Tips To Avoid Job Search Discouragement

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

Don’t you dare get discouraged. Don’t you dare believe that failure is permanent or insurmountable.” – Richelle E. Goodrich

Job hunting can be such a challenge, especially if the process goes on for weeks or months without results. It’s easy to understand why you could start feeling discouraged. You can become unmotivated, negative, and your self-esteem and confidence can be really put to the test.

As much as you’d like to just quit, you can’t! So what are you going to do? Nothing you do seems to be working, so something needs to change.

Just remember, you haven’t failed until you’ve quit. So let’s take a fresh look at your job search approach, get remotivated and go out and get yourself hired.

Tips to stop discouragement from sidetracking your job search…

1. Treat your job search like a job: It’s not an act of desperation or a hobby, something you do in your spare time…until you have a job, it is your job. Just as you would if you were employed, you need to set aside structured time in your day to work on your résumé, job searches, networking, and brushing up on your skills or possibly learning new ones. Then, at the end of the day, stop, and be with the people you enjoy and do the things you enjoy.
2. Expand your job search: Look in new places for job opportunities.
   • Consider looking at online job boards.
   • Check websites of some of the companies you would be interested in working for, they often post job openings on their sites.
   • Go to a job fair.
   • Talk to recruiting agencies.
   • Use your social media connections such as LinkedIn. Make sure your personal social media sites are cleaned up so you present yourself in a professional, positive way.
3. Update your résumé:  Have a few people you trust take a look at your résumé and give you some feedback. Some of the things you should check for are:
   • Are there typos or misspellings?
   • Is it interesting and easy to read?
   • Does it adequately represent you?
4. Make a list of the companies you would be interested in working for: Research companies’ websites for information about them, and look for possible hiring contacts. Also, there is a website, Glassdoor that can help you learn more about a company, such as available positions, corporate culture, and salaries.
5. Set small attainable goals: Set goals that will bring you closer to that perfect job, but that are attainable and help you feel like a success rather than a loser. Goals such as:
   • Talk to your references.
   • Work to improve or learn a new skill.
   • Meet with a job or career coach.
   • Send thank-you notes after a job interview.

If you would like to explore working with a Christian centered Career Coach, Contact me for a no-obligation 60-90 minute job search consultation with America’s Job Searching Coach, or text me at 425-220-0707  and we can discuss your situation, your résumé, what you would like to achieve, and structure your job search to fit your uniqueness.

I am also available to speak to groups.