How do you keep motivated when looking for a new job?
Albert Einstein once said “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity”, which we believe is the best mind-set to have when looking for a new role.
One of the main attributes of a successful job seeker is persistence and we hope that the pointers detailed below help to you to keep you motivated on your job search. Start as you mean to go on - The first 30 minutes of your day are golden.
The thoughts you think and the actions you take during this critical time 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 take a walk to get some fresh air in your lungs.
Set daily goals - If you don't have anything concrete to work towards, you have nothing to focus on and will find yourself achieving very little. Goals will keep your mind focused on the things that are important and keep you feeling positive about your future. Make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely) and remember to celebrate when you achieve a landmark.
Set up the right environment - There's a lot to be said for being neat, tidy and organized. Make an area in your home where you can run your job search with a phone, computer and everything else you might find in an office. It will help you stay focused on the target. You might also want to change your environment occasionally by working from a coffee shop or renting space in a local office.
Eat right - Your environment also includes what you put into your body. Make sure you eat lots of fruit and vegetables, stay away from fatty foods and try to limit your alcohol intake. A healthy body generally leads to a healthy mind. Create a support network - Forming an alliance with other job seekers will help you share experiences, get advice and give you an outlet for your inner feelings. Try to meet at least once a week with your team and share strategies.
Remember the law of averages - The more calls you make, the more networking events you go to and the more applications you make, the greater your chances are of finding the job of your dreams. However, resist the urge to send the same unspecific CV out to every recruiter out there. You need to tailor your CV for each job. Sooner or later, you'll hit the right mark. Enjoy the process - Job hunting is a time of transition and change and it can also be a very important time for self-development.
Use this period to reassess your goals, find out what you really want to do and engross yourself in making yourself the best you can be. 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 CV. If you're getting to the interview, but being rejected there you should find out what you're doing wrong. Fix these, and you'll find yourself in a job in no time.
How to make the most out of your job search
Steve Jobs - The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
Details matter, it’s worth waiting to get it right. Although you may be under pressure to secure a role; it has to be the right one. Many, if not all employers, believe that spending a short amount of time in lots of different companies does not show commitment; therefore you must have an ideal job in mind to ensure that you secure a longstanding position. Choosing the right job can be difficult, but with a little hard work, some planning, and some serious self-reflection, you can set yourself on a path towards a fruitful and fulfilling career. Below are some methods to aid you when looking for the role that suits your skills and personality.
Method 1: Consider Your Interests. There is an old saying that if you’re trying to choose a career, you should think about what you would do if you didn’t have to work. If you had a million pounds and you could do anything, what would you do? Your answer to that question, while maybe not literally the best career choice for you, may provide insight into what you should do. Considering your dream career, hobbies and what you enjoyed most at school will aid you in your search.
Method 2: Consider your professional and interpersonal skills. Think about the subjects you excelled in at school. Though it may not be your favorite thing to do, choosing a career based on something you are skilled at can help you excel and provide yourself a secure future.
Method 3: Consider your current state. Figuring out what you should do with your life may sometimes require you to get to know yourself better. If you want a career that will really make you happy, you have to have a very good understanding of what you want and what you enjoy. For some people, this means taking some time off to decide what’s important to them.
Method 4: Consider your future. Consider the careers you have easy access to. Consider what career options are available for you to easily move into. These would be careers in which you have both the necessary skills and an “in”. Examples would be working for the same company as one of your parents, working for a family business, or working for a friend. If your options are limited, choosing a career in which you can quickly enter may be your best option. A job search is not easy and we hope that following these steps will help you to stay motivated when looking for that next role.
