Keeping Your Chin Up When Your Job Search Gets You Down
We all go through it; the period of time where you want to ‘throw in the towel’ as it were. Sometimes it’s easy to think that you are always the bridesmaid but never the bride – especially when you are scouring ever possible website, linking up with people at networking and other events, contacting your alumni association, and basically starting conversations with people in the vegetable aisle at your local supermarket – all in the hope of getting a bite – no, not a bite to eat – a bite at a job lead.
It’s very easy to feel like it’s never going to happen – when will the interviews start? When will you be among the employed once again? What I have found from dealing with my clients – whether they are domestic or abroad, young, mid, or senior in their careers, is a common theme:
They worry; they are melancholy; they are focused too much on getting a job instead of getting the right job.
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Maintaining a positive attitude during the search process is one of the most important things you can do. Other people sense unease, nervousness, and anxiety. I don’t want to exactly relate this to being in a body of water surrounded by piranhas; but there is definitely a connection. A hiring manager can sense desperation; you want to be courted during the interview process and extended a position that not only appreciates the value and skills you bring to a company, but also compensates you for those skills.
You don’t want to fall victim to a situation that sometimes happens – you get an offer for a salary that is lower than you were previously earning, or worse, lower than what your market value is.
Here are some action items to keep you going and ensure that your search is positive:
- Consider transferring your skills to a new type of position or industry. It is possible that you might need to take something of a step back – but one step back can propel you two steps forward. The change of environment and learning curve will stimulate you and give you a sense of empowerment.
- Establish goals. Setting goals will give you a sense of empowerment. As you achieve the milestones, you will feel that another step has been taking toward a final and positive outcome.
- Take time to take care of yourself. It is amazing at how time slips away. Did you ever consider that the time away from the ‘rat race’ could help you rejuvenate? This reminds me of the time when I was laid off in 2001 in the wake of 9/11. I was so focused and intent on finding my next gig, that I barely took time to enjoy myself! Before I knew it I had another role; and then I thought to myself that I should have taken some of that time for myself.
- Volunteer your time. You never know where your next opportunity will arise. Volunteering your time will give you access to an entirely new experience with people with whom you can establish relationships. You might find that you can help each other while doing something positive for those in need.
Don’t let your job search get in the way of your life. Keep things in perspective and your chin up.
This blog's author, Debra Wheatman of Careers Done Write, provides executive career services including resume and cover letter preparation, job search / interviewing strategies and professional branding including how to effectively use LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media in your career.
Visit CareersDoneWrite.com to learn more about how we can put your career in gear with interview catching resumes and professionally written career documents.