An extended job search with no fruits for your labor can be very frustrating. Consistently sending out resumes in response to job openings and never being called for an interview is disheartening for anyone. If you’re experiencing this, now is the time to stay positive. You need to be at the top of your game and thinking strategically to not let it all get you down. While you wait and continue to submit your applications, there are other things you can do to stay positive.
Get into a routine. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to treat your search like it’s a job itself. Set a routine where you get up early and check the newest job postings that day. Network with some people and try to set up meetings for the upcoming week, such as a coffee or a virtual hello. Spend the afternoon tailoring your resume, cover letter, and references to the jobs you’re applying for that day. End your job search at a specific time and then spend the rest of your day with friends and family to get your mind off the search for a while.
Set achievable goals. If you’re on a long and drawn-out search, feel more positive about the situation by setting specific goals for yourself. When each new week begins, write down your goals and set them in front of you while you work. Possible goals could be to write several different cover letters you can adapt to different positions or to look for several job fairs you can attend per week. Having the “wins” of achieving these goals will help you stay positive.
Control what you can. While it may be out of your control as to when an employer calls you for an interview, many other things are in your control. Do an assessment about what may be holding you back. Does the formatting of your resume need revamped? Are your social media posts sending a bad message to a potential employer? Do you need to be networking more? Is your cover letter too general? Feeling like there is something you have the power to change in the situation makes you feel better overall.
Responding to job openings can feel like you’ve just sent your resume out into a black hole. Many jobs end up being filled internally or by word of mouth, so you may need to get creative to find that new job. In the meantime, know there are things you can do to improve your situation so you don’t get too defeated. Start with these few ideas as you go into your next week of job searching.
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-tips-for-staying-positive-while-job-searching-2062215