As some of you may already know, a job search can vary in length. For some, it can be a very short thing but for the most it can take some time to achieve your goal of achieving employment. One negative thing a lot of job seekers seem to do is assume that their job search won’t be long (3 months at most). Once it begins to go past the time they thought they have a job, they begin to get frustrated which has a negative impact on their efforts.
How do you keep going when your job search starts to take a while? If you don’t know then don’t worry, as below are a few helpful tips on things you can do. All of these tips can help you if you’re on a prolonged job search.
Treat It Like A Job
Organise your job search as if it was a full time day. Set hours, plan out what you going to do e.g. calls, applications, develop materials etc. Set yourself goals of how many CVs you going to send out or how many employers you’re going to contact. It will help you to stay focused & organised plus you be able to see any progress you making or thing you need to develop more easy.
Exercise
Frustrations can easily build up during a long term job search. You get frustrated with the lack of replies, lack of interviews or still looking for that opportunity. How do you deal with these frustrations? The best and most recommended technique is exercise. Whether you do long walks, go for runs, go gym or a sport that can help you work out those frustrations and help you to again be refocused & re-motivated.
Time Off/Away
This may be controversial for some job seekers but having a bit of time away from the job search is very helpful. I know that some job seekers have to job search daily for so many hours a week, but having time away from job search is very helpful. Whether it freeing up a few nights off or the weekends, get some time away. Spending day after day, hour after hour job searching can have negative effect on your job search and motivation. Use the time off to spend time with family, friends or do something fun.
Learn From Experiences & Mistakes
What may sound like a basic principle in the job search is often quite ignored by job seekers. Everything you do is a chance to learn whether it a failed job interview or by what progress you make. Find out what you need to improve and help your achieve your goal.
Using Your Network
Make sure that you are using your network both in person & online to its fullest extent. Not got a network, well if your job search going to take a while then get building one. You never know what you might find whether it be a job or a recommendation for a job. Takes time to build up if you not got one but worth the time if you’re on a prolonged job search.
Volunteering
Have you been out of work for a while? Is your job search starting to take months? Well volunteering is an option you should examine. You could update or keep your skills sharp. Gain new skills and experiences that will look good on your CV and network with new people who could help you. It can also have a good effect on you too. You’ll feel good getting out, meeting people and doing something you enjoy.
Find Out What You Want To Do
Use the time wisely in a prolonged job search. Have you ever wanted to do a different job? Is there a type of job you thought you could do & enjoy? While you have got the time examine yourself and look if now is the time to do what you always wanted to do. Find out what skills you need and get them. You could also use the time for a course to get new skills & qualifications. Have you ever thought about setting up your own business? Maybe you could look into that avenue a bit more.
How do you keep going when your job search starts to take a while? If you don’t know then don’t worry, as below are a few helpful tips on things you can do. All of these tips can help you if you’re on a prolonged job search.
Treat It Like A Job
Organise your job search as if it was a full time day. Set hours, plan out what you going to do e.g. calls, applications, develop materials etc. Set yourself goals of how many CVs you going to send out or how many employers you’re going to contact. It will help you to stay focused & organised plus you be able to see any progress you making or thing you need to develop more easy.
Exercise
Frustrations can easily build up during a long term job search. You get frustrated with the lack of replies, lack of interviews or still looking for that opportunity. How do you deal with these frustrations? The best and most recommended technique is exercise. Whether you do long walks, go for runs, go gym or a sport that can help you work out those frustrations and help you to again be refocused & re-motivated.
Time Off/Away
This may be controversial for some job seekers but having a bit of time away from the job search is very helpful. I know that some job seekers have to job search daily for so many hours a week, but having time away from job search is very helpful. Whether it freeing up a few nights off or the weekends, get some time away. Spending day after day, hour after hour job searching can have negative effect on your job search and motivation. Use the time off to spend time with family, friends or do something fun.
Learn From Experiences & Mistakes
What may sound like a basic principle in the job search is often quite ignored by job seekers. Everything you do is a chance to learn whether it a failed job interview or by what progress you make. Find out what you need to improve and help your achieve your goal.
Using Your Network
Make sure that you are using your network both in person & online to its fullest extent. Not got a network, well if your job search going to take a while then get building one. You never know what you might find whether it be a job or a recommendation for a job. Takes time to build up if you not got one but worth the time if you’re on a prolonged job search.
Volunteering
Have you been out of work for a while? Is your job search starting to take months? Well volunteering is an option you should examine. You could update or keep your skills sharp. Gain new skills and experiences that will look good on your CV and network with new people who could help you. It can also have a good effect on you too. You’ll feel good getting out, meeting people and doing something you enjoy.
Find Out What You Want To Do
Use the time wisely in a prolonged job search. Have you ever wanted to do a different job? Is there a type of job you thought you could do & enjoy? While you have got the time examine yourself and look if now is the time to do what you always wanted to do. Find out what skills you need and get them. You could also use the time for a course to get new skills & qualifications. Have you ever thought about setting up your own business? Maybe you could look into that avenue a bit more.