Ask the Employment Specialist: how to stay motivated during the job search

Dear Joanna,

Lately I’ve been really down about my job search. I’m quite dedicated to looking for work, spending most of my days customizing my resume and cover letter, applying for jobs in my field as a Business Analyst in the IT sector. I have been getting the occasional interview but have yet to get the job offer.

I’ve been keeping my LinkedIn profile updated and have joined LinkedIn Groups as well. I have been told by many people that looking for work is a full-time job. Indeed, it is.

I am really close to giving up completely. It’s been over six months since I have been laid off. I’m so frustrated and discouraged. Do you have any suggestions as to how to keep my motivation and energy for my job search? I am concerned that in my next interview, my despair will present itself in my presentation.

Signed: Ready to Give Up (RTGUP)

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Dear RTGUP,

PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP! You are doing so well and I am impressed with your efforts and commitment to your job search, although I completely understand your despair. It sounds like you are applying all the tools and skills which you have learned from the employment counsellors and job search workshops in your job search which is impressive. I have a feeling that it’s just a matter of time and luck at this point for one single employer to appreciate your skills, experience and education combined with your dedication to your profession and finding a job in your field.

I consulted with JVS Toronto’s leading professional employment counsellors in the field, who offered some “pearls of wisdom” to help you maintain your motivation and energy through this difficult and challenging time in your life:

1. Create structure in your day. You can do this on an Outlook calendar or in your daytimer. Break the day down into hours. Each hour should be dedicated to a different activity. For example, from 8:30 – 9:30 am – check your emails and respond; 9:00 – 10:00 am,  research companies: 10:00 – 11:00 am, cold call for information sessions with professionals in your field. You can work at your desk at home or at the library. Insert time for a break and meal time. I recommend always getting dressed up as if you were going to work. Don’t hang around at home in your pajamas.
2. Get out as much as possible from home, by:
   1. Attending as many workshops as possible at the local Employment Ontario centre at no cost. For example, there are interview skills, resume writing and social media workshops. Attend all the employer information sessions being offered at the centre.
   2. Volunteering in the community, not just for work but for doing something important to help others.
   3. Getting exercise — this doesn’t mean you have to join an expensive gym — you can dedicate an hour a day to go for a walk. This will definitely help your energy and motivation.
   4. Having some fun. Take time out of your schedule to participate in an activity or event or workshop which is NOT related to your job search but is something you enjoy doing and will get some pleasure from. Meet with friends and attend social events.
3. Eat Healthy – stay away from the sugar and bad food. Eat well. Your diet makes a huge difference to your energy level.
4. Brush up on your skills – Being unemployed is a great opportunity to take some courses for skills development. For example, take some computer courses for a fee (the local Board of Education or Parks and Recreation Department might offer low-cost courses) or find online tutorials at no cost such as this one.

These are only some suggestions. I’m sure there are others. In the meantime, I wish you lots of success in your job search and keeping your head up high. Congratulate yourself everyday for NOT GIVING UP and trust that the only way to succeed is to persevere.

Best regards,

Joanna

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