Anyone who has ever been looking for a new job knows the kind of days where despite all your efforts, there has not been a single step forward that day in your job search: no e-mails, no calls, no news. When we are looking for something as important and fundamental as a new job, it is not surprising that feelings of stress and frustration can arise.
It is important to be aware that the search for a new job can be an emotional rollercoaster. Even if you have an ingenious plan to look as strategically and efficiently as possible, there are an abundance of factors that you have minimal influence over. You can not speed up the process. One of the greatest challenges in your job search is simply having the ability to be patient, optimistic and creative, whilst you wait.
This may be easier said that done if you are stuck in a job you can not stand or if you have been on a career break for a long time. However, there are a few things you can do during this time, which can help maintain a positive mentality and potentially even open up new doors.
If you have a personal or professional mentor, this is a good time to contact him/her. It is also an excellent opportunity to devote some time towards your hobbies, whether that be exercising, meditate – whatever it is, ensure it is fun and good for you.
Alongside the above, you should make sure that you are able to continue your search thoroughly and divide your tasks into several projects. For example, in week one try to work on your online profile and presence. In the next week, maybe look at developing a personal branding website or portfolio.
The job search is, in most cases, a lengthy process in which you have to main a lot of patience and before to realise that there’s a lot going on behind the scenes that you cannot influence once you’ve submitted your CV or been to an interview. However, no matter how many weeks or months you need to take to find a new job, you should always remain motivated!
