How to keep yourself motivated?

39 Comments

1. ReginaSeptember 7,2023 at 3:56PM UTC

   I'm there with you. Not getting any response back even after reaching out to check the status of my application is defeating. I created a routine for when I get that "Sorry" email: I cry, sigh, yell out or do what is needed to release the frustations and then I take an hour or 2 doing something I enjoy. After that I'm back in the mindset to do more job searching and completing more applications. I wish you the best on your job hunting journey.

2. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 3:57PM UTC

   I went through a 4-month period of unemployment beginning of last year. I get it, it's a struggle. At times it can be really frustrating. I experienced the range of feelings. I started looking for a new job nearly 6 months before I found myself unemployed so that added to the frustration. I probably applied to close to 500 jobs. I worked with a career coach on totally overhauling my resume, determining what my next step should look like, overhauling my LinkedIn, interview prep, networking skills, etc. That was not cheap.

   Bottom line, I made sure to take care of myself, too. I maintained a routine for applying to jobs, networking, following up, interviewing, etc. I also maintained my routine for self-care. Kept vacations that had been planned well in advance, kept up with an exercise routine, didn't isolate myself from others and reached out to people when I needed someone to lean on or vent to.

   It is kind of somewhat accurate that "everyone is hiring, apply everywhere" but the problem is there's a lot of people currently looking. Especially for the coveted WFH/remote work roles. I still passively look for opportunities but like on LinkedIn for instance if I see the number of people that applied is over 1000 (which is quite often anymore), I don't even bother. Even if the number is in the low hundreds. And yes, not everyone actually applied and not everyone is actually qualified, but that's a lot of applications for an employer to wade through regardless.

   Now, I'm not sure what type of roles you are applying to, what type of work arrangement you are looking for...but perhaps at least invest in overhauling your resume given the responses you are (or are not) getting.

3. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 4:43PM UTC

   Do you believe the numbers that LinkedIn states that have applied? If the number is over 250, I do not apply. I am looking for an executive assistant position, either remote, hybrid, or in office. There is a huge amount of applicants for that position on almost every posting. UGH!!

   Hopefully we will find our jobs soon! Good luck!

4. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 5:26PM UTC

   I do not believe the total amount reported is the total amount that applied, but if its a significant number then I'm not likely to waste my time. I am currently employed, it took about 4 months, but I found a well paying job with a hybrid schedule. I do always look, because you never know what opportunity may present itself and it seems nothing is ever 100% secure and guaranteed these days.

5. AnonymousSeptember 8,2023 at 8:05PM UTC

   That number on LinkedIn is not actually the number of people who have applied. It is the number of clicks that job has gotten- so some people looked at it and didn't apply. That number is inflated. That's what I was told anyway.

6. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 4:33PM UTC

   I totally understand! I have been out of a job since 4/7 when my job was eliminated. I spend every day looking and applying to any job I am qualified for. Sometimes I get, "we are moving forward with someone who is more qualified", "good luck" or I get ghosted! These jobs are below my pay rate and most I am more than qualified for. So frustrating!! I truly don't believe everyone is hiring. I should have gotten a job long ago if that was the case! The funny part of all this is that the jobs I applied for that I wasn't quite qualified for, are the ones I have had in person interviews with. So confusing and frustrating. Good luck!!

7. April MinerSeptember 7,2023 at 4:52PM UTC

   There are not hiring. We are in the middle of a hiring freeze. Do not waste your time on positions that are posted for more than 30 days as these are not real jobs. I read that in Forbes Magazine. The hiring freeze happened after Covid when the start ups started laying people off. Good luck.

8. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 5:52PM UTC

   Not necessarily. Like all else, depends.

   Jobs posted yesterday could be scams as well

9. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 5:51PM UTC

   I feel you....150%

10. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 5:35PM UTC

    People who are saying "everyone is hiring, apply everywhere" are seeing the hand-written signs in store fronts, grocery stores, etc. So to them, yes, everyone is hiring. Recruiters have been saying for months now that taking a "bridge" job (one that pays the bills regardless of what it is) has become acceptable. There are ALWAYS transferable skills from any job into another.

11. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 5:41PM UTC

    The Market reality v.

    what is in the media about the Market are completely different. The reality for job seekers is horrible.

    I only spent 3 hours per day max on new applications, following up on recent applications and networking efforts.

    The balance of my time was spent on gaining certifications and attending industry events (larger conferences have sponsored programs where the fees are waived and hitels are deeply discounted or forgiven).

    My selfcare was also kept extremely front and center so I remained healthy and energized. It's very important to be positive and balanced for interviews. No matter how hard you try. You can cover negativity and depression. People sense something is off.

    I am convinced that this focused but strategic approach kept me motivated and very ready for interviews. I was actively looking for 3 months and actively interviewing and negotiating for another 2 to 3 months (some overlap) I landed 2 lucrative and highly saught after positions in 5 Months. But I only focused on positions I wanted, had most skills for (but with room to grow) and with companies I was attracted to. I also turned down several interested companies that did not meet my needs. I approached my search with a very clear list of criteria so that gave me clarity and made decisions and negotiating much easier. I was open but highly educated about where I would work and culture. I knew my questions ahead of time to try and qualify potential employers. I used ChatGpt to help draft custom cover letters, research questions and tailor my resume. It worked very well and saved me hours of time.

12. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 5:49PM UTC

    I think I wrote your post. ;)

13. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 5:48PM UTC

    Im there now. I am so sick of the recruiters that want to interview (not agencies, but organizations,) an make you take their personality quizzes, assessments, etc. Some take hours. Can't not participate in the crapThey don't have the decency to call or email after. They all EXPECT professionalism but won't give it in return I've seen ads for bookkeeping requiring a CPA!!! Seems "everyone is hiring" until no one is. Yes, I've had interviews, MANY compliments on resume and told interview well. Just ', not a good fit at this time, but wish e luck on my search 'Totally a joke when the ads are a broken record of employers--Sorry for the rant!!!!!
    Update: just received a request for a one way interview. Screen asks me questions and then I'm further screened.
    Seriously.....STOP with the games HR people. Pick up the phone and do something . This is for a SENIOR LEVEL ACCOUNTING and AUDITING POSITION!!!!!!!!!!

14. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 6:22PM UTC

    I completely understand this! I have interviewed for positions here nothing back, follow up, told they are still interviewing then have another recruiter contact me for the same position! I have also seen positions I have applied for reposted. These are positions I know I am more than qualified for, however, I feel being 60 they pass on me.

15. AnonymousSeptember 7,2023 at 10:40PM UTC

    At the start of my search I narrowed down a list of 8 MUST HAVES in a new job and employer.
    Next I had a list of NICE TO HAVE. At the top of my list was hybrid and compensation. Those criteria cut my options or pool of potential available jobs in half. But I was very clear in what makes me happy at the onset of a new job. I want no more then 3 days in an office and I want my top dollar in the Markey place. So I focused on those positions (,I did my research and I vetted the various interested companies in my screening). Everything else was icing. I found hybrid with desired high-end comp in 3 months. It took an additional month to whittled away to 2 days in office and a signing bonus to close the gap at the very high-end of the range of comp. The understanding I had going in was it was going to take time (I budgeted for 7 months). It took less but I was prepared. I was also clear about where my acceptance was. I would have accepted 3 days in office but negotiated for 2. I had researched the market range for the title and experience required. I would have accepted 10k less but negotiated to my top end. I was prepared and have just completed my first 4 months. I'm satisfied with what I accepted. And I would have walked away had thing worked out differently. I went in knowing my limits. P.s. I worked 2 side hustles while I searched and I kept within my budget of expenses. I gave myself 7 months of runway.

    Instead of looking at boundaries as limits, I prefer to look at boundaries as freedom. Freedom to get clear on what I'm working with. Freedom from the noise and distraction of jobs that don't fit me. Freedom from fear that "maybe I need to lower my standards so I have $ coming in." I instead believe that you need to actively refuse to invite that into your view. Why surround yourself with choices that don't fit what you know makes you happy?

16. Sarah BordersSeptember 8,2023 at 12:47PM UTC

    “You’re so amazing, you’ll get snatched up in no time!” I heard that one a lot when I was laid off in mid-April, and I ended up being unemployed for three months. The one thing, in hindsight, I wish I had done at the beginning was take a little intentional time off before starting a job search. By the time I was in the middle of it, I kept telling myself that if I stopped searching, I’d miss the perfect job. Spoiler alert: I wouldn’t have missed anything.

    So that’s what I recommend for regaining your motivation: take some intentional time off from job searching, and when you come back, diversify your plan. Identify a handful of employers you’d like to work for, and build a network with people who work for those companies. LinkedIn is a wonderful tool for this, and I’d highly recommend a premium subscription for all the bells and whistles while job searching, but you don’t need one to build your network there.

    Don’t stop applying to positions online, but don’t apply to anything just because you know you can do it. For me, during job searches, that has been the major thing that saps my energy and motivation. When you apply for any and all jobs, you are telling yourself (and the universe, or some religious equivalent that aligns with your personal beliefs) that you are desperate, and it sets you up for rejection.

    In the end, I accepted a contractor role after a recruiter reached out to me on LinkedIn about it. It wasn’t what I was looking for or even with a company that was on my radar, but it was exactly perfect for me. And next month, my position is converting to FTE. I couldn’t be happier. :-)

17. AnonymousSeptember 8,2023 at 1:40PM UTC

    awesome advice and so happy you found your place -

18. AnonymousSeptember 8,2023 at 6:06PM UTC

    I hear ya!!! Excellent advice and I'm close as well to FTE. I wish I could have taken the vacay, but I was involved in an traumatic event And the day I returned after disability - and two unexpected surgeries - 'no longer a good fit ". I'm between searches and Dr appointments. It's not a vacation!!!!!

19. BeaBoss979975September 8,2023 at 6:13PM UTC

    Heal properly and quickly!

20. AnonymousSeptember 9,2023 at 1:17PM UTC

    Trying!! Healing, job searching, therapy, Dr, interviews (only to be told "you got what it takes... just not here"), more Dr, therapy, chores.Frustrating. Exhausting.

21. AnonymousSeptember 8,2023 at 1:57PM UTC

    I can help! I understand it’s a pain, but include key words from the job description you’re applying for onto your resume. Some people don’t agree with this, but you should customize your resume to match each job you apply for.

22. AnonymousSeptember 9,2023 at 1:28AM UTC

    I’m in the same boat- I’m redoing every resume to include the key words! I even paid $5k to a “agency “ to redo my resume and update my LinkedIn- I have 30 years of experience and many years left. No one will hire me.

23. AnonymousSeptember 10,2023 at 6:50PM UTC

    Wow your background sounds amazing! I have a few tips that may be able to help you out! Here me out :)

    1) Try watching HR videos and leadership tips on YouTube. I found these very helpful on how to get an understanding how resume review works and how to answer interviews questions much better. I love watching videos from Galen Emanuele “Shift Yes,” Dan Lok and Life After Layoff.

    2) Try completing your resume in a functional format to show your relevant skills to the jobs you’re applying for that are relevant. Avoid the standard, chronological resume template that everyone uses which reflects where you’ve all worked.

    3) Remove too many details from your resume. If they’re asking for someone with 10 years of experience, do not include that you have 30 years of experience. Simply say you have the 10 year requirement.

    4) Remove irrelevant dates. Since you have fabulous experience, you probably do not need to include the year(s) you’ve graduated with your education. I would include that you have the masters or bachelors, etc. level of education, just not the year you received it.

24. AnonymousSeptember 9,2023 at 11:36AM UTC

    I do tailor the resume and cover letter. Every time

25. AnonymousSeptember 10,2023 at 6:31PM UTC

    That’s great! Another key thing I do is watch hiring videos of mentors that have been in Human Resources and leadership roles on YouTube! I really enjoy Life After Layoff and Dan Lok.

26. Zofia JaneczekSeptember 8,2023 at 6:12PM UTC

    I've just recently become unemployed when the company I worked for 3 years sent a mass "we're going out of business" at 3am in the morning! I just had a birthday and was laid off on the same day. What wonderful luck. I applied for unemployment, hoping that would tide me over until I found work. So far no money from unemployment and it's going on over 1 month. Lots of applications and a lot of rejections. One interview that went absolutely nowhere because there are anywhere from 3-5 steps to just get a job now! Not to mention ALL the pre steps, the tests, personality evaluations, talking to 101 recruiters just to go back to square one. It would probably be easier to get into heaven right now with the level of gatekeeping at these jobs. Better yet, all the spam and scams that try to get money from you. I'm probably going to temp as a last resort soon enough. I might be forced to take a job I can't even physically do just to simply have some income coming in. It's depressing, disheartening, and what we're being told IS NOT the truth. There's a recession on the job front but you wouldn't know it because it doesn't appear that way. Just become unemployed and you'll find out the truth! There are plenty of people out there that feel the same.

27. AnonymousSeptember 9,2023 at 11:35AM UTC

    And I'm one of those people that feel the same!!

    Lost my job because my manager didn't know what she wanted day by day and despite trying very hard with long hours, couldn't keep up with her indecisiveness

    I could do the job....of she could decide what is was

    I'm over the "interviews".

    Why do you want to work here?

    I WANT to say: so I can stop looking and move on with my life with a paycheck

28. AnonymousSeptember 8,2023 at 7:22PM UTC

    Assuming your resume and linkedin are up to snuff, whoever told you that is mistaken. It's a tough market out there, especially if you have more senior experience. There's tons if you can live on minimum wage or have 1-3 years experience. What field do you work in?

29. AnonymousSeptember 8,2023 at 7:29PM UTC

    I feel this post in my soul. I've been only applying for jobs that I am well qualified for, so I can ask for equal or more than my current salary. 20% get immediate declines that they are going with someone else, 5% get interviews, 20% of jobs seem to be relisted again, 75% no response whatsoever. I am tailoring my cover letter and have started tailoring my resume as well. I'm going on vacation this next week and I hope that reenergizes me, because this job search after being laid off is a slog.

30. AnonymousSeptember 9,2023 at 12:59AM UTC

    You operate in life with agency, understanding that you influence your motivation, your happiness and that agency impacts the way you show up in the world.

    Don't waste agency.

31. AnonymousSeptember 9,2023 at 1:24AM UTC

    I’m in the same situation- I’m frustrated and confused. I’m qualified, but can’t get any interviews?

32. Leah LucasSeptember 9,2023 at 12:19PM UTC

    I feel the exact same. I was even applying for things I was way overqualified to do. It's been rough.

33. AnonymousSeptember 9,2023 at 1:13PM UTC

    I've done that too. One recruiter called and asked if I really want this? Uhhhhhh....do YOU want someone who struggles, cannot do the job and ends up leaving and placing you back to square one?I totally feel you!!

34. JoanneSeptember 9,2023 at 12:47PM UTC

    I’ve been dealing with the same thing for the past year or so. It is very frustrating.

35. DebbieAnn SankeySeptember 9,2023 at 2:25PM UTC

    I had the same issues every door seem to of closed due to age or what ever the issue was. So now I work from home and I am my own boss and love it.

36. AnonymousSeptember 9,2023 at 3:08PM UTC

    There is no single answer. How does one feel motivated when their savings are depleting. Most of LinkedIn jobs are fake and posted by companies to show that they are flourishing and hiring. A job is posted 2 hours ago and has 200 Applications...is that even possible. It's really crazy. Best is to take up contract jobs that pay the bills for now.

37. Zofia JaneczekSeptember 9,2023 at 7:32PM UTC

    Take whatever you can get at this time. I'm in a situation where unemployment is not paying out anything, despite $ being there. I'm currently in negative financial numbers, no income, lucky to get food stamps! Unemployed through no fault of my own, the company I worked for went out of business. I'm about to lose my car insurance as well as phone. At least I'm not homeless or not yet! I'll probably also loose my car before the end of this all, whilst just trying to survive. Unfortunately, it's the story for many people these days. I'm nothing special nor unique. You'll get through it! For every horrible story and there are many, many more horrible stories, there's at least a few positive ones. A few.... that's at least the hope.

38. AnonymousSeptember 10,2023 at 2:40PM UTC

    i can relate. I was laid off from a good paying position due to Covid and still haven’t been able to get back to where I was. Job market has completely changed since then and is so strange, plus I believe ageism is also a factor for me.

    Good luck to you, hope you get something soon!

39. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachSeptember 11,2023 at 7:23PM UTC

    Hi! Have you thought about working with a career coach? I can help you approach your job search differently so you can start landing interviews. Here's my link to sign up for a consult call and learn more : https://maeganmillercoaching.as.me/consultcall