How to get motivated to get a job

Searching for a job is an intense and extremely emotional process. You have to deal with everything from applications to rejections all while trying to make sure you have enough money to make it through the month. To help you keep your eye on the prize, we came up with some tips for how to get motivated to get a job AND how to stay motivated while job hunting.

It’s no secret that job hunting can be infuriating. Especially if you can’t find anything relevant, are getting rejected for job after job or, worst of all, aren’t hearing anything back from the companies you’re interested in working for.

If this sounds familiar, don’t panic. It’s natural for job seekers to feel a bit disheartened and unmotivated. However, it’s now time to pick yourself back up. Read our tips for keeping yourself on track when job hunting.

Clear your workspace

Nowadays loads of people search for jobs while on the move using mobile apps. On the other hand there are the rare few that choose the traditional sitting-at-a-desk method (we know, we thought that was extinct as well). Honestly, there’s no right or wrong answer here. Just figure out what your preference is and what’s gonna make you feel most productive during your job hunt. Playing to your strengths, rather than forcing yourself to do what’s ‘right’, will help you stay motivated to get a job.

If you’re the type of person that prefers to search and apply for jobs through a computer, just remember that a tidy workspace equals a tidy mind. You’re never going to be motivated to get a job if your desk is littered in scrap pieces of paper, or covered with empty mugs.

By having a clear workspace, you’ll stand a better chance of staying positive in the long term and cranking out those cover letters and tailored CVs.

Set daily goals for job hunting

How to get motivated to get a job? Don’t overcomplicate things. 

Obviously your ultimate goal is to find a job, but you can’t start by aiming for the moon. Instead, break your day up and set clear, smaller goals. Whether it’s researching the types of companies you want to work for, or applying to x number of roles, or just figuring out what you want from a job. It’s important to set achievable tasks and follow a daily routine to help you stay focussed.

Write these down on a piece of paper so you can happily cross them off at the end of each day. Again, this can give you a strong sense of achievement, which is crucial when looking for work.

And if you don’t know where to start looking, you can check out our article on how to find a job here.

Take a break

When people google ‘how to stay motivated job hunting’ they probably expect some motivational speaker telling them to hustle, then hustle some more, then hustle harder. Well our advice is kinda the opposite. 

While you’re busy chipping away at the mammoth job market, never underestimate the power of a break! Step away from your desk and take time out from your job search every now and then.

Not only will this give you time to unwind, it also means you can return to your job hunt with a new, fresh perspective. So go for a walk, catch up with a friend, or simply chill and watch TV. Whatever you do, just make sure it has nothing to do with your job hunt. Remember, you can’t stay motivated by job hunting 24 hours a day. After all, you’re human – not some job-hunting machine.

Know you’re not alone 

With millions of people job hunting right now, it’s important to remind yourself that you’re not alone. When people on insta are talking about their promotions, or nabbing themselves new exciting jobs, just try to temporarily ignore them (in the nicest way possible). Everyone is in their own lane and you just gotta stay focused on where you’re at right now.

Talk to a family, friends or even an old colleague for advice. They may even be able to find you a job opportunity at their work, or to a friend that’s hiring. Isolating yourself isn’t gonna get you anywhere. Instead, keep at it and make sure get your feelings out in the open. Trust us, you’ll stand a better chance of finding a job.

Embrace the process of job hunting

Don’t fight the process. While it can be stressful, job hunting can really help you get out of your comfort zone. It’s a great opportunity to meet with employers that you wouldn’t normally get to talk to. Plus, it’s a fantastic time to sell yourself and really drive your career forward.

Remember, even if you aren’t successful with your application, you’re still building your network. Connect with everyone you meet by creating a LinkedIn profile and keep following the company to see what other opportunities they have. And if you’re not sure what networking involves, then check out our article on networking tips here.

Above all, stay confident in your abilities and avoid getting worked up before an interview. By keeping calm, you’ll avoid those pesky nerves when answering interview questions. Honestly, this’ll make it way easier to sit down with a prospective employer and tell them how great you are.

Find out what keeps you motivated to get a job

It’s important to remember that everyone is different. The key to how to get motivated to get a job is focussing on what you really want. This might be something fairly obvious like money (more power to you), or something infinitely more complicated like finding your life’s purpose at your dream job. Regardless, what keeps you motivated isn’t going to work for someone else. So stay true to yourself and you can figure out what your key driver is when looking for work.

And when you finally do get that call for an interview, be sure to check out The Mix’s job interview tips here.

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