Any tips on how to remain positive during the job search?

11 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 17,2024 at 8:05PM UTC

   Brace yourself against burnout by not spending more than 3 to 4 hours per day on your search.

   Anything beyond that is diminishing returns on your time. Results in no edge or benefit to you.

   Exercise. Make sure to get outside. Sunshine on your skin and the light plays a big part in your mental health.

   Eat well, sleep as much as you need and get out among people to feel alive and connected. Lunch or dinner during the week with friends. Connecting with your network and just walking your dog gets you engaged with the world.

   Stay curious, walk to the library, volunteer and keep busy with hobbies and your interests.

   Actively living during this time will put your time to good use. Your life is not just your career. Use this gift of time to enrich your life rather than fret about getting your next job. You will definitely be working soon enough and will long for this freedom.

   Good luck on your search.

2. AnonymousApril 17,2024 at 8:30PM UTC

   Great tips below! I'd also say look at changing up your job search approach a bit. Instead of just applying to postings also consider networking too (in person and virtual).

   I've also seen virtual career fair opportunities. Fairygodboss has one coming up in a few days "resume drop" and I would also look at getting connected to companies who have any upcoming hiring events (in person or online).

3. AnonymousApril 18,2024 at 12:28AM UTC

   I have been applying to several jobs, many are a stretch. One job I applied to a month ago contacted me yesterday to set up an interview. This was a long shot I tossed my resume into the ring to see what would happen. You never know what will and won't hit. I was expecting the rejection letter when I got an interview setup request. I am qualified, but it is a long relocation (from the East to the West Coast for a CEO position), and I didn't think they would bite.

4. Eileen MApril 18,2024 at 9:32AM UTC

   Loving the advice and togetherness in comments!

   Don't take things personally. This is one of many golden rules when it comes to job searching positivity and positivity in general. Go in knowing that you're going to get more rejections than acceptances. That you're going to be ghosted or feel like your applications are sucked into a blackhole. Don't take any of that personally -- would you want to be working for companies that don't see your brilliance or don't have basic human respect to thank or properly notify candidates of updates.

   This last tip is something I struggle with but do find relief in saying -- trust in the unfolding of life. I picked it up from meditation, and it's hard because waiting is the hardest part. I believe Tom Petty sang about this ;-)

5. David HeitzmannApril 19,2024 at 12:25PM UTC

   This is one of the best questions I've seen in a while. My main tip is to ask yourself one question. 'How many of my colleagues/peers have gone hungry or homeless because they could not find a job?' The answer is probably none. As long as you put the time in, something good will eventually happen. It's important to remember that when you are looking for a job, time can go so slowly....days may feel like weeks and weeks may feel like months. It is important to find the right fit and not just any fit. Good luck and be sure to stay positive!

6. GirlBossanova934974April 19,2024 at 12:44PM UTC

   Helps to keep things in perspective. Having seen many downturns, this one in my mind is characterized by many jobs being filled by NOT posting jobs online. The jobs that are getting posted get way too many applicants. Keeping in touch with GOOD recruiters is key. GOOD means they actually have good jobs to fill and they get them on a fairly regular basis. I took on a contract position for 6 months in mid March. After I took that contract position, I had offers from 3 other companies from recruiters. I made sure to note each of those recruiters so when July-August comes along, I would be back on their hot list of candidates. Last, there are plenty of jobs that are advertised that are being filled from internal transfers. BEST thing one can do is make sure your LINKED and INDEED profiles are well written and up to date.

7. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 1:40PM UTC

   Thanks for posting.
   I agree with many of the responses, especially those highlighting personal wellness, making the job search part of your daily routine, but not the only thing. Job loss/hunting can be stressful. Reasonably so.

   Consider using this as an opportunity to ask yourself what would you choose now- given everything (or seek advice/counsel from professionals or via learning tools). Are pivots in your life desired?

   I hope the advice here is useful to you. At the very least, it's a space where you can come knowing there's a tribe of folks who've gone through something similar and can commiserate and elevate. Additionally, I wanted to also share that it's perfectly acceptable to reevaluate your current needs- perhaps you just need a job just to get by (we've got bills to pay)... and you can restructure your long-term vision.

   Sometimes job loss/hunting is about a new job. Sometimes it has us re-evaluate our life's direction. Some folks get knocked off the tracks and get back on. Others, get knocked off the tracks and are in a whole new space (and that doesn't have to be a bad thing- though it could feel like it--, it just means that your journey is more about exploring and learning something new, and learning what to let go of). I don't know if this is your situation or not. The advice here is good. However, if the advice doesn't fit right, know that no two people are the same and your feelings and experiences are valid. One of the hardest things I learned when I was unemployed (which happened once in each decade of my life) was that my peers couldn't understand, gave platitudes and advice that didn't help my situation (I know they meant well, but it added to my stress as I felt I had no one to turn to). I had to learn on my own which was heavy at times. I had to learn to shake off the excess negative feelings wherever I could--and focus on or ADD positive experiences in. Even if it was just listening to the birds in the morning sun. Once I established an internal boundary that I wasn't going to let this situation (or some comments from peers) define me, the demoralizing feeling dissipated. I just went on a hunt. I treated it as a game. I aimed to meet people. And I juggled between hustling and resting. Things shifted.

   I wish you well.

8. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 5:00PM UTC

   I can't co-sign enough to the well-meaning people comment. When my job search stretched out to many months I eventually stopped telling folks if I applied or got as far as an interview, because then they'd say stuff like you're gonna smash it, you got this, we're claiming it in the name of Jesus, etc. When your rejection letters are approaching triple digits, hearing those comments is not helpful and adds stress, even if they're coming from a good place. Just became easier to keep it all to myself.

9. AnonymousApril 20,2024 at 3:01PM UTC

   There is absolutely no shortage of terrible paying, basic wage jobs with no benefits! There’s no shortage of part-time teaching jobs or bad call center jobs. If you’re healthy and are willing to work multiple lower wage jobs they’re certainly out there. Is there competition for even bad jobs, yes of course, but the entry to them is lower. If you have to take something you don’t want or ever see yourself doing in the long run it may be easier to get something that way. I was pretty much going to teach until some other misery of a job showed up that was a little bit better so I took it. Can I live on what I make, NO! Do I still need other work or a side hustle to actually live, yes! I would also try to up level myself at this time, learn a new skill, start something new and see if it might make $. If you’re not desperate, you will eventually find and get something simply by law of statistics. I’m poor so I didn’t have a choice and homelessness or living in my car is not an option for me. I don’t have expectations going into any job and have had to take whatever I’m able to get to often survive. Many people have been blessed and lucky with good jobs, I’ve only had 2 of those in 30 years of working, otherwise I’ve hated every single job and it’s been a struggle to even work. Just don’t give up and don’t stop look and applying and perhaps consider taking something you might not otherwise if you need to! Recessions, that’s what we’re in despite what congress is unwilling to say, can create opportunities for reinventing oneself. Invest in you and your journey as for most of us it’s a long one and a job is just that one aspect of that puzzle.

10. AnonymousApril 21,2024 at 11:21PM UTC

    I am in the same situation, looking for a job. It is not mu first time at the rodeo either. Use the advise provided earlier and definitely take something that will keep you fed, roof over your head and lights on-even if you need to take 2 jobs. Working and earning an honest living is nothing to be ashamed of, as you are responsible for you and your own happiness. I am looking into side hustles myself, leaving no rock unturned during this period. Just remember to take a day of every week or on the weekends to reset for the sake of your mental health. The break allows you to come back refresh and notice things like fresh air and sunshine. Good luck!

11. AnonymousApril 22,2024 at 4:54PM UTC

    I have been searching for work in my field since last August. As others have said, if you need to take any job to cover your expenses and survive, there is no shame in it. I have had to do that as well.

    Also, you might consider joining a Job Search Council. It is a support system and plan created by Phyl Terry and based on the book Never Search Alone. The only cost involved is the purchase of the book, but if you can find it at the library then it's free.There is also a LinkedIn live event every other Friday, where they introduce the JSC plan and have guest speakers. The next one is Friday, May 3rd. Best of luck to you!