How to Get Motivated to Apply for Jobs

How to Get Motivated to Apply for Jobs How to Get Motivated to Apply for Jobs 4Feel like a job hunt cynic rather than your number one cheerleader? Assuming the problem isn’t failure to allow time to relax and take care of yourself (if it is, go grab an apple and watch an episode of Jeopardy) or isn’t that you’re applying for positions in which you really have no interest (in which case self-reflection to determine what would make you happy needs top priority), regaining motivation often involves boosting confidence and shaking things up a bit. Get motivated to apply for jobs with these strategies: Surround yourself with positivity. Playing the waiting game or receiving flat-out rejections gets frustrating and can make candidates wonder if they’ll ever hear good news. Keeping spirits up becomes vital. Kelly Donovan, owner of the outplacement firm Kelly Donovan Associates, offers these two mood-enhancing suggestions: Create a list for your eyes only that highlights all your accomplishments and strengths, both personal and professional. Include items that wouldnt be suitable for your resume, like your sailing skills or how you talked your angry, stubborn boss out of unfairly firing a terrific coworker. Look through this list daily to remind yourself of your value as a person and as a professional. Confide in close friends who have a positive, supportive attitude. Make sure you avoid negative and pessimistic people, even if they care about you. You need people who will say, I know youre going to land something great! not, Its too bad theres no jobs right now! Ask for help. Speaking of friends, think about recruiting some trusted ones for job search aid. Fresh eyes may see exciting ways to strengthen your resume or offer foot-in-the-door angles you never considered. Or seek the services of a job coach to invigorate your hunt. Try a new method. Motivation plummets as hope decreases, so find new leads. Perhaps you’ll have better luck on a niche site than on large job boards, or maybe a reputable recruiter could open up new possibilities. And if you haven’t already, prioritize networking! Make a plan, and reward yourself for carrying it out. Many things about a job hunt are out of your control, but not everything. Instead of lamenting how long hiring managers take to respond or desperately checking your inbox every five minutes, focus on proactive measures. “Set goals for yourself and reach them,” says Mary Pharris, director of business development and partnerships at Fairygodboss. “Whether its applying for one job a day, attending so many networking events a week, or redesigning your resume, youll feel so much better about the direction of your search knowing youve accomplished something.” And don’t wait for an employer to pat you on the back for your efforts. Celebrate meeting objectives with a hot fudge sundae or a matinee with a friend. Positive reinforcement isn’t just for second-graders! Focus on the outcome. Lastly, step back every so often to remember why you’re trying to land a new job. Imagine the difference you’ll make to kids when you get that teaching position. Picture your ugly couch heading to the dumpster because you can afford a new one. Relish the thought of being home each day when you’re kids arrive from school because you stayed focused on finding a flex-friendly employer. Your day is coming! Start your job search today   Browse Open Flexible Jobs