are dealing with 2 of the top 5 most stressful life events (work and money). Acknowledging that this may be one of the most challenging periods in your life will help you rise to the challenge and ensure that you invest in the reservoirs of perseverance the job hunt requires. Visualize how you would ideally like to see yourself respond in the face of adversity.
Step 2

BUILD A SUPPORT NETWORK: You already know you’ll want to work your networks to find job leads and obtain informational interviews. But put some thought into building your motivational network as well. Choose a spouse, partner, close friend or relative who will be willing to be your cheerleader throughout this time. Share with them upfront what kind of support you might need (someone to share your weekly progress with, an extra hug now and then, practice doing mock interviews). Allowing someone to help you is a great way to deepen a relationship. Let them know you are there to return the favor whenever they need a positive coach to get through a rough spot.
Step 3

SPEND TIME ON A HOBBY THAT PROVIDES A FORM OF INSTANT GRATIFICATION: We all like to see a tangible return on our investments. Unfortunately, when job hunting, you may receive absolutely no response to an application that took you hours to complete. Consider taking on a hobby that will temporarily provide a sense of completion and help you keep your energy reservoirs high for the job hunt. Knitting, pottery classes, cooking, even writing for eHow are all great choices.
Step 4

HAVE A SCHEDULE: If you’re used to working a 9to5 job, adjusting to a relaxation in your time parameters can be jolting. Design a schedule to keep yourself on task. While you may want to take this time to take advantage of more flexible hours, be sure that at least four hours each day fall within regular business hours. Spend about half your time visiting employers, writing emails or doing follow up calls. Getting out of the house and directly interfacing with employers is not only a great way to introduce yourself, it can also be motivating.
Step 5

KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE: The daily headlines will provide you with a constant stream of reports about layoffs and high unemployment rates. While this is undoubtedly a tough economic period, don’t buy into the doomsday headlines. Today’s unemployment rate hovers at just under 7%, a 14 year high. However, during the peak of the Great Depression, unemployment reached 25%! Smart, qualified persistent applicants are still being hired every single day. It may take a little longer, but soon or a later that smart, qualified, persistent person will be you!

Comments

WordWhizKid said

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on 11/18/2008 Thanks for the great tips! I always remember a tip from a job seminar that helps me: Ask people in positions that can help you for advice. Then it's not as awkward as asking for a job flat out but shows your interest and this can likely lead to a job or put you on the right track.