Navigating a job search is always challenging, but in today’s rapidly shifting economic landscape, it can feel particularly daunting. With federal spending cuts, mass layoffs and the reverberations across industries, many talented professionals find themselves unexpectedly searching for new opportunities. If you’re feeling the weight of a prolonged or unexpected job search, know that you’re not alone. Drawing insights from Darden’s Armstrong Center for Alumni Career Services and their career coaches, this blog post provides practical strategies and a dose of encouragement to help you maintain your momentum, stay positive, and ultimately, land the job you deserve, even in the midst of a disrupted job market.
1. Maintaining engagement and motivation
- Pace yourself – Don’t rush to send out 500 resumes right away. Focus on intentional, thoughtful applications, even if it feels slow. Forget rigid, uncontrollable deadlines. Focus on what you can manage.
- Develop a job search marketing plan and keep it up to date – Assemble your support team: former colleagues, friends, family, mentors, etc. and keep them in the loop. Regular updates mean advice and encouragement.
- Focus on inputs (both quality and quantity) and the outputs will come – Set daily goals for meaningful activities (networking, emails, etc.). Reward yourself for hitting targets. Prioritize your search: block out dedicated time, ideally during your peak performance hours.
- Have an accountability partner –Team up with a career coach, friend, of fellow job seeker to help you stay on track and stay motivated.
2. Networking when all avenues seem exhausted
- Embrace unexpected connections – Networking happens everywhere: neighbors, your kid’s friend’s parents, instructors, etc. So, be present and engaged, let people help, and avoid isolation.
- Ask “Who else?” – End every networking conversation by asking, “Is there anyone else you recommend I speak with?” This unlocks a cascade of new connections, even beyond professional circles.
- Build your networking CRM system – Create a simple system, such as a spreadsheet, to track contacts: name, organization, source, notes, and follow-up. Schedule follow-ups on your calendar or review your list weekly. Expand your reach: ask for introductions to your contacts’ networks.
- Target your efforts – Develop a robust target list of 10-30 firms you’re interested in, regardless of current openings. Network with anyone at those firms willing to discuss their experience. Utilize “weak ties” (affinity groups, alumni, former colleagues) for inside information.
3. Managing frustration and discouragement
- Manage your expectations – Understand that a job search can take months, or even longer. Be patient and persistent.
- Structure your time wisely – Don’t treat your job search as a 24/7 endeavor. Allocate a focused block of time daily (e.g., 4 hours) for job search activities, and then step away.
- Prioritize balance – Engage in activities that provide balance and perspective. Volunteer your time to a cause you care about or rediscover hobbies you’ve neglected. Prioritize your physical and mental health. Perhaps explore gig work or part-time employment, near your target industry, if possible.
4. Self-care techniques or practices for maintaining motivation
- Take time for yourself – reward yourself for your hard work. Exercise regularly for energy, strength, and positivity.
- Develop coping strategies – Reflect on past challenges and identify what helped you cope. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques that resonate with you: meditation, reading, music, social connection, etc. Be intentional in making time for these activities.
- Reconnect with nature – Step away from screens and take walks in nature or your neighborhood.
- Combat negative talk – Acknowledge that negative thoughts are normal during a job search. Explore mindfulness and meditation resources for resilience. Practice daily journaling (20-30 minutes) to process thoughts and emotions.
Read the original article, Maintaining Motivation During a Prolonged Job Search, on the Armstrong Center for Alumni Career Services blog, which also provides links to additional resources and career coaches for Darden degree program alumni.
Looking to upskill for a new job or change careers? Connect with our Lifelong Learning directors, Allison Stratton and Lauren Shifflett to discuss your development needs and goals.
