As a member of a new community of resume writers and career coaches called the Career Collective, this post is one of many responses to ideas and concrete steps to secure your future in a changed economy. I encourage you to visit other members’ responses, linked below. Please follow our hashtag on Twitter: #careercollective.
QUESTION: What do you do when you’re really, really, really discouraged about your unsuccessful job search? How do you overcome the negative aspects of job search?
Whether you are new to job search or you have been at it longer than you would care to admit, there are some emotional issues that plague every job seeker.
These emotions range from anger, denial, sadness, frustration to depression. Actually, sometimes you may feel them all at the same time. These emotions are real and normal. They come with the territory of losing something. You’ve lost a job, probably due to no fault of yours. You have lost co-workers and friends. You have lost routine and stability and financial security. You have lost your professional identity.
The important thing to watch out for is that you don’t become immobile. You must keep moving. Don’t stop your search.
But it happens. You become de-motivated. You can’t face one more day of “job search”.
STOP
Stop what you are doing. Take some time to reflect on who you really are and what you want out of LIFE.
Use a journal, spreadsheet, napkin, whatever and begin writing down your values and what you love in life. This is the foundation for moving forward.
LOOK
If you were sick and went to the doctor, the doctor would ask what your symptoms are. If you are in a stalled job search, and you need help, ask yourself, what am I doing, how am I spending my time. Keep a log of your time and activities for one week. Take a step back and look at your search. You can’t dispute facts. Seeing it in black and white, keeping the vagueness and emotion out of the equation, can help you diagnose your problem. There’s a common saying, if you continue to do the same things, you will continue to get the same results.
LISTEN
With the napkin or spreadsheet in hand, meet with your friends, family, pastor, ex boss and share your thoughts with them. Ask for their advice: “What would you do next if you were me?” Select those people you trust and value. Listen. Take notes on their advice.
Reflect on the advice you’ve been given. Are there similarities? Are there re-occurring thoughts?
If you are thinking, I can’t do this, I’ve already done this, I don’t have anyone I can talk to, this won’t work for me, then you are right, it won’t. Try it anyway.
TAKE CARE OF YOU
When you travel on an airplane, the flight attendant’s walk you through the safety guidelines.They say: “Place the mask over your nose and mouth first so that you may better assist those around you”. These safety guidelines apply to you too.
- Get enough sleep
- Eat well
- Exercise
- Participate in activities you enjoy (hobby, volunteering, community groups)
@GLHoffman, How to Overcome the Negativity of a Job Search
@jobhuntorg, Just SO VERY Discouraged
@chandlee, Strategy for Getting “Unstuck” and Feeling Better: Watch Lemonade
@heathermundell, Help for the Job Search Blues
@heatherhuhman, 10 Ways to Turn You Job Search Frown Upside-Down
@KCCareerCoach, You Can Beat the Job Search Blues: 5 + 3 Tips to Get Re-Energized
@WalterAkana, Light at the End of the Tunnel
@resumeservice, Don’t Sweat the Job Search
@WorkWithIllness, Finding Opportunity in Quicksand
@ErinKennedyCPRW,Dancing In the Rain-Kicking the Job Search Blues
@keppie_careers, What do do when you are discouraged with your job search
@DawnBugni, It’s the little things
@ValueIntoWords, Restoring Your Joy in Job Search
@barbarasafani, Making Job Search Fun (Yeah, That’s Right!)
@LaurieBerenson, 3 Ways to Keep Your Glass Half Full
@expatcoachmegan, Dealing with Job Search Stress: Getting to the Source of the Problem
@GayleHoward, Job Search. When It All Turns Sour
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.