Be Intentional About your Search

Treating the job hunt like a job itself can help you be more deliberate and focused. Dedicate time to apply when you’ll be least distracted and more motivated to look through job boards or set goals for the week like attending at least one networking event or getting 5 business cards. If you’re not actively employed, establish a routine to give you a sense of purpose like waking up early, showering, getting dressed, and going to your at-home workspace, a coffee shop, or local library to job search or craft your resume.

Schedule Breaks and Find Outlets for Enjoyment

Scrolling through job boards, attending networking events, updating your resume, and sending emails can get repetitive on top of taking lots of time. If you’re doing these activities for longer than two hours, schedule breaks to break the monotony and move around or give yourself small wins through completing personal chores. You can also reward yourself and say that for every application you submit, you can watch an episode of your favorite show. Even if you feel like your week hasn’t been as productive in the job hunt, create some beneficial distractions to reduce stress and anxiety, like going on a walk or doing something with your friends and family.

Navigating Rejection or Uncertainty

Although some people can handle rejection better than others, it still takes a toll hearing “no” on opportunities you are excited about. If you do receive a rejection from an employer after you’ve completed at least one round of interviewing, you might be able to ask for feedback to see what you could do better to improve your chances with the next application you submit. Approach this scenario politely since employers are not obligated to provide feedback (in some cases prevented from it) and may not have the time to respond. You could also ask friends or professional references to offer constructive criticism on your application if you share a copy with them. There will also be instances where you never hear back about your application or it feels like an eternity before you get a response after your interview. In these scenarios, sending a feeler to the employer via email or phone can get you out of the dark.

• If it’s been over a week since you submitted your application, contact the hiring manager or the individual mentioned in the job posting; include a note about what position you applied for, your interest in the position, and ask if your application is being considered or if there is anything you can provide to help
• If you have recently interviewed, send a thank you note to the interviewer(s) thanking them for their time and questions while asking if they know when there will be any updates in the application process
• If it has been over two weeks since your last communication and you have interviewed, send an email politely addressing the interview and how you’re excited about the opportunity to learn more about their decision; be courteous and offer to provide any information that might help their decision

Whatever the situation is, don’t beat yourself up. You should also know that not everything is in your control and sometimes employers are tied up or make decisions based on factors like a budget, turnover in other positions, internal hiring, job cancellation or changes, or something else.

Finding support or asking for help with job searches

A key thing all job seekers should know is that they are not alone in their journey and there are outlets for support along the way. The majority of working professionals have gone through at least one job hunt process where they faced rejection and frustration. Groups on social platforms, at networking events, or through professional organizations can create spaces where you can share your experience, make sense of some questions you have, and learn from others on how to help you overcome job hurdles and stay confident in your search. These groups could also connect you with openings that you might find attractive and want to pursue.