Staying Motivated In Your Job Search

Staying Motivated In Your Job Search

Looking for work can be a long and tedious process, consisting of constantly flipping through job openings in the classifieds and online, and browsing your little black book of biz contacts.

Although repetitive, these are the things that have to be done when faced with the pink slip and bills to pay. But how do you keep yourself going strong, as if Anthony Robbins himself was right there next to you, cheering you on? Staying motivated in your job search could mean a faster hire for you, so we're here to tell you how to keep your chin up and your prospects high.

get used to it

Knowing that, today, people change jobs every couple of years, finding a job must become second nature to us. This simple yet effective list of self-help job search pointers will help you find, land and succeed in your next dream job.

Use your network of contacts
Now that you're unemployed, it's the perfect time to break out those business cards you've been collecting and put them to use. Don't ask your contacts for a job, but let them know you're looking for new projects to undertake. There's also no need to go into specifics about your old job; no one needs to know why you no longer work there. If they ask, just tell them you and your previous employer had "creative differences."

Find a part-time job
As there might be some time between planting the seeds and sowing an actual harvest, taking on a part-time job will help get you through financially in the interim. However, don't let this side job take away from your main goal of finding full-time employment.

Do the things you enjoy
Clearing your mind is as important as filling it up with information about your job search. So leave town for the weekend, play a game of cricket or learn to play the guitar. Whatever floats your boat.

Consider the job search your full-time job
To play hard, you need to work hard -- even if it's specifically to find a job. As aforementioned, you will likely be on the job hunt several times during the course of your professional life, so you might as well be productive about it, since a day spent looking for a job is one for which you won't be collecting a paycheck.

Don't settle for a position
As is the problem in many relationships, men sometimes settle for a decent job opening, fearing they won't find anything better. In the corporate world, there is always something better waiting for you out there, as long as you look for it. As the saying goes (or Heinz commercial demonstrates): "Good things come those who wait."

Use all your resources
Sticking to one avenue of job searching will not optimize your chances of landing the best position out there. So log on to any and all job websites, circle the best openings in the newspaper and make some calls to follow up on old leads you have. Don't be static or passive and you'll soon be rewarded for your work.

Make the most of your support group
Your friends and family are the best allies for your morale because at one point or another, they went through the same experience. Let them take you out and get your mind off of things. They've been there and done that, believe us.

Have a to-do list
Most of us work better when we follow specific guidelines and time frames, and things are no different when looking for work. Write down your major tasks for every day of the week and knock them down like Heinekens during happy hour.

Treat yourself
A positive reinforcement system has been proven effective in the workplace, and instilling this same system in your quest for a job will also be beneficial. And if you land a job within a specified time frame that you set for yourself, then why not treat yourself to a new bottle of cologne?

Make yourself happy

It's obvious that following these tips will not necessarily keep you happy about the job hunt (especially when it becomes discouraging), but this is a great opportunity to seek the positives in a negative situation. You can view this step in your life as the possibility of starting something new and fresh, as opposed to losing something old and familiar.

In case you're still having difficulties pumping yourself up for this tedious task, the book The Secrets of Executive Search... Professional Strategies for Managing Your Personal Job Search, by Robert M. Melancon, will help in your quest for a job.

career tip of the week

When you find yourself unemployed (point A), take the necessary time and effort to look for a job, and you'll eventually find the position you're looking for (point B). But remember to enjoy yourself while getting from point A to B, and never give up.