How to be resilient & motivated during job hunting

Hello there! As a Talent Development specialist, I understand that looking for work can be a challenging and emotional journey.

This is why I wanted to share practical tips to help. I believe that with the right mindset and tools, anyone can learn to stay resilient and positive throughout this process. Ready?

First and foremost, let’s start with practicing a growth mindset. Instead of dwelling on rejections, can you shift focus to what you can do to improve your situation now?. Make a list. Start simple. Remember that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. This may be a good time to upskill, retrain, expand on your knowledge. Keeping your goal in mind and keep asking yourself “how can I get there?”.

Another key of staying resilient during a job search is taking care of your mental and physical health.

Back to basics. We all have heard it before: exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep. If it sounds like too much to do at once, start simple. One step at the time. Drink one extra glass of water. Stretch in the middle of the day. Walk for 5mins. These new habits will not only help you feel better physically but also boost your mood and mental clarity.

There are many resources available to help you stay motivated during your job search.

1. Needless to say but, make sure your CV and cover letter are up to date and tailored to each application.
2. Keep a log of your job search activities, include job applications and follow-up communications. This will help you stay on top of your progress and identify improvement areas.
3. Networking is crucial when looking for work. LinkedIn is a great platform to connect with interesting people, share, learn and get support.
4. Attend job fairs, career events, and industry conferences to meet new people and expand your network.
5. Surround yourself with positive people you can learn from and/or who can offer support and encouragement.

Finally, it’s important to stay calm and optimistic throughout the job search process.

Train yourself to observe intrusive thoughts, without giving into them. Then, shift focus on your abilities, skills and what makes you unique. I suggest making a list of past successes, then add more every day. This will help you grow more confident with the evidence you have a lot to offer. Remember, the right opportunity will come along eventually, and until then, keep striving to improve yourself and your skills.

In conclusion, staying resilient and positive during a job search is crucial for success. Find areas of development, cultivate a growth mindset, look after your mental & physical health, network, and focus on your accomplishments to stay grounded. Do this consistently, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the right job for you.

Keep pushing forward, and success will come. You got this!

Thanks to the author of this article Olivia Brito