Seven Ways to Stay Motivated During a Job Search

"Success is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"- Seneca

For many people, one of the toughest things about finding themselves unemployed is staying positive and focused during the job search. It's all too common to spend several weeks dealing with the emotional impact of the loss of a job, only to fall into a pattern of depression and inertia that is difficult to break free of. Remaining enthusiastically and confidently motivated during your job search can be challenging at times, but it can make all the difference in the world when you are meeting with a potential employer.

There are several strategies that I endorse for job seekers.
1. Approach your job search as you would a project at work. Identify your goals, potential problems, and target completion date. Sketch out a plan of action.
2. Maintain a routine consistent with your working day. Make yourself a schedule, with goals for each day related to your job search, and force yourself to stick to it. An example would be a goal of identifying and researching two potential employers and making three phone calls per day, and attending two networking events per week.
3. Get out of the house. Go to the library, local resource center for job seekers, or coffee shop. Join local professional organizations, and attend workshops, employment fairs, and classes for job seekers. Be visible!
4. Get organized! Use a system that makes sense to you to track and record the efforts you are making in your job search. Keep notes on: which jobs you are interested in; research you do on potential employers; which positions you've applied for; events you attend; contacts you make; copies of cover letters and Thank You notes you send; and most important- write down your plans to follow up. A master calendar where you can jot reminders, events, appointments and interviews is crucial! These notes are also valuable because they will help you see patterns emerging so you can change your tactics as necessary.
5. Just because you aren't drawing a paycheck doesn't mean you can't use your skills. Volunteer your professional services in your community; organize your own local networking organization for professionals in your industry; write a White Paper; or start a professionally relevant blog. By staying attuned to trends and challenges in your field, you remain relevant.
6. Be accountable. Share your goals and timeline with someone- perhaps another job seeker- and ask them to help you stick to your plan. Return the favor. Knowing that you will have to check in to report your progress regularly will help you find that extra motivation when you need it most.
7. Finally, find and utilize healthy methods of dealing with stress. Practice positive thinking. Exercise, journaling, volunteering, talking to friends, prayer, or meditation- all are good stress relievers and can help you maintain perspective and stay focused.