7 Ways To Stay Positive While Job Searching

It’s so easy to succumb to frustration while looking for employment. There’s always that moment of despair as the form rejections to our applications keep on pouring in when we think there’s no way we’ll ever find our dream job. But it’s always better to be proactive than to remain passive—there's no sense wallowing in doubt. When you feel the negativity start to creep in, try one of these instead.

1. Tap into your strengths

Even if you don’t feel like you have any...you do. Sit yourself down for five minutes and list 5-10 things you do really well. These can be relevant to your career or just relevant to your capacity for success. This to-do acts as a good reminder of your worth and can be repeated frequently!

2. Rest on your laurels

Same strategy. Sit down and make a list of a few major accomplishments in your life thus far—milestones you’ve achieved. Then think about whether you ever doubted your ability to make them happen. Probably, you did. This next milestone is no different.

3. Let it go

You don’t have to be religious to take a step back and gain a little perspective. Try mindfulness meditation, or just contemplate for a moment the idea that there is something bigger, much bigger, at work in the world than you and whether or not you get this job. Taking that deep breath can really reset your sense of scale.

4. Phone a friend

Rather than holing up in isolation, ask for help. Tap into your network of friends, or even colleagues, for solace. Tell them you’re feeling down about yourself and the job hunt process. Chances are, they’ll give you the pep talk you need.

5. Keep moving

Don’t just sit there staring at your empty inbox and feeling sorry for yourself. Get out of the house and do something—preferably something that isn’t all about you. Check out some local volunteering options. You’ll feel better having helped someone.

6. Exercise

It’s good for you. It will increase your quality of life, decrease your stress, and release a cascade of endorphins that can’t help but make you feel a little better.

7. Relax

Starting to feel totally overwhelmed? Make sure to check in with yourself frequently and acknowledge your fears and emotions. If it’s all getting to be a bit too much, take a break for a day—or even a couple of weeks. The recharge time won’t cost you much, and might just give you the boost you need to get back out there.