How to stay motivated in your job search

How to stay motivated in your job search Even if you start of on the right foot in your job seeking efforts, it’s very easy to become discouraged after you face rejection after rejection, or when weeks go by without a callback. In today’s job market, there’s a lot of competition for skilled jobs, and the length of time It’s taking people to find work can seem excessive. After a while, you may start to lose hope, and many people decide to give up entirely. Here are some things you can do to keep yourself from sliding down that slippery slope. Take Care of yourself It may sound cliché, but there’s a strong connection between physical health and mental/emotional health. Make sure you’re taking care of your body. Eat nutritious food, get plenty of exercise, and don’t forego hygiene rituals just because you aren’t going into an office every day. Have realistic Expectations You’re not likely to land a position in your dream job if you don’t have experience or if you’ve been out of the workforce for a while. Remember that a job in your field is a foot in the door, and it’s better than nothing. You may make less than you had wanted, but it will be a start, and it can help you secure the position that you want in the future. Volunteer Keep your energy level and productivity up by engaging in some volunteer activity. It can be anything you feel compelled to help with, but you can also try to find a way to use your marketable skills to do some good. It’s also something that can help you network, as well as something that you can use to help fill in the employment gaps in your resume. Have a schedule Wake up with an alarm clock, exercise, take a shower, and sit down to begin your job search at 8 AM. Keeping yourself in this type of working pattern will not only help you focus on your search, it will make the transition back to work much easier when you do finally land a job. Take Some Continuing Ed Classes If you’ve got plenty of time on your hands, you can devote some of it to gaining some new skills or certifications in your field. It may give you an edge on your competition, or give you a few new items to list on your resume that can tip the scales in your favor during an interview process. It will also help to keep you busy and your mind sharp while you’re away from work. Examine New Opportunities The jobs market is flooded with jobs that people are unable to fill. More and more businesses are teaming up with vocational centers and community colleges to train people for specific jobs. Often, the business will pay your tuition and living expenses, provided you go to work for them for a period of time. These programs tend to be a craft or technical degree that is very specialized, but it’s an opportunity for a well-paying job with security, and you may even find that you enjoy the work. Do something Rewarding Do something that you find personally rewarding or fulfilling. It might be something you always wanted to do, like learn to play golf, or visit all of the national parks in your state. Give yourself a measurable goal that has nothing to do with job seeking, and use your free time to pursue it. It will give you the opportunity to feel accomplished and maybe even to give you an experience or memory that you wouldn’t have been able to do if you weren’t unemployed. About the Author Savannah Wardle is an active writer currently working at Course Guru, Australian online education experts. She is passionate about writing and all things entrepreneurship.