Finding a Job: Articles and Tips to Help You

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Finding a Job — When the Going Gets Tough

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This economy can encourage even the graduate with the most go-getter attitude to decide it will be more fruitful to stay home and play video games than to look for that ever elusive job. However many times you have sent out a resume, gone to an interview, or looked through the paper for listings and not gotten a job, each day is a new one with new opportunities.

So what is a discouraged job hunter to do? Be proactive! Here are 6 steps to keep you motivated in your search.

1) Pray & Keep Positive

Faith can provide a sense of security among uncertainty. Remember that there is meaning in the world beyond what you can see right now. Looking at life’s big picture, even if you are not inclined towards faith, can give you some much needed perspective.

2) Stay in shape

When no one is expecting you to walk into the office at 8am it is easy to be sucked into the late, late, late show on TV. However, this is the one of the most important times of all to maintain your edge. you never know when you might get called for an interview in the morning! (Some interviewers make it a point to watch for those candidates who are willing and able to contact them early, just to screen for dedication and discipline.)

Make an effort to get plenty of rest, wake up (and go bed) at a regular time, eat healthfully, and stay physically active. Research indicates that one of the best ways to keep your brain mentally active is to keep your body in shape via exercise. Stay ready to ace the next interview, or find an ingenuous way to impress a prospective employer, all by staying physically active. Being in shape will keep you focused and sharp and give you the best chance of success in your job search.

3) Keep improving

Just because someone is not paying you to gain more experience doesn’t mean you can’t. Volunteer one day a week, take a class, join a local book club, or whatever activity you can find that will help improve your appeal as a candidate. This can also be a great form of networking.

4) Make goals

At the beginning of each week make small achievable goals (such as make 5 job related phone calls a day, send out 10 resumes, etc.) so that when you get up each day you know what to work on.

5) Stay connected

It can be lonely at home all day. Keep in touch with friends and family — including getting out of the house occasionally! Finances may be tight, but there are plenty of free fun things to do if you look around. Remember that people do care about you, whether or not you have a job yet.

6) Avoid discouragement

Will knowing exactly what the unemployment rate is up to help your search? Is talking to that friend who always says “You don’t have a job YET!?” going to motivate you or make you feel hopeless? Keep working hard at job hunting and don’t let all the negative influences get you down. Being discouraged just steals valuable energy from your hunt.

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