How to Stay Motivated on the Job Hunt

The struggle is real when you are on the hunt for a job. As you search, fill out applications, and network, you spend just as many hours working as you would at a real job. But you don’t get any of the same rewards. While rejection and isolation sour your mood, monotony zaps your ability to concentrate. Then, there is the anxiety that comes with instability. This is what it was like for me anyways. Job-hunting isn’t easy and it isn’t fun, but there are some concrete things you can do to keep yourself motivated and power through.

1. Maintain a consistent routine

Time management is the number one key to productivity. Set up a schedule for yourself just the same as if you were working an actual job. Decide which days you will job-hunt and, just as importantly, which days you will take off.

Schedule each workday into manageable chunks devoted to particular tasks. Instead of saying, okay, I’m going to spend 6 hours job-hunting today. Say, I’m going to spend 2 hours each on searching for new jobs, completing applications, and building my network. Focus on the particular task at hand to avoid getting overwhelmed. Alternating tasks in this way also helps with boredom.

Don’t forget to include time for breaks. Take time out for lunch. Periodically, get up and stretch or step outside for 10 minutes or so. Taking planned breaks that are timed increases your brain’s ability to focus while also keeping you on schedule. Try using a work timer app. My favorite is Focus Keeper (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/focus-keeper-work-study-timer/id830466924?mt=8).

2. Set achievable goals

You have a basic schedule in place. Now tailor that schedule to match your weekly and daily goals. Setting goals and meeting them often goes a long ways towards keeping you motivated and feeling accomplished.

First off, write down your goals. A “to-do list” format works great. Crossing items off your list as you go enables you to measure your progress. Plus, it just feels satisfying.

Make your goals realistic so that you can achieve them. Shoot for applying to 3-4 jobs per week max. This way you stay focused on finding the jobs that really match your skills and abilities rather than wasting time applying willy-nilly to whatever pops up in your search feed.

Likewise, break each day’s task into more specific action items. If you plan to devote 2 hours to building your network, for instance, maybe your action items include 1. Finding one person to connect with on LinkedIn 2. Following up with one contact you’ve made previously 3. Reaching out to a mentor for advice about a particular application.

3. Use rewards

Unlike an actual job, you’re not getting paid or getting vacation time. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reward yourself for hard work. Rewards are like carrots dangling at the end of the line. When you’re weary with a particular task or feeling defeated by rejection, focusing a reward can help you plow through.

Rewards can be anything you enjoy. You’re on a budget, yes, but maybe you can still shop for a snack you love at the grocery or get a triple-shot mocha once per week. Use these rewards when you need them most. Plan to drink that mocha after a particularly challenging application is completed, for instance. Alternatively, maybe you love doing yoga or watching a favorite TV show. Structure those activities into your workweek to mark your accomplishments.

4. Seek advice and support

Reaching out to mentors and colleagues is essential. Not only do you learn a great deal from doing so, you need that human interaction to keep you sane. Maybe you had a previous boss who was impressed with your performance, a coworker who genuinely enjoyed collaborating with you, or a professor who recognized your unique potential. Most people get a sense of fulfillment in helping others succeed, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sometimes you start to lose a sense of direction and question the goals you’ve set for yourself. Talking with others can give you a reality check, keep you on track, and help you to realize when its time to alter your path.

Maybe you’re stuck with a particularly challenging application or nervous about an upcoming interview. Ask someone else (with expertise) how they would approach it, and you will feel more competent and prepared.

5. Get inspired and dream big

Many job-hunters feel like they are powerless, subject to the whims and decisions of hiring managers, recruiters, or search committees. It is true that others make the decision to interview you or not and eventually to hire you or not. But this does not mean you are powerless. In fact, your time on the job search is actually when you have the most power to determine your own goals and make your own decisions. Take advantage of this while you can.

Think often, and talk with friends or family, about what it is you want out of your career in the long term. What does your dream job look like ten years from now? Are you on the path to get there? Asking these questions, even if you aren’t sure of the answers, helps to give your job search direction and remind you of what you are working towards.

If you’re not entirely sure what you want or how to get there, that’s perfectly normal! Do some informational interviews with professionals who work in industries that interest you. You can learn so much and get inspired by hearing other people’s stories. Plus, you’re networking at the same time.

6. Exercise and relax

Self-care for mind and body is crucial to motivation and focus. It doesn’t matter if you run marathons, play team sports, take long walks with your dog, or garden. Get outside, move around, and breathe some fresh air on a regular basis. Blood circulation is good for your brain and boosts productivity.

Get space to think about other things besides your job hunt or to think about nothing at all. Exercise can be a great distraction but so is any activity that you enjoy. Spend time with other people and be present for family and friends. Seek out quite time in nature if that’s what you need.

If you’re having a hard time with anxiety and staying focused, incorporating a mindfulness practice into your routine can make a huge difference. Personally, I’m a huge fan of the Headspace app (https://www.headspace.com/).

These 6 practices have helped to keep me motived and sane on the job search. You’re still going to have tough days and face burn out from time to time. But if you rely on the strategies above, you’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel and know you are on the path to reach it.