Have you been sending out resume after resume and getting no results? It can be tough to stay motivated if you’re not seeing any progress during a lengthy job search. Perhaps you’re doing everything right—following up routinely, tailoring your resume, and taking your job search tasks seriously—yet you’re still not getting anywhere.

When Sunday afternoon creeps around, do you start to feel a sense of despair contemplating Monday morning? It’s easier said than done, but it’s essential to keep your chin up and keep trying…even when it feels impossible. The energy that you bring to your job search will convey in your communications and interactions with recruiters. So, it might be time to revamp your approach to find your job search mojo again.

Maintaining Positive Job Search Energy
Burnout is a valid concern, with an average job search lasting several months. But you can shake off those feelings and find your groove again with the following adjustments in your approach.

— Focus On Small, Manageable Tasks
When your to-do list only has one item on it—get hired—you’ll end up feeling like you’re stuck in quicksand at the end of every day when it’s not marked complete. Instead, create a list of smaller, more manageable tasks that support your overall goal. That way, you’ll see tangible evidence that you’re making forward progress.

For example, rather than trying to find the perfect job, start by identifying a few companies you would like to work for. Then, take the time to research each company and reach out to your network of contacts. Next, request informational interviews and deep dive into the company culture. By breaking the process down into smaller steps, you can avoid getting overwhelmed. Instead, you’ll feel accomplished and motivated as you check tasks off your list that still support your endgame.

— Submit Noticeable Resumes
Are you taking the approach that the more applications you submit, the better your chances of getting noticed? In reality, one quality submission is likely to garner you more attention than multiple mediocre ones.

If you haven’t been gaining any traction, take a step back to analyze how you could improve your presentation. For example, have you thoroughly researched each company so that your resume and cover letter are tailored to the company culture and the job posting? What about touching base with the recruiters via email to express your interest and further detail your excellent fit for the role? Those extra efforts will help you stand out to busy recruiters.

— Take a Holistic Approach
Outside of submitting resumes and contacting recruiters, there are many things that you can do to support your search. For example, it’s crucial to prioritize your networking efforts and make meaningful connections with other professionals in your field. You can do this by attending networking events and reaching out to people via email or social media.

Another critical factor is keeping up with industry trends and standards; staying informed about current news and developments will help you understand what employers need and what skills they value most.

What about your personal brand? Have you checked in lately to see how it’s doing? Now is an excellent time to ensure you regularly update your LinkedIn profile to support the message your resume conveys. You can also invest time in creating or updating your portfolio or personal website. That’s an incredibly effective way to showcase your professional experience. By balancing resume submissions with other proactive steps in your job search, you can give yourself the best chance to land the perfect role.

— Ensure You’re Taking Effective Breaks
Have you gotten caught up in the hustle and bustle of job hunting? Are you spending hours scouring job boards, perfecting your resume, and sending out applications? Sure, it’s essential to find a job, but it’s also vital to maintain a healthy balance for your overall well-being. If you allow your job search to consume your life, you risk losing your positive energy and air of confidence, making you less attractive to potential employers.

Instead, focus on dedicated blocks of time for your job search and use the rest of your time to relax and recharge. Although that can be a challenge when you desperately need a job, trying to do too much at once will only make you feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Instead, give yourself permission to spend time with loved ones, pursue hobbies, and get outside. This will help you stay relaxed and confident during your job search—two attributes that will serve you well when interacting with recruiters and prospective managers.

Consider Asking For Expert Advice
If you’ve truly implemented all of the job search best practices it might be time to seek some outside perspective. A fresh set of eyes can help you tweak your resume and submission materials or hone interview skills that you weren’t aware needed finessing. Consider asking a friend or relative who holds a professional role to look over your materials or conduct a mock interview with you to gain some feedback.

For next-level job search support, consider working with a professional, such as our expert coaches here at FlexJobs. From our massive database of flexible and remote jobs to our detail-oriented coaches, there are many ways a FlexJobs membership will support you. Take the tour and discover a better way to job search.
collected from jobflex