7 Top Tips for Staying Positive During a Job Search

Silence after submitting countless resumes is disheartening. Silence after what you thought were successful interviews is discouraging. After a while, it’s easy to lose hope and feel like you will never catch a break. That dream job will never be yours.

However, basking in such negativity has a counteractive effect on your job search. Not only is negative thinking bad for your mental health, but it hangs around like a pesky, personal little rain cloud. Then it shows up during interviews and rains on your parade. Negative thinking saps motivation. And if you let it, negative thoughts can make you give up on your job search altogether.

Although it’s easier said than done, staying positive during a job search is a must! And when it comes down to it, it’s all about mindset. Here are the top seven tips for staying positive during a job search slump.

Stay Organized

Keeping your job search well organized goes a long way toward keeping you positive. Being organized means having a written plan. It means keeping your resume handy and tidy, your LinkedIn profile current, and your references up to date. Treat your job search like you would treat a job: give time to it only during business hours. Maintain your personal life, hobbies, and health. Establish a routine. Not only does being prepared make the job search more seamless, but having a routine also keeps your mental health in check.

Don’t Take it Personally

It’s also important to avoid taking the job search personally. Instead, practice daily, positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your skills and other factors that set you apart from other candidates. Instead of being discouraged by the skill sets you lack, see your deficiencies as opportunities for growth. The more skills you have in your wheelhouse, the better!

Focus on What You Can Control

During a job search, you can’t control all the factors involved. Expending energy on those factors is fruitless; instead, focus on what you can control. For example, you can determine which companies get your resume. You manage your attitude and mindset. You also choose your interview preparation strategies and how you carry yourself in front of recruiters and hiring managers. So, as cliché as this may sound, do your best and take one step at a time.

Don’t Be Afraid of Failure

If you’re afraid of failure, you’re not alone. Studies show that the fear of failing ranks as countless adults’ top fear. From stay-at-home moms to CEOs, everyone who fears failure stops short of pursuing dreams and achieving goals. But the truth remains that failure is a part of life. It also provides valuable lessons for ultimately breaking through barriers and achieving success. A quick Google search will show you that the most successful people in history failed epically and repeatedly. Some of these initial “failures” include well-known entities like George Lucas, J.K Rowling, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, and the Wright brothers . . . and that’s to name a few.

So, don’t be afraid of failure. Instead, look it square in the face, pick yourself up, accept the lesson, and keep on going!

Take a Step Back

Sometimes all you need is a fresh perspective. Work is significant, but the reasons you work—your family, your goals, and your dreams—are even more so. Keeping your eyes on your “why” is motivating. Suddenly “looking for a job” will become bigger than itself, propelling you through discouraging moments.

Volunteer

Take some time to help those around you. Consider volunteering at a homeless shelter, hospital, or community center. Donate your time to a local humane society. There’s something that happens internally when we help others. It uplifts us. It provides a sense of purpose, renewal, and belonging. It also provides a new perspective since there’s always someone who has it worse.

Stay Engaged with Others

Discouragement is isolating. But don’t get so wrapped up in your job search that you forget to live life. Take the time to enjoy family, friends, and hobbies. Regardless of your job status, these intangibles are integral to the real you.

One way to accelerate your job search is to contact us at Career Concepts. With a focus on light industrial and professional settings, we’ve been matching job seekers with career opportunities for over 50 years. Call us today, and let’s get started!