Seeking employment can be frustrating, demanding and tiresome. You're constantly submitting applications, going on interviews and updating your resume. The days of searching for work may turn into weeks and months. The longer you go without a job offer, the more stressful the process becomes. Despite all of this, it is important to stay positive during your job search, and here are some ways to accomplish that.
Build a Support System
Being unemployed for an extended period of time can create feelings of isolation and loneliness. Ask your close friends, family members and former colleagues for support during this time, and make it a point to meet with them regularly during your job search, as keeping yourself isolated may enhance feelings of depression. Being social does not necessarily require money; try meeting a friend at a park for a walk or a game of volleyball. Volunteering is another great way to connect with friends and loved ones, and the experiences you gain can even enhance your resume.
Keep Learning
Being knee-deep in your job search is no excuse to stop improving yourself. Use this time to increase your knowledge of relevant subjects, or try reading motivational books, such as Stephen R. Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People." Spend time at the free public library, and attend local seminars and networking events. Continuously learning new things breaks up the monotony of a job search while preparing you to become a more effective employee.
Take Regular Breaks
This may seem counterintuitive, but it is important to step away from your job search and unwind regularly. Searching for a job can be as demanding as a full-time job, so taking time off to gain perspective and recharge is imperative. Take regular walks, join an adult sports league or take a short road trip to visit a friend for a few days. What you do with this time doesn't matter, as long as it temporarily takes you away from the daily grind.
Practice Positive Self-Talk
Going weeks and months without positive feedback from potential employees can breed feelings of self-doubt. No matter how your interviews are going, train yourself to always stay positive. Regularly remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. Practice positive visualization: keep a mental picture of your ideal career situation in the back of your mind, and remind yourself that with each passing day, you are getting closer to that ideal image.
It is important to remember that searching for a job is temporary. Many job seekers find themselves dealing with feelings of self-doubt, despair and negativity. Staying positive and remaining persistent throughout your job search helps keep those negative thoughts at bay and makes the journey to gainful employment less difficult.
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