Although it is easy to become disheartened when applying to numerous roles, remaining positive will help you to stay motivated during your search. Your positive attitude will also come across in interviews and networking opportunities, increasing your chances of making a strong first impression and landing your dream role.
We’ve put together 5 tips on how to feel more positive and confident if you are job searching for the new year.
1. Start by getting organised
Take some time to sort out and pull together everything you need for your job search. Keep your CV and LinkedIn profile up to date and touch base with references you may be able to use. For tips on effective CV writing that will give you the best chance of engaging a hiring manager and landing you an interview, click here.
You can also spend time looking for ways you may be able to enhance your current skills or develop new skills such as short courses you can do or books you can read that may be good talking points at the interview stage.
2. Create a routine around your search
Finding the motivation to spend time searching through openings and applying to roles can be difficult, especially if you have gone from a busy schedule at a 9-5 to suddenly looking at an empty calendar. Sticking to a routine is one of the most effective ways of maintaining a positive mindset throughout your job search.
Create a daily plan starting early in the morning, schedule time for regular breaks for physical activity and time to unwind in the evening. Write a to do list first thing and set yourself a checklist of small goals, so you feel a sense of achievement as you cross things off throughout the day.
Setting a start and end time to your job search will help you switch off in the evenings and focus on other important aspects of your life. It will also allow you to begin winding down early, setting you up for another productive day.
3. Lean into your network
Set yourself up for success by surrounding yourself with positive and motivational people. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from mentors or people you look up to in your network, as long as you are professional and polite most people will be happy to help out and lend advice where they can.
You may also find it helpful networking with people who are in the same boat as you. Look for social media groups or organisations you can join for job seekers or even a market specific one. They may help to provide you with tips for your job search or bring suitable openings to your attention.
4. Celebrate small victories
It is easy to focus on the negatives in a job search, such as the role you were turned down for or the interview you didn’t get. However, this can make you feel disheartened which in turn has an impact on your motivation and productivity. Celebrate the small victories you do achieve, such as a call back from an application or positive feedback on your CV. Every small win is a step in the right direction to landing your dream role.
5. Stay positive
People lose their jobs or leave positions every single day for various reasons, not all of them performance related. Whether you have found yourself impacted by the major layoffs faced this year or just simply are no longer happy in your current position, it is important to remain positive and remember there are many people in the same boat as you.
Make sure to schedule time for self-care, regular exercise, and plenty of rest and if you are struggling with the pressures of searching for a new role, ask for help. There are many platforms and organisations that provide support for individuals struggling with their mental health such as Mind charity in the UK. Don’t be afraid to utilise these services if you need to.
Prioritising your mental and physical health will support both your motivation for your job search and success in landing a new role.
Maintaining positivity is the key to smashing your next job search! If you’re currently searching for a new role in the commercial or technology space, Henderson Scott’s team of specialised consultants can help! Get in contact today for a confidential conversation about how we can help you or head to our website now to find out more about Henderson Scott.
Accelerate your search by discovering what a recruitment agency could offer you, take a look at our recent article, ‘Why use a Recruitment Agency for your next Job Search’.