Finding a job in today’s economy might seem like finding a needle in a haystack: Some openings garner hundreds of responses for only one position. Hoards of jobseekers flood job fairs. And, candidates are leaving out experience or education, fearing they’ll appear overqualified.
Perhaps just as hard as finding a job in today’s economy is remaining motivated during the roller coaster ride that often accompanies unemployment. As of February 2011, the average duration of unemployment is 37.1 weeks, according to The New York Times. Compound the frustration of having difficulty in finding a job with the stress of trying to make ends meet during prolonged unemployment, and staying motivated can prove quite a challenge.
But, it’s a challenge you can overcome, especially if you’re proactive. Here are a few tips that can help:
Set goals each day. What do you hope to accomplish each day that will lead you closer to finding a job? Maybe one of your goals is to apply for four or five jobs every day and to contact four companies to see if they have any unadvertised positions. Do it every business day. In addition to getting closer to your goal of finding a job, you’re going to feel good about accomplishing what you set out to do each day, and that’s going to help you stay motivated.
Stick to a routine. Establish a routine and follow it. Get up and go to bed at the same time each day. Get dressed instead of lounging in your pajamas. When you’re in your pajamas, you’re more likely to just relax in front of the TV instead of getting up and getting things done. A routine will make it easier for you to accomplish what you want each day.
Make the most of your free time. A recent government survey found that more unemployed Americans are choosing to watch television or to sleep rather than doing something more productive, like volunteering, when they are not actively searching for a job. Doing something productive is going to help you stay motivated.
Volunteering, for example, doesn’t earn you money, but there are benefits. In addition to feeling good because you are helping someone else, you’re going to meet people, which gives you the opportunity to network. Let’s say you’re a vet tech. Maybe you decide to volunteer at your local animal shelter. You’re going to meet a lot of people – the employees, the volunteers, and the visitors – who love and who are involved with animals on a daily basis. Tell people you’re a vet tech because you never know what job leads you’ll find and who you will meet who might be able to offer you a job.
Get out there and network. If you want to find a job, you must network. Networking is one of the best ways to find out about open positions and to meet the people who might help you get your foot in the door at a company. Join the local Toastmasters, the Chamber of Commerce, or organizations in your industry and start getting to know people.
Don’t forget to take advantage of all of your online networking opportunities. Create accounts on LinkedIn, Plaxo, Spoke, Facebook, and Twitter, and start connecting with former co-workers, friends, and acquaintances. Join groups, and get the word out that you are available for work.
You can stay motivated during prolonged unemployment and take steps that will get you closer to finding a job. The key, as we’ve seen, is to be proactive. You have to make things happen. Set goals, follow a routine, and start networking. The busier you are the more motivated you’re likely to remain.
About the author: Frankie Eybsen works with ResumeBucket on their sample resumes archive. He also contributes to many employment and career blogs.