Job Search Motivation: How to Stay on the Hunt Despite Setbacks

Job hunting can be a frustrating experience. It can take weeks and months to find a job – and even longer to complete the interview process before the hirer presents you with an offer. All jobseekers need patience and grit to get through the job-hunting phase, but one thing that will help you achieve your goals? Job search motivation. Staying positive and maintaining a can-do mindset will help you manifest the career of your dreams. 

It’s all about mind over matter—if you let the rejections crush you, then it will. But if you stay positive and motivated, you’ll build your resiliency until the right job offer comes along. Of course, this is easier said than done so we’ve compiled a list of actions you can do to stay motivated on your job hunting journey. 

1. Understand job hunting is a phase, not a destination. 

If the frustration of not landing a job is getting to you, then remember that job hunting is temporary. This phase will pass, and so will your uncertainty. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, so don’t spend your entire job search worrying about “what ifs.” If you keep in mind that there is an end to this phase, then your doubts and worries should lessen. 

2. Don’t take rejection personally. 

Don’t be a snowflake during your job hunt—it won’t do you any good. Rejection is a normal part of life, and you’ll hear “no” more than “yes.” But don’t let it phase you. Think of it this way: HR is rejecting your resume, not you personally. They’re likely combing through hundreds of resumes per day, so you are not alone in their rejection. It’s all just a part of the process. 

3. Learn from your rejections.

If you do get rejected, don’t set it aside. While you shouldn’t take it personally, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t accept it. Learn from your rejections so you know what to improve on for your next job application. Ask for constructive feedback, improve upon your deficiencies, and emphasize your strengths. Take each rejection as a lesson. 

4. Create a daily routine.

You won’t land a job by visiting a job board only once. You’ll have to return to the job board frequently and keep applying until the right company replies. Create a system that will help you become productive during your job search. You can do this by creating a daily routine and sticking to it. Every morning, check job boards, search keywords related to your career, and apply for two to five every day.

5. Set your big goal. 

Whenever you’re feeling uncertain, just ask yourself, “What is your motivation to find a job.” It might be to earn more money to support your family, to escape an unhealthy current work situation, or to grow your career. Once you’ve established why you want a new job, it will make the process much easier now that you have the main goal in mind. 

6. Set smaller goals. 

A lot of job search frustration stems from feeling unfulfilled. One way to battle this so you stay motivated is by setting small, achievable goals for you to complete along the way. These goals should be specific and easy to accomplish so you feel productive. For example, make a list of companies you want to apply for and send your resume by the end of the week.

7. Strategise. 

As they say, work smarter, not harder. Sending out lots of resumes to multiple companies can help your cause, but don’t just rely on this one avenue to secure a job for you. Look at alternative routes to get to your destination. For example, ask a friend who works in your dream company to forward your resume directly to HR, or reach out to hiring managers via networking.

8. Avoid burnout. 

How do you stay motivated for job hunting when you’re not seeing results? The answer is easy: take care of yourself. Don’t burn out looking for a job and don’t stress yourself out if you don’t have an offer yet. Dedicate time to your job search, but not all of it. A hiring manager can detect if you’re feeling tired or unenthusiastic. Spend time on yourself to become the best version you can be so hiring managers will be attracted to your confidence and healthy spirit. 

9. Reassert your self-confidence.  

The job hunt is an area we can’t control. The decision to contact you or hire you lies with the hiring manager, which can leave jobseekers feeling insecure and helpless. This can be a scary situation for those who need to be in control, but instead of focusing on what you can’t do, focus on what you can. Reclaim your authority by working on things you can improve, like improving your resume and portfolio or taking job interview coaching sessions. Be active, not reactive or passive, during your job search to reassert your self-confidence. 

10. Ask for help. 

There’s no shame in asking for help. If you’ve been job searching for a while and still don’t see any results, consider if it’s time for you to get a career coach. A career coach can guide you on the best practices and tips to get your foot in the door. They can train you to ace job interviews, help you improve your resume, and connect you to the right people. 

11. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. 

Job searching can put you in a vulnerable place in your career, which can result in you comparing yourself to friends—and stalking their social media. If you see a friend with a good job showing off their new car on Instagram, remember that social media never tells the full story. Social media only includes curated content so we send out the best image of ourselves. Never fall into the trap of comparing your true self to a PR version of a friend. 

12. Celebrate your wins. 

Too often, people tend to focus on the negative instead of the positive. Instead of falling into this trap of pessimism, take a moment to celebrate every small win on your job hunt journey. If you make it to the first interview but not the second, relish it. If you get a callback but fail to move on to the next stage, appreciate it. Every bit of movement is progress in this competitive job market, and every win should be celebrated.

Once you feel motivated to continue your job search, visit JobStreet’s job board and start applying now for #JobsThatMatter. Update your JobStreet profile, and browse the Career Resources section for more insightful career tips. 

If you’ve found a job that interests you, use JobStreet’s Salary Calculator and Interview Practice Tool. Make sure you prepare yourself for the next steps, such as the interview and pay negotiation. 

For more JobStreet opportunities and career hacks, download the app now on Google Play and the App Store.