Searching for a job can be one of the toughest things you’ll ever have to do, and we all experience at least at one point in our lives.
When you’re younger and looking to start a career, it can be frustrating trying to get your foot in the door. It seems even more frustrating once you have years of experience and skill cannot find the right job for you. At Boomerswork.com, we aim to make the job search process as painless as possible, but we also realise how much of a struggle it can be.
It’s important to stay motivated during this time to ensure you’re putting in 100 percent effort all the time. Take a look at some of our tips to help keep your head up while looking for that ideal job.
Establish Your Goals
The overall goal is clear; get a job. Beyond that you need to realise what kind of job you’re searching for. Set the guidelines your ideal job must meet to help you have a more productive and efficient search. Are you looking for a position similar to your previous positions or are you looking to make a change? Consider your last job. What did you like about it? What issues were there?
Make sure your goals are specific and also realistic—especially concerned to timeline. It’s nice to put a date on when you expect to have your new job, but you’ll do yourself no favours by rushing things. Also, keep track of you progress on a regular basis.
Seek Support
Every struggle is made easier if you have a solid support system backing you up—job searching is no different. It’s perfectly normal and not uncommon to get down on yourself if you’re not seeing the kind of progress you were hoping for. So while you try not to beat yourself up, surround yourself with people who can send some positive energy your way. It’s also extremely beneficial if you have someone who can look at your approach and offer some helpful and constructive feedback. This could be a friend or family member, someone in a similar position as you, or even a career mentor. There’s no need to go at this alone and there’s always help to be found if you are smart enough to ask for it.
Network
A great way to build that support system is to get out and meet other professionals. We have continuously stressed the importance of networking in the modern job world, and it cannot be overstated. Networking will do you more favors than a resume at this point. We’ve always known that having connections is a big advantage in the job hunt and now there are countless opportunities to make those connections. Aside from that, it’s good to keep yourself engaged in the professional world and show people you still are committed to working.
Stay healthy
When you’re looking for a job, the hunt seems to take priority over everything else. It’s good to stay committed to the process, but not if it’s at the expense of your health. Don’t let the stress of the job hunt convince you to neglect healthy eating and don’t let the time commitment become an excuse for not exercising. Eat smart and schedule in some physical activity each day. When your body is healthy, your mind is healthy and you can achieve more. When you mistreat your body, guess what happens.
Take breaks
It’s very easy to get consumed by the pressure of a job hunt. When you’re not working, any leisure time or relaxation time you take feels unearned. Well, you have earned it. Looking for a job is not an easy thing and not finding one doesn’t mean you’re a failure or you’re not trying hard enough—it just means it will take more time. So literally give yourself a break. Take the weekends off. Don’t work through the night. Enjoy the rest of your life because it’s all about balance.
For more help with your job hunt, sign up with Boomerswork.com today. Our services are free for job seekers. No risk. No obligation.