Beyond the Finish Line: Why Job Searching is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Preparing for a Long-term Job Search: It’s a Marathon not a Sprint
With the holidays coming up and the hiring market slowing down, job seekers are losing confidence that they will secure their next career move anytime soon.
I recently sat down with a friend of mine who was not receiving responses from his many submitted applications. Even though he was considered a subject matter expert in his last position, he began to feel unmotivated as his job search wore on.
There will be moments of fatigue, doubt, and mental challenges that are experienced during the job search. Just like a marathon, a job search can be draining, especially when you're not hearing back after many applications or interviews. You may face rejection or ghosting, which can be discouraging, but persistence is key. In order to maintain a positive mindset and ensure job search success, there are steps to this job search marathon that you can take to stay focused and motivated. Any great coach will tell you to keep a positive mental attitude and push through the lows because you will reach the finish line!
Getting Started: Rethinking Your Job Search Strategy
As an expert Career Consultant at WCG, my first recommendation is to make sure you are highlighting your transferable skills appropriately and marketing your capabilities for various types of roles on your resume. Refining your application materials is the first critical step towards improving your job search process.
Beyond the tangible resume and application, consider these tactics to overcome the challenges of selling yourself and your abilities to a prospective employer…even when you’ve taken a big hit to your confidence.
Write 10 reasons why you’re successful and read them every morning. Think about why you were an integral part of your team in your last few positions. When I am in a rut professionally or personally, words of affirmation often help me increase my confidence. Write down what made you the ‘go to’ resource for colleagues. Instead of focusing on the rejection, focus on the facts and skills you possess that are right in front of you. Once you have your list, read them every morning and put them on your bathroom mirror. It’s a great way to start your day, especially while job searching
Network, Network, Network! Networking is a daunting task. However, when the traditional job search process isn’t working, networking can often bring your next opportunity. Begin by connecting with former colleagues and alumni on LinkedIn. Then branch out to in-person networking opportunities by finding a local United Way or Rotary Club chapter. Finally, start engaging with your community and roll up your sleeves to volunteer. Build and tap into your network. To expand your options, you can connect (either online or in person) with classmates or other alumni from your schools, friends, teachers, extended family, coaches, and others to let them know you are in the market for a new job.
Set Weekly or Daily Goals. When you aren’t working, you have a high-level goal of finding a new job, but as the days turn into weeks and then months, you may feel defeated because you haven’t achieved your goal. Break that larger goal down into smaller pieces. Determine the specific period of time you will spend updating your resume, practicing interviewing, researching potential opportunities, and applying to jobs. And don’t just look at your career — consider personal goals you can complete to feel accomplished. Perhaps it’s a daily step goal or a goal to complete a home project.
Find your water station. During a marathon, runners rely on water stations for hydration, rest, and recovery. In a job search, your “water stations” might be your support system—mentors, friends, family, and fellow job seekers—who provide encouragement, feedback, and guidance. Don't hesitate to reach out to these stations for a boost when you need it.
Ask for Letters of Recommendation. As you begin to network whether it be through in-person meetings or LinkedIn, reach out to alumni or former colleagues to write letters of recommendation that further emphasize your achievements and skills.
Pursue ongoing education. To continually advance your skills and remain apprised of emerging trends, it may be a good idea to consider taking additional courses or certifications that will increase your confidence and will provide you an opportunity to learn something new.
All of these tips will help you remain motivated while staying focused during your job search. The job hunt will take time to develop – be patient and celebrate each step you are taking to find the right position that fits your skill set.
Pacing Yourself: The Job Search “Long Haul”
Comparison is the #1 killer of confidence. Try not to do it. Whether it is professionally and personally, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others. We never know what’s really going on for others and we make up stories in our head that it’s somehow easier for them. Remember, though, that we don’t see all the “no”s they faced before they got to where they are now. Instead, compare yourself to how far you have come and reflect on your strengths that make you qualified for the job you want. Redefine success based on what you want now – not ten years ago and not based on your neighbor’s idea of success. Here are a few ways to maintain a balance during a long job search.While finding your next job is important, the rest of your life can continue to be exciting and fulfilling while you search. Balancing your application process with activities that help you feel happy and energized can help you maintain motivation for the job search.
It’s easy to burn out if you’re applying to everything in sight or spend too much time on each application. At the same time, being too passive can make the search drag on longer than necessary. Finding a steady, sustainable pace helps avoid burnout while keeping up momentum.
Another method to help you feel positive about your job search experience is to keep track of your accomplishments. You might keep a list of how many jobs you've applied for to remind yourself of all the work you've completed.
It's also useful to celebrate when you hear back from a company or successfully move on to the next round of the application process. Regardless of whether you receive a job offer or an interview request, celebrating these achievements can help you keep you grounded in a positive attitude.
In today’s job market, it is important to know that your next job may not be the perfect fit. Embrace flexibility: Look beyond your industry, consider smaller companies and be open-minded about job location. Whether you have tech skills, sales experience or HR expertise, skills are increasingly transferable across industries and companies. If you are in an industry where hiring is stalled, consider looking outside of that field or to smaller firms for opportunities.
Crossing the Job Search Finish Line
As you approach the finish line of a marathon, perhaps you’ve made it to the final interview, or you’re negotiating offers. This part requires focus, confidence, and resilience. In both cases, whether it be a marathon or your job search, the journey is challenging, but the satisfaction of reaching the end goal makes it all worthwhile. And just like a marathon runner must keep putting one foot in front of the other, a job seeker has to keep moving forward, knowing that persistence eventually pays off.
There are many resources available to assist you in your final leg of the race to secure a job you’ll love. Whether you are looking for your first real job, or if you are a seasoned professional looking to advance your career, The Wilbanks Consulting Group can help.
An outside perspective from a Career Coach can help you think through your tough job search and offer support on your long-term goals. We also provide an excellent sounding board as you navigate a difficult job search.
Reach out today for a free 30-minute consultation!