Don't knock the idea of a routine--or a bit of exercise
Whether you're a first-time job seeker or someone who's been looking and
looking, everyone can hit a wall of frustration, loss of focus, and
even resignation during a prolonged job search.
If you've suffered a few setbacks (you were one of two final candidates,
or at the end of the process they decided not to fill the position due
to budget, etc.) it can be hard to keep at it with all of the energy,
enthusiasm, and zest necessary to come across as a great candidate. If
you're living this reality, I'd like to offer some ways to help you
recharge, stay focused, and get that job.
Letting go of rejection
First of all, please stop beating yourself up. Sometimes there are
obvious reasons why we don't get a job (wrong skill set, experience,
culture fit), and other times we'll just never know why. Yes, it's
frustrating. But when we continually focus on what didn't work and hit
replay over and over, it literally sucks emotional and creative energy
from us that we could be using to think about the next opportunity.
Did you make a misstep during the interview or feel like you didn't
successfully convey the things you feel make you stand out? By all
means, learn from the experience and keep practicing. But remember,
focus on practicing for the next opportunity, not dwelling on the past
one.
Routines and rituals
Set a time-frame for job search efforts each day. If possible, try
sticking to the same time-frame every day. For example, you are actively
working on your job search from 9:00 to 12:00 each day. When you have a
start and a finish, you'd be amazed how efficient you are.
The ideal work/rest ratio is 90 to 120 minutes to power away on
something and then take a short break. Why? When we restore ourselves
with either a drink of water, healthy snack, a quick walk, or some deep
breathing, we recharge and are able to improve our focus and clarity for
our next time chunk.
I'm a big fan of time-chunks, because when we spend entire days on the
same task, our productivity slowly diminishes over time, making us less
efficient. We also become tired, unfocused and are often listless by the
end of the day. Which brings me to...
The power of exercise, networking, and socializing
A job search can seem like a marathon, so let's take that analogy and
extend it to the physical realm. If you're not taking care of yourself,
you will burn out on all levels. Not just physically, but mentally as
well. Exercise is great for getting and staying fit, but the effects of a
workout also supercharge our brains and make us feel more energetic and
happier. Endorphins are a good thing. If gyms are not high on your
priority list, try other forms of movement like martial arts, yoga, or
dance. Or just take a walk.
Often, we can isolate ourselves when looking for a job. We feel like we
need to be searching constantly, which can sometimes mean being
surgically attached to our computers and smart phones. Remember how each
day you set a time frame on your job search efforts? That means that
you have time to get out, network, and socialize. Maybe this means
having a cup of coffee with someone in a field you're interested in,
taking a class, or volunteering. Yes, you could potentially meet someone
who might be able to help with your job efforts, but on a deeper level
you will be recharging yourself, which ultimately means more energy for
your mind, body--and job search.