15 Ways to Stay Motivated During Your Job Search
by CK Group
Hunting for your next job in science can be draining and it can sometimes prove difficult to stay motivated. Unemployment can sometimes be a miserable time and although it may be hard to pick yourself up and dust yourself off, you can do it.
Last week CK Science conducted a poll on Linkedin to find out just this. Here is a list of the 15 most popular tips:
1. Create a schedule - Construct a plan for each day − once you have completed a task tick it off, and it will make you feel like you are a step closer to finding that science job.
2. Set yourself goals for the week - For example: - Number of CV"s you send out - The amount of networking you do - Number of interviews - Number of follow-ups you make. 3. Keep your Linkedin profile up to date and attractive to recruiters - Make sure you include lots of keywords as this will increase your chances of being found.
4. Try volunteering for an organization within the industry - This is a good way to get noticed, to keep your skills current and to keep connected with professionals in the industry.
5. Make sure you get out and see real faces - This will lift your mood!
6. Vary your job search - Spend a certain amount of time in the day job hunting on the internet, some on networking etc.
7. Spend an hour a day away from your job search - Exercise, go out with friends, spend time with your family. Doing things like this can take your mind off your worries.
8. Keep learning− Being unemployed is a great time to perfect your skills.
9. Avoid negative people who are going to bring you down - If they start to sound negative change the subject. It"s your career not theirs and you do what YOU need to do.
10. Avoid applying for roles that are CLEARLY not suitable - There"s nothing wrong with pushing yourself to the next level but in some cases an unrealistic application like a recent Graduate applying for Director role is really setting yourself up for a punishment you don"t need.
11. Keep active - The more applications you put forward (make sure they are quality applications and appropriate) the more likely you are of getting a job. Be persistent.
12. Build a rapport with a recruiter - Candidates that have gone the extra mile to build relationships with their recruiters will inevitably receive more 1 to 1 coaching and support.
13. Stay focused - If you"re looking for a job while you are working it is important that you stay focused on the reasons you want to leave.
14. Savour your past successes - Remember your past successes, this will increase your self belief and confidence.
15. Don"t take rejection personally - Recruiters and hiring managers will usually have a very specific picture in their minds about exactly what kind of person they want to take on. Therefore, it is often something very small that stops you from being short listed. Always try to get feedback regarding why you were unsuccessful and use this to improve on your areas of weakness.
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