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How to stay motivated during a long a job search, according to career experts

It can feel hard to stay positive when you’re submitting résumés into the void. Here’s how to maintain momentum when a job search drags on.

How to stay motivated during a long a job search, according to career experts
[Source photo: filo/Getty Images; tulcarion/Getty Images]

Are you in the midst of an extended job search? If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut after sending out hundreds of résumés, scouring employment sites, and going on countless networking coffee meetings, you’re not alone.

Staying motivated can be hard, but career experts say there are strategies to try to keep your momentum going. Here’s what you can do to breathe some new life into your job-search game plan.

Be adaptable and open to new ideas

Job searching is stressful, no matter the job market—and it’s particularly challenging right now. “We’re seeing more competition than in the past few years and confidence among job seekers is low, so it’s easy to see why job hunting may feel exhausting at the moment,” says Catherine Fisher, a LinkedIn’s career expert and author of Career Companion, a LinkedIn newsletter offering job advice.

However, while finding a job in a tough market can be challenging, it isn’t impossible.

To be successful, you will need to be adaptable and strategic, says Fisher. “Think of this as an opportunity to refocus on what you want in your job, take agency of your professional future, and build lasting career skills.”

This means growing your skills and network, and being willing to go where the jobs are. Now is a good time to broaden your job search beyond just the usual companies in your industry.

For instance, if you’re a tech worker, “every industry is utilizing tech now, so don’t limit yourself to applying just to big tech companies,” Fisher says. “Small and mid-sized companies are hiring too, offering great learning experience and stepping-stones to your ultimate goal.”

Remain on track with your goal setting

Applying for jobs day after day can be overwhelming, so it’s important to manage your expectations. Short-term goals can help you feel more in control and like you’re making progress. If you’ve been searching for a while, now is probably a good time to refresh your outreach materials. “Begin by updating your LinkedIn profile and résumé with your most recent job experience and skills,” recommends Fisher. “This will give you a better idea of the areas where you excel and the ones where you might need some improvement.”

Fisher says It’s not enough to just list your skills on your profile—you need to add context so employers can envision how you might contribute to their organization. It doesn’t have to be lengthy. “Just add a few straightforward bullet points to your experience section that explain your key responsibilities and the impact you made in each role,” she suggests.

To really stand out, she also recommends looking at job descriptions and profiles of people who have the job you’re interested in to help you identify which skills you have and where you might have gaps. “By doing this, you can tailor your profile to highlight your strengths and address any areas for improvement,” Fisher says.

Once that’s completed, another short-term goal could be to set aside 30 minutes a day to read up on your industry or watch videos from experts in your field, she says. This can keep you in the loop of new opportunities and give you new avenues to pursue.

Strengthen your LinkedIn profile

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first place hiring managers turn to when looking to learn more about you and your experience, so it’s important to update it regularly with your latest skills and accomplishments, Fisher says. “It’s your opportunity to really shine and tell your professional story.”

Boost your profile cred with any courses you’re taking or conferences you’re attending to develop new skills. “Demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and upskilling is the top reason hiring managers say they would give extra consideration to a candidate,” says Fisher. A professional-looking profile photo is an absolute must and consider adding an “Open to Work” badge. If you’ve got a personal website or use other social media platforms, make sure those are up to date, too.

Prioritize networking

Networking is crucial to jump-start your employment search so try to connect with at least one connection a week either in-person or virtually, says Fisher. “These check-ins will help keep your relationships fresh and ensure you stay top of mind,” she says. “You never know, sending one message or making that one call could be the step to landing a job.”

Surround yourself with supporters

A long job search can become discouraging, but a professional circle of supporters helps guide and counsel you throughout the process, says Jill Chapman, director of early talent programs with Insperity. “There’s power in professional relationships, which could be your mentor, former colleagues and others within the industry.”

As you build these connections, you can ask for specific types of feedback and support. “Your circle of supporters may be able to review your résumé, help you practice interview skills, and keep their eyes open for positions that fit your skillset.”

Maintain a professional schedule

Sleeping well and keeping a regular schedule will help you be more focused during the process. If you’re out of work, you should treat job searching like a full-time job. “You want to be alert, ready to respond to interview requests, researching networking opportunities, and calling on your network during business hours,” says Chapman.

While maintaining a regular business schedule is important, be sure to take time to recharge every few hours and take a lunch break. “You should always keep a semblance of work-life balance,” says Chapman. “Also, breaks often times lead to the best ideas and connections. [ . . . } You may meet someone at the gym or on the school run who has a job lead for you to pursue. The important part is to keep your eyes open for opportunities during some of the most ordinary interactions.”

Be open to a pivot if necessary

After a lengthy job search, in some cases, you may need to consider taking a step down the ladder in terms of title and salary—or even shift industries to secure a new role.  “If you’ve been applying to the same type of job and it’s not sticking, try casting a wider net and looking for roles that leverage your skills and help you with your long-term career goals,” says Fisher. “This might help you land a role you never imagined before but is the right one for you now.”

 

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