Looking for your first job? It is undoubtedly true that doing anything for the first time is hard but when its about first time job search it might top the list of scariest, most confusing, and daunting endeavours you’ll ever face. Without question, the job-hunting process can be exciting or frustrating as this search journey can take you through a rollercoaster of emotions. On one hand, it seems an exhilarating moment full of possibility and hopes for the coming time and you may be excited about the prospect of challenging yourself to do something new. On the other hand, when you’ve been searching job for some time and you’ve spent hour after hour searching through the plethora of different job sites, reading descriptions and writing cover letters and you don’t hear back from a potential employer, then you may find yourself getting down, frustrated, or even angry.
If you’ve been unemployed or job hunting for an extended period, I understand that it can be disheartening not to see positive outcomes from all your hard work. But, don’t worry! You need to stay positive and wait for the right opportunity to arrive. Here, I am going to tell you the five tips to stay positive during job hunting for government or private sector. Believe me, friends, by following these simple tips when you can’t find a job, you can turn job search frustration into job search success!
Job Hunting Tip #1: Set Small and Achievable Goals
The goal of your job search journey is to get a job. In order to attain your major goal of getting hired you need to break down the process of getting there into smaller tasks or bite-sized goals that you can easily accomplish. At the start of each week, make a list of small, specific, manageable goals that you would like to achieve. For instance, make sure that your resume is up-to-par, your cover letter is customized for each job, job fairs you will attend in this week. Trust me, by setting small achievable goals and completing them will boost your confidence level, offers a strong sense of achievement and give yourself a much greater chance of landing the job that you want. It’s up to you how you organize them, you might opt for daily, weekly, or monthly goals but to avoid disappointment make sure that the goals you’re setting for yourself are clear, realistic, and within your control.
Job Hunting Tip #2: Pen Down Your Achievements
Facing rejection on a daily basis and now you’re experiencing job-search frustration, it is the time to start putting together a list of all your major career achievements, your best qualities, skills, and accomplishments.
This list will make you feel better about yourself and give you a boost of confidence. Having all your professional achievements, skills and qualities lined up in a list can also make it easier to craft your cover letters or resume and discuss your career highlights in job interviews.
Job Hunting Tip #3: Arrange In-Person Meetings
After getting your resume most of the recruiters and hiring managers will search for you online. If they can’t find anything about you on a business site like LinkedIn, Google+ or even on Facebook, they might overlook moving forward. Make sure recruiters can find you online. Set up your online profiles to show employers who you are and connect with your friends. Even though you can successfully network online, nothing beats in-person meeting or networking as you get quick job search assistance. A cup of coffee with a former colleague, client, or friend may get you job leads plus, getting out of the house can do wonders for your frame of mind.
Job Hunting Tip #4: Avoid Negative People and Thoughts
It is true that the people who live with us have a huge impact on our mood, whether we realise it or not, so it is advisable to live with positive, like-minded people so that you can motivate and encourage one another. You instantly start feeling negative if you spend a lot of time with people who can never find a silver lining, or who don’t appreciate the positive things in life. Try to spend more of your free time with people who make you feel good and uplifted. Be Positive! Try to see the bright sides of the things. If you start assuming the worst about everything, then perhaps you could try changing the way you think.
Job Hunting Tip #5: Don’ forget – Quality over Quantity
If you haven’t had success in your early applications you’ll send out as many applications as possible to increase your chances of job success. You start assuming every job opening as an opportunity. I must say applying for lots of opportunities is a good thing but never forget the principle of quality over quantity. Don’t send generic applications or cover letters to multiple employers as it could lead to your rejection. Employers always look for applicants who are the perfect fit, so take time to customize your resume and cover letter to each job as it will help you stand out from the crowd. Searching for a job and landing your dream job takes time and effort. Remember, we’re humans, not robots. Stay positive, keep your spirits high, face interview with confidence, and find your next job soon by adopting these simple tips. Be happy and never forget that this situation is temporary and things will eventually settle.
Swati Sharma writes for online publications, newspapers covering business, technology, health, career, fitness and sports. She holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from one of the reputed university. She loves to write about every aspect of technology and recent market trends.