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How to Stay Energized in Your Job Search

Written by: Keith Ferrazzi

Article Overview: Several people have written me recently asking the same question: How do I stay energized and keep my confidence up while I'm looking for work? I know it can be hard, but try to focus on the idea that a period out of work is an opportunity - a time to home in on what's important, both personally and in your career journey. To help you (or someone you know) with that, I've put together some relationship-centric tips to help job hunters stay proactive.

How to Stay Energized in Your Job Search

Several people have written me recently asking the same question: How do I stay energized and keep my confidence up while I'm looking for work? I know it can be hard, but try to focus on the idea that a period out of work is an opportunity - a time to home in on what's important, both personally and in your career journey. To help you (or someone you know) with that, I've put together some relationship-centric tips to help job hunters stay proactive.

1. Get help. Sit down with people you trust most to ask: What kind of job should I be looking for? What are my most marketable skills? What are my strengths and weaknesses? Who should I approach? Involving people in your process will not only strengthen those relationships and invest others in your success, it can also broaden your perspective, sometimes dramatically.

2. Stay active in your career. You may not have a paycheck, but that doesn't mean there aren't creative ways to continue your work. Volunteer your services to a nonprofit, or to a local business. Blog. Create your own business plan. Get involved in projects that could put you in front of perspective employers for reasons outside of asking for a job.

3. Stay positive. Of course, there will be times you need to share your struggles and you should. But try not to let fears overwhelm you. Fortunately, staying active (see point 2) will go a long way toward keeping you upbeat. Exercising your talents and helping others will not only keep you confident, it'll remind your friends and contacts what a smart, interesting person you are - a person who they will readily recommend for jobs and informational interviews.

4. Get a handle on your finances. Sometimes the search does take time, especially if you're looking for a great job. Come up with a survival plan. That plan might require only minor tweaks like cutting discretionary spending, or it might require major changes like taking on a roommate or selling your car. In either case, you'll be happier if you make those choices, rather than burying your head in the sand until the bill collectors yank you out. Having a financial plan will keep your stress levels under control so you can do the work that's ahead.

5. Don't neglect your health. Eat right and exercise. Working out will give you the energy you need and a big self-esteem boost. Studies have shown that exercise is a terrific antidepressant. If you like group sports, join a team. Bingo! New people, new friendships, and possibly, new avenues for your job search.

6. Keep a to-do list and daily schedule. When you're used to the office driving your life, it's easy to slip into a void where you spend lots of time getting nothing done (and probably in your bathrobe). Schedule meetings, exercise, job search activities, even grocery shopping. Keep your ship running tight.

7. Spend time with friends and family. Sometimes people feel like they need to hide under a rock because they don't have a job. Climb on out! This is the perfect time to get closer to people. Don't make every interaction about your job search, but also be ready to open up. Everyone's been there, and you'll feel much better if you let them in.

8. Pursue your passions. We all have things we'd like to be doing more of - now is your time. Don't feel guilty. Think of it as an integral part of your job search, not a distraction from it.

I'd like to hear things that have worked for you during your job searches on my blog.

Warmest,
Keith

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Article Tags: business plan, career journey, confidence, discretionary spending, fears, helping others, informational interviews, marketable skills, minor tweaks, own business, paycheck, perspective employers, proactive, relationship, relationships, roommate, selling your car, strengths and weaknesses, survival plan, talents



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