Almost all of us have been there: the dreaded search for a new job. Maybe it was after you finished uni or perhaps your career was put on hold during the pandemic. Poor workplace management and burnout are also common causes of finding yourself out of work.
It’s natural to feel lost and there may be times when you’re met with radio silence when you’re after a new role or dream job. However, there are lots you can do to make the free time you have more productive. Here are nine ways to stay motivated during a job search.
1. Set realistic goals and stick to a daily routine
Take the time each morning to jot out your daily schedule and set realistic goals. This can be anything from going on a daily walk to applying to at least three jobs a day. Stay on track with what you want to achieve and keep organised – you’ll feel much more in control.
Routine is important for your mental wellbeing. When you have lots of free time it can be tempting to slump into a duvet-wrapped pit of Netflix and Deliveroo. Though we wish this solved everything, it’s not the way to go. You’ll feel much better for making sure you wake up early and get sh*t done.
2. Keep job hunting interesting
Getting out and networking with people you may be interested in working for is a great way to stand out from the crowd. Work experience is paramount and makes a good impression on potential employers. Sending your CV with a top-notch cover letter to businesses that intrigue you might also drum up fresh opportunities.
3. Work on your CV and LinkedIn profile
You need to take stock of the roles you’ve already had and make sure to reword descriptions on your CV or LinkedIn profile to suit the jobs you’re now applying for. LinkedIn also provides job seekers with access to professional profiles. So be sure to include relevant experience for the job market you’re interested in.
4. Take online classes
Online classes are a handy way to learn new skills. From SEO to Adobe Photoshop, there are lots of free online courses you can take that will enrich your skills and experience.
5. Check out volunteering opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to build up experience. The professional networking site, LinkedIn, often advertises volunteering opportunities such as article writers and social media assistants – plenty of which are remote, making them accessible. You can also try Do-It.org, which offers a range of volunteering opportunities.
6. Take a break from social media
We’re all guilty of scrolling through our social feeds for hours each day. While social media can be fun in moderation, seeing posts of people living their best life can make you feel bad about yourself. Seeing someone posting about their work success is just going to make you feel even worse.
It’s important to remember that social media only showcases the highlights of someone’s life – they more than likely are dealing with problems of their own. If you find you’re comparing where you are in life to others, it might be time to get off these apps, even if it’s just for a day or two.
7. Practice mindfulness
Am I not good enough? What if I never find a job? Why are no companies getting back to me? Unhelpful thoughts can affect our mental health and overall self-esteem. When you feel yourself spiralling, try some mindful techniques to maintain a positive outlook. Activities such as yoga, meditation and colouring books are great for keeping present and staying positive.
8. Meet up with family and friends
Having extra free time does have benefits. It gives you the chance to catch up with family and friends that you may not have seen for a while. They might also be able to offer advice about your situation. Plus, you never know – they could know someone who’s hiring.
9. Try daily affirmations
Lastly, daily affirmations are a simple way to keep your spirits up. Daily affirmations are specific statements that visualise your goals and help to give you the motivation to achieve your dreams. Here are some great ones for a job search. Say these aloud or in your mind, repeating them daily:
I am…
“Attracting work into my life.”
“Getting closer to achieving my goals every day.”
“Calm and collected in job interviews.”
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Written by Eliza Allen
Illustrated by Francesca Mariama
