5 Ways to Stay Confident During a Long Job Search

The average job search can range anywhere from a few days to several months. For some, the hardest part is the waiting. If your search seems like a long journey, then don’t be dismayed. Here are 5 ways to stay confident during a long job search.

1. Ask for Direct Feedback. Be proactive in improving your resume and other supporting documents by taking the initiative to ask for feedback from recruiters when your application is rejected. Being aware of areas for improvement can help you become a stronger candidate as you continue your job search. If you’re not able to receive direct feedback from the recruiter, then it may be helpful to utilize professional resume editing services to ensure that your resume is tailored towards the positions you are applying for.

2. Utilize Networking Tools. LinkedIn is a great way to build connections and it’s also a great resource to help you find more information about companies and positions you are interested in. Don’t be afraid to reach out to current employees for advice about making your application stronger. Also consider other networking opportunities such as local events for professional development and open houses that companies may host in your area. If all else fails, it never hurts to print a hard copy of your resume and cover letter and take them around to local businesses and introduce yourself. It shows initiative and helps companies to put a face with your application so that employers will remember you for an interview. Even if you’re not able to meet the employer or hiring manager directly, you’ve already made a valuable connection by handing off your documents to someone that can connect you to the right person. Sometimes this accelerates the amount of time it takes for your application to get looked at. But most importantly, it makes you feel more confident as you wait.

3. Rehearse Positive Affirmations. It can be so easy to lose hope during a long job search, but nothing is wasted in the waiting. You have to believe that everything will work out for you in the end. Rehearsing positive affirmations is a great way to remain confident during a long job search. Affirm what you want to believe, not what you currently see. Don’t allow yourself to get lost in the cycle of negative thinking. Shut down any negative self-talk and replace every negative thought with a positive one. A great way to do this is to prime your brain with affirmations every day. If seeing is believing for you, then write your affirmations on sticky notes and place them on your mirror, around your home, and at your desk at work. If hearing is believing for you, then repeat your affirmations out loud in the mirror every morning and every night before bed.  If these don’t work, then you can try writing your affirmations in a journal everyday or listening to positive affirmations via podcasts, uplifting music, or your favorite motivational speakers. The most important thing to remember about affirmations is that repetition is key. It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief.

4. Trust Your Journey and Don’t Compare It To Anyone Else’s. Your job search is one small detail of the long complex story that is your life. Comparing your journey to others is one of the most unproductive things you can do while you wait because your path is uniquely designed to fit your personal journey. The key to remaining confident while you wait for the next opportunity to present itself is surrender. Trusting that what’s meant for you will come in due time, will help you remain at peace while you wait.

5. Never Stop Showing Up for Yourself. The most effective way to remain confident while you wait is to keep your promises to yourself. Deciding that giving up is not an option will push you to keep going even when the journey is hard and long. There is no limit to what you can do so don’t let rejection stop you. Persistence is key. Experts suggest submitting several applications each day to maximize your chances of success. The more applications you submit, the greater your chances of landing a job will be. In a sea of ‘No’s’ all it takes is one ‘Yes’ to turn the tide in your favor.

The job search can be a long and hard journey, but don’t allow the waiting to steal your confidence. Remember your end goal and don’t give up just because it’s taking longer than you expected. If you stick it out for the long haul then you will eventually see the results you want to see.