15 Tips To Help You Survive The Job Search

The job search is stressful. It can take weeks, months, or sometimes longer to find a job and become gainfully employed. There’s no doubt about it – it’s tough to be a job seeker in today’s job market. Even if things begin to feel a bit grim, there are still a few tricks that will help you survive the job search.

First things first – never give up. There are jobs out there. We know because there are thousands of job listings on the JobMonkey JobCenter right now. The key is to find the right one for you. This can take a fair bit of time, but it can be done.

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If you’re in the middle of a never-ending job search, take a deep breath. The following tips on how to survive the job search will help to point you in the right direction:

1. The Job Search Is Your Job – Treat the job search as your full time job. Dedicate your time and effort towards finding a job. Work 9 to 5 or longer everyday until your job search is over.
2. Build Your Experience – Even if you are unemployed you can still build your skill set and create a stronger resume. Learn new skills. Earn certifications. Master a foreign language. Volunteer for a non profit. Build your web presence. Do freelance work. All of these things make you a stronger job applicant.
3. Stay Positive – When the job search starts to take its toll on you, it’s easy to feel down in the dumps. Turn your frown upside down because a positive attitude can make a world of difference. It’s hard to do, but it is mandatory.
4. Rejection Isn’t Personal – Getting rejected from a job isn’t personal. There are numerous reasons why you didn’t get the job and someone else did. Try to find out why so you can make your next application stronger.
5. Set Goals – Goals give you something to work towards. Write down your weekly and long term goals. Strive to achieve these goals at all costs.
6. Establish Your References – Recruiters and hiring managers are going to want to contact your professional references. Make sure you have legitimate professional connections who are willing to vouch for you. If you don’t have them, create them so they are ready when needed. Are your job references ready?
7. Post Your Resume Online – Be proactive in your job search. Craft the perfect resume and post your resume digitally for free to different job boards. Did you know you can do this for free on the JobMonkey JobCenter’s Resume Manager?
8. Stop Waiting – The job search is not a waiting game. No one is going to come and find you on your couch and offer you a job that pays six figures. Actively apply for jobs. Follow up with employers. Take charge of your job search.
9. Try Freelancing Or Temping – One of the hardest parts of the job search is the financial aspect. Life is hard without a steady paycheck. Find freelance work, try the shared economy, or sign up with a temp agency to supplement your income and build your resume.
10. Establish A Routine – It’s too easy to get lazy when you’re unemployed. Establish a routine filled with good habits that sets you up for success.
11. Look In The Right Places – Be realistic about your job search. Focus your job hunt on job listings that you are qualified for in niches where your skills are needed.
12. Log Some Face Time – It’s going to be challenging to find a job from the comfort of your couch via the Internet. Go outside to meet and interact with real people. Networking is the best way to find a job.
13. Go Above And Beyond – Being average isn’t going to make you stand out. Go the extra mile and focus on the small details that make you more interesting. This is necessary if you want to impress hiring managers, interviewers, and recruiters.
14. Focus On The Details – Resumes, cover letters, social media, blogs, web presence, etc are all things that a hiring manager will scrutinize before they hire you. Make sure everything is perfect. It makes a difference.
15. Prepare Properly – Do your research. Practice interview questions. Brush up on your body language. These are all important things to do before an employer will hire you.

Whatever happens in your job search don’t give up. It may be a rocky road from unemployment to job search success, but you can do it. Use the tricks listed above to stay productive, motivated, and proactive.

If you need help in your job search, JobMonkey has endless amounts of free job search advice on the JobMonkey Blog. It’s all just a click away. Good luck!