Once you’ve made the decision to look for a new job, it’s normal to want it to happen as soon as possible. Your sense of urgency will vary depending on whether you are out of work, have compelling reasons to leave your current role or maybe just because you decided that it’s time to move on. Regardless of the urgency, the process of looking for a job can be frustrating and wearisome. The rejections after an interview, the failure to secure interviews from your applications and even the endless round of ‘coffee catch-ups’ with your network can get the best of the most upbeat job seeker. Staying positive is not only important for your well-being, but to your job search itself. Negativity and self-doubt will come over in your communications with potential employers and can tempt you to settle for a lesser role than you would otherwise. (Not to mention, you will not be at the top of your game when you do get a job and it comes time to negotiate your salary and conditions!) Here are 5 tips to keep yourself positive while you’re looking for a job:
1. Focus on the fact that you’re only looking for one job
Don’t be distracted by the size of the unemployment statistic, the number of people who you know who are also looking for work or what other people are doing. You need to be focused on finding only one job. The right job for you. Think positive!
2. Apply for every job as if it’s the only job you want
Potential employers don’t know (or want to know) how many jobs you’ve applied for or how weary you are of the process. They want to be convinced that you are the best candidate for the job with the most chance of being successful in the role (and the least risk to them that you’ll succeed!) To do this, you need to approach each job application as if it is the only and most important role you are applying for. Each cover letter and resume should be adapted for each and every job. Approach each role with vigour.
3. Research the job role to assess its suitability for you
Take control of the situation by putting yourself in charge of your job search. Whether in the research stage or at interview – ask questions to ensure that the job meets your criteria. Asserting your role as decision maker will help you stay in control and determine that the outcome is what you want.
4. Review with your network and mentors
Identify people you trust in your network, or even better, your mentors and review the progress of your job hunt. This can provide you with feedback, ideas of what to do next or who to talk to, or even just reinforcement that you are on the right track and doing the best you can.
5. Be kind to yourself
You will be the most successful when you are at your best – write your applications and schedule interviews at the times of day when you do your best work. Use a ‘to-do’ list and when you have done the tasks allocated for the day – take a break. Searching job boards for endless hours will fill in lots of time, but can make you feel pretty negative if you don’t find what you’re looking for. And reward yourself for completing what you set out to achieve. This could be the number of calls made or applications submitted or a job interview completed to the best of your ability. Have a massage, get a manicure or spend time with someone you really like – whatever it is, if it’s something you enjoy, you will feel more positive and that will reflect positively on your job search. When you are looking for work, it can be hard, disheartening and a process full of disappointments. There’s no disguising that it’s often not fun. But the job you eventually succeed in getting is important to you. It will impact how you spend your time, who you spend it with, how your career will progress and how much you earn. It’s important. This makes sticking to the search worthwhile. Treat looking for a job as a job and approach it as you would a job. Stay positive and remember you only need one!
