The Truth about Job Search Motivation
Want to know the truth about job search motivation?
It’s hard. Really hard. But it’s not actually about motivation. Motivation is inconsistent and not a good predictor of success.
Success in most things comes from consistency and dedication, along with flexibility and not being afraid to fail. This is also true of job searching.
A job search can feel like a black hole of effort without feedback, responses, or positive reinforcement. Most of us feed off of feedback. Like when you’re working out, if you’re not seeing results it’s easy to fall off the workout train.
But as most fitness and job search success stories go, the sweet spot happens when you push past that.
So let’s breakdown this success formula = consistency + dedication + flexibility + no fear of failure.
Consistency in job searching is a common set of activities that you do each week or each month. This can include applying to job postings, following up on previous postings, networking, and taking a break from job searching. Each of these activities when done consistently will help you land a job (yes, even taking a break, but that’s a post for another day).
Dedication is continuing to do it even when you don’t feel like it. It can help to set blocks in your calendar and to commit to sticking with the plan.
Flexibility is the acceptance that things don’t always go to plan. Life happens during a job search so some weeks will look different and that’s ok. Just get back on track when you can. This helps a lot with mindset, which is essential to maintaining your sanity during a job search.
Being unafraid of failure is knowing when it’s time to try something new. Send out a different version of your resume. Try relationship building instead of networking. Take a chance on reaching out to someone who might not respond to you (but what if they do?). Trial and error can be fun if you set aside your fear of rejection. “You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.” – Benjamin Mee, We Bought a Zoo
Coaching prompt: What can you do to be courageous in your job search this week?