Searching for a job during the pandemic? 5 ways to stay positive

Searching for a new job is no easy task, particularly in the current global climate. With the global outbreak of COVID-19, so many people all over the world have found themselves without a job. As the world slowly starts to ‘reopen for business’ if you will, there are more and more jobs available to those who are looking. Which is great news!

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We know that looking for a new job can be stressful, and it can be easy to lose faith sometimes. However, positivity is the key to making the most out of applications, interviews and new roles. We are aware that it’s a draining process, and remaining positive is not as easy as it sounds – but where there’s a will, there’s a way! 

Here are 5 great ways to stay positive while searching for a new job: 

Acknowledge your achievements 

Okay, so first things first – you are absolutely brilliant! I know how hard it is to stay positive while looking for a job, especially when you’re reading job descriptions, required skills and education etc. It’s crazy that we, as humans, instantly tend to focus on what we don’t have in terms of these requirements. Well, what about what you do have? If you start to feel a bit down while trawling through applications, make a lovely list of all your incredible achievements (no matter how big or small they may seem). Re-read these whenever possible, to remind yourself how capable and talented you are.

Routine is key 

I always say that applying for a job is like a job in itself! If you are searching for a role at the moment, be sure to layout your days with as much routine as possible. This will keep you focused, and in a great mind frame when it comes to applying. Get up early, have your breakfast and get to work. Identify the part of your day to work on researching available roles (use brilliant resources like our very own jobs board to help with this!). Then, identify a specific time to work on applications, CVs and cover letters. And be sure to include downtime! DON’T be sitting awake at 1 am applying for jobs, this is not good for your mental health, and may have a negative effect on your application. Try to down tools at 6 pm, after a solid day of work! 

Be realistic about your goals 

It can be easy to go ‘off-piste’ a little when applying for jobs – in two different directions. I have found over the years that I will one minute be applying for CEO roles and the next minute I will be applying for an entry-level position (neither being relevant to my actual experience). Talk about a confusing headspace! When you are searching for a job, be sure to manage your own expectations, and make yourself aware of your realistic goals. This could mean identifying a management level for yourself, or a salary expectation. You don’t want to set the bar too high or too low for yourself. Once you know what you realistically deserve from a job, it will make the process of looking and applying far easier. 

Practice

They say the phrase “practice makes perfect” for a reason folks! A lot of the anxiety and stress that comes with searching for a job is a lack of confidence. And that’s perfectly normal, we promise. However, the best way to increase your positivity is to boost that confidence. The best way to do that? Practice, practice, practice. If you can, practice on your cover letter and personal statement writing skills before sending off an official one. Also, if (and when) you get called for an interview, try practising with someone you know beforehand. Set it up to be as formal as possible, and get the person in your life to ask some relevant questions about the role, mimicking what the actual interview may be like. You’ll be a pro in no time, and you’ll feel way more positive! 

Take a break

This might just be the most important thing for anyone who is looking for a new job! It can be overwhelming, it is exhausting, and sometimes you probably want to take your laptop and throw it out the window. We’ve all been there. However, if you do find yourself getting stressed out, take a break, and do something that brings you joy. Go for a run, watch a movie you love, or cook your favourite meal. Anything that will bring a little bit of positive energy into your life during this time. 

Main image credits: Parilov/Shutterstock

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