How To Stay Motivated Looking For A Job

By: Mia Faulkner

Break Studios Contributing Writer

If your are unsure about how to stay motivated looking for a job, start by assessing your basic needs and consider how getting a job will positively impact your life. Once you have developed a positive attitude toward your job search, stay motivated taking an organized, methodical approach to your job search.

  1. Think about your financial needs. Unless you’re wealthy and don’t need to work, stay motivated looking for a job by focusing on how the paycheck will improve your lifestyle and overall stability.
  2. Make a daily job search schedule. One simple way to stay motivated looking for a job is to dedicate a specific time each day to career hunting. Set aside several hours each day to scan the classified ads, write cover letters, and send out resumes.
  3. Take a class related to your career. To stay motivated looking for a job and build up your resume, take a course online or at your local community college.  Even if you already have a degree, courses in computers, writing and business management can be beneficial in your job search.
  4. Try one-on-one networking. Since searching for jobs online and in newspaper classifieds can make you feel isolated from the working world, expand your job search to include in-person networking. Talking with professionals in your field and engaging in a dialogue about potential opportunities can both help you stay motivated and help you make valuable professional connections.
  5. Don’t let yourself become depressed or discouraged. Frustration and anxiety over unemployment can make you lose your motivation. To stay motivated looking for a job, take care of your mental health. Get regular exercise, eat well, and talk to your family and friends about your feelings toward your job search. 
Posted on: Apr. 13, 2010