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The Toughest Part of Job Searching -- Morale
Thanks to what I learned during the great recession, this job search is much better. The old saying is that job searching is your full-time job while you aren't working. Like any other job, I learned the skills and strategy to thrive. The hardest part of a job search is keeping your spirits up.
I went eight years without a full-time job between 2004 and 2012. It was long, painful and frustrating. Before then, I had spent 12 years in a manufacturing plant and had no transferable skills. During the long, dark teatime of joblessness; I got to the local career centers and learned interview skills, how to effectively read job descriptions and reply, how to write great cover letters and how to write a resume. I also began building new skills that would be in demand from employers. I am a Data Manger.
I lost my technical job at the end of July in the middle of the worst economy since the Great Depression and I'm back in a new job search, but now I'm getting about 2 interviews a week. Having the skills for a job search and the job skills that are in demand is the key. However, those same painful feelings remain. This hasn't gotten any easier.
I lost my job through no fault of my own -- my compay lost funding and they had to cut my position. It's still some form of rejection and that stings. It's a loss of hope -- it was a contract to hire postion and they were going to develop my career. I was very happy there. I had to leave my colleagues behind -- even the ones who annoy me.
It's like being put onto an emotional rollercoaster -- the highs when a recruiter calls or responds to an application! You are being considered for a job! The lows when you are not a fit -- or worse, when you are "ghosted". The anxiety -- will I be as happy on my next job as the last one? Will I fit in as well?
Self-care is not only selfless, but it makes you the best asset to other people you can be! Over time, I developed a few habits that I rely on:
1. Set a regular job search schedule. Mine evolved: Sunday - submit for unemployment benefits, Monday - Thursday search listings and reply to ads. Take Friday and Saturday off except for monitoring email for anything that could be important.
2. Set work hours. I generally keep 9 AM - 5 PM EST because that matches most company hours.
3. Remind yourself of your previous success.
4. When you are away from your job search, completely unplug. Do your own things - I knit, sew, watch my favorite tv shows, etc.
5. Make yourself herbal tea if that works.
6. Take up a new hobby.
7. Keep a journal of good thougths and review it -- possibly, a list of things you are grateful for
Eventually, that new job will come in and everything will work out.
Evelyn, thank you for sharing your story. I can sympathize with you and agree the periods of unemployment can be very hard indeed. As I read your list I can say I definitely identify with #3 through #7. If I may, I would like to suggest one more to your list - take some time to help someone else.
When I was struggling to find work, I found that when I helped someone with their problem it rejuvenated me. At one point, I started helping people find jobs or at least send them in the direction to get help. This helped me feel better and I was thankful that I had resources I could share.
Your story is very encouraging and I wish you much success!
Sorry to learn of your struggle and congrats to seeing your way through... How did you triumphant, what strategies did you employ to land a permanent role? I travelled a similar path to now a dead end job, company that I'm trying to navigate to a better daily life.
Reflecting on my last few jobs, the main strategies that worked:
1. Creating and maintaining a profile on as many job search boards as possible. It's like advertising a new McDonald's location. If you want people to find it, you have to get the news out. Also, Do NOT underestimate a job search board or recruiter if they seem less than polished or fully experienced. Your kid brother can tell all his friends about the McDonald's location and drive business just as easily as a tv commercial.
2. Maintain self-confidence and positivity on any in-person phone calls or interviews. You want your potential supervisor to have faith in you.
3. Trust your instincts in your area of expertise. I am a Database Programmer and I talked myself into my last two jobs. I listened to the interviewer ask questions and I took over and filled in based on my experience.
4. Remember that no job is ever truly permanent. I was not expecting to lose my most recent role because of the work the company needed from me; who could have predicted Covid? However, I realized that I had a major advantage having been in the job market recently. It made it much easier to start a new search. As of this week, I'm generating about 2 interviews / week.