Staying Motivated and Connected During a Job Search
Embarking on a job search can often feel daunting, especially in a competitive market. However, with the right mindset, strategies, and a network of supportive connections, candidates can transform this journey into an opportunity for personal growth, building relationships and increasing professional advancement opportunities. If you’re a candidate on a job seeking journey, here’s how you can stay motivated, engaged, and proactive during your job search.
Cultivate Your Network
Building and maintaining a robust professional network is crucial during a job search. Having ongoing conversations with people you know can help ease the feeling of sending resumes into a black hole. Industry and professional organizations are invaluable in this respect. They not only provide a platform to meet like-minded professionals but also often serve as a conduit for job opportunities. By attending conferences, workshops, and seminars, you keep your knowledge up to date, your skills sharp, and your network growing.
Don’t underestimate the power of your personal network, either. Friends, family, alums, former colleagues, and business partners can all be vital sources of information and support. Keep in touch with them, and when appropriate, let them know that you’re open to new opportunities. Offering something of value – whether it’s helpful information, inspiring words, or just a listening ear – can strengthen these relationships and keep you top-of-mind.
Don’t forget to stay in touch with recruiters supporting your desired work niche. These professionals are usually highly informed about the hiring market and would love to be updated on your availability and career direction. Many recruiters genuinely want to help candidates on their job search.
Equiliem’s Director of Staffing, Josh Schiff, says, “Maintaining consistent communication is so important for a recruiter/candidate relationship. For a candidate, it is always beneficial to update your recruiter on your status. The more time spent staying in touch will lead to a long-term relationship and that could result in more than one opportunity. In many instances, I have placed a candidate multiple times over the course of 15 years, and it is because both of us are constantly reaching out to each other – whether through email, text, a phone call, or on LinkedIn. There are so many avenues to maintain a relationship that can yield both short- and long-term results.”
Showcasing Soft Skills
In your interactions and communications during your job search, don’t be shy about mentioning your soft skills. Whether it’s your knack for conversation, your organizational prowess, or your problem-solving abilities, these attributes often set you apart. Reflect on your gifts and talents and find ways to demonstrate them. For instance, if you’re good at writing, consider starting a blog or contributing to industry publications. If you excel in organizing, volunteer to coordinate a networking event. Being of service to others not only enriches your life but can also lead to unexpected job opportunities.
Self-Care and Personal Development
Job searching can be a full-time job, so it’s essential to practice self-care and manage your time effectively. Schedule regular breaks for physical activity, whether a workout session at the gym or a brisk walk in the park. Exercise not only keeps you healthy but can also boost your mood and productivity.
Think about furthering your education or acquiring new skills during this search period. Online courses, webinars, and certifications can enhance your resume and make you more attractive to potential employers. Sustaining productivity prevents ennui that can accompany a long stretch of unemployment.
Consider the power of introspection. Practices like meditation, journaling, or any form of self-awareness and reflection can provide clarity, reduce stress, and maintain a positive outlook. You might be surprised at what you learn about yourself and what you desire most.
Embrace your hobbies and passions as they can be a source of joy and rejuvenation. Whether painting, cooking, or playing an instrument, these activities can provide a necessary distraction and even be a conversation starter with potential employers.
Unexpected Avenues to Employment
Remember that opportunities can arise in the most unexpected ways. For instance, a casual conversation during a flight led to a job offer for one individual, as they shared their enthusiasm and knowledge about the industry with a fellow passenger who happened to be a hiring manager. Another person found their dream job through a hobby-related online forum where they regularly contributed. Another received a phone call from a fellow Toastmaster, inviting them to an opportunity based on their passion for speaking.
Keep Going and Growing
Staying motivated during a job search is about maintaining a balance between proactive networking, personal development, and self-care. By having friendly, positive conversations with people, showcasing your skills, and taking care of yourself, you can navigate your job search with confidence and optimism. Remember, every interaction is a potential opportunity, and with the right approach, the next job offer might be around the corner.